The Apprentice Dos and Donts

The Apprentice Dos and Donts by Michael Cheary A new apprenticeship. Exciting, rewarding and sought-after. And, for many, the first real taste of pressure at work.But what if that pressure was coming direct from the boss himself? What if the boss was none other than Sir Alan Sugar?As this years hopefuls strut their way towards the boardroom, we thought wed pool our knowledge of the selection process and offer our tips for evading the F-word and excelling in the boardroom. Its our apprentice dos and donts:EffortDO Go the extra mileDemonstrating your dedication and desire to impress is essential if youre to stand any chance of success. With 15 other assertive entrepreneurs battling it out to get their voices heard, this is no mean feat. Showing that youre willing to go above and beyond the call of duty, and put the hours in where it counts, can really make the difference. Remember: the best apprentices arent necessarily the loudest.DONT Take it too farStanding out from the crowd is good. Being shunned by the crowd is not. Putting yourself on the periphery by trying too hard to steal the limelight will only make you look desperate and delusional (two qualities not usually highlighted in a job description). Self-appointed nicknames definitely fall into this category (see: Baggs the brand), as do made-up words (Melissa from Series 6 was a particular fan: professionality anyone?).And the less said about Pantsman the better. N.B. Underwear does not sell cornflakes (no matter how hard you try).TeamworkDO Be a team playerApprenticeships are not all about individuality. You will have to work as part of a team, and learning how to work together for the good of the project and finding your collective voice is just as important as finding your own.DONT Mix business with pleasureStaying away from your friends and family can be tough. But throw in a luxury penthouse, and a few flutes of the finest French fizz (sorry, English sparkling wine), and things can start to get a little too friendly. Kate and Phil, Katie and Paul, Stuart and himself. Office romance never really works out well for those involved, so try and keep relationships strictly professional. Well, at least while the cameras are rolling.CriticismDO Keep your enemies closeWorking within a team isnt always a simple task, especially if its someone elses turn to take the lead (take note Tre from Series 3 Youre not my boss. Youre nothing to me). However, its important that as much as possible, you try and put your differences aside for the greater cause.DONT Give out what youre not prepared to receiveWhen tasks go wrong, it can be tempting to start pointing the finger at other people. However, if youre unwilling to be held accountable for your own actions, be prepared for the mudslinging to come your way. Trying to point out other peoples mistakes may only serve to highlight your own, and boardroom bullying isnt well received.ExpertiseDO Know what youre talking aboutIf youre attempting to pitch the perfect pr oduct, make sure you can back up what youre saying with something other than your own bravado. You will be rigorously questioned, both during the pitch process and afterwards, so make sure you know your numbers. If all else fails, remember three simple letters: VAT.DONT Make it upWhether its lying about your education (Lee McQueen), or advertising yourself as a good Jewish boy whilst failing to grasp the concept of Kosher meat (Michael Sophocles), history speaks for itself in this department. Its not big and its not clever. Unless you get away with it. Obviously.StereotypesDO Avoid clichsOK, Sir Alan probably expects a certain number of bloated business buzzwords to be banded about in the boardroom. And, by keeping them to a minimum, you might just get away with it. But trying too hard to pander to the board (Im an East-end boy, Sir Alan. I know what youve been through), or transforming your entire personality into an extended clich is definitely not becoming. Particular highlight s include, but are not limited to:I could sell Ice to Eskimos (Melissa Cohen)My first word wasnt mummy. It was money (Shibby Robati)Dont tell me the skys the limit when there are footprints on the moon (Melody Houssaini)DONT Do the reverse pterodactylEver.Final thoughtsSo, to the 16 lucky contestants going in front of Sir Alan, Karen and Nick, and to anyone else starting an apprenticeship in the coming week, we wish you all the best. If all else fails, just smile, relax and avoid everything you see in the video belowHonourable mentions: Do pay attention to the details, Dont overestimate (see: 100 chickens, 100 pizzas), Do keep it formal, Dont cry.Image CreditsThe Apprentice: The Board http://www.flickr.com/photos/taylorherringpr/8717311012/Got any tips for the latest recruits? Share them with us below, or tell us on twitter @reedcouk