The Apprentice

THE GIST Eighteen candidates try to convince Donald Trump (pictured, with last season's winner, Bill Rancic) that they deserve a job by completing tests of their business skills.

WHO SHOULD APPLY Bright-eyed businesspeople with an entrepreneurial spirit.

DO Be aggressive in selling yourself. At ''Apprentice'' casting calls, you'll be asked to do a group interview so that casting directors can see if you stand out. Other than that, you're on your own. ''I can't even explain what makes me choose a contestant,'' sighs executive producer Mark Burnett (who also brought us ''Survivor''). ''Some people you can just tell are good.''

DON'T Try to copy former contestants. ''I never want to cast this show to refill old people's roles,'' says casting producer Rob LaPlante. ''I don't want to go in there and try to find the new Omarosa or the new Sam or the new Troy.''

HOW TO APPLY While the deadline for mail-in applications has passed, those willing to line up at casting calls in major cities (see the complete list) can wow producers face to face until August.

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