Professional staff applicants

What happens after you apply, how long the process takes and interview preparation tips.

After you apply

Shortlisting

The hiring manager and interview panel will shortlist applicants who best meet the education, experience and knowledge criteria listed in the role description.

If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted to arrange an interview. In some cases, other kinds of assessments may be used. If you are not based in Wellington, the interview may be conducted by phone or video conference.

Applicants who are not shortlisted for an interview will be notified by email.

Travel and accommodation costs

If you live outside of the Wellington region and are requested to attend a personal interview, at its discretion the University may reimburse you for reasonable costs of travel to and from Wellington. Any reimbursement must be confirmed with the hiring manager prior to booking any travel.

Normally interviews will be arranged so that you are able to travel to and from Wellington in one day. If this is not possible, reimbursement of accommodation costs may also be considered.

If confirmed, the University will only cover reasonable costs if arrangements are approved prior to you travelling to Wellington for the interview.

Approved reimbursements will only be paid on the production of original receipts.

Interviews

The panel

The University’s interviews are conducted by an interview panel. The panel typically includes the manager and two or more people with knowledge about the skills required for the position.

The University’s interviewing style

The University’s style of interviewing is interactive and behaviourally based. Each panel member normally has a question or set of questions. Questions are based on the key competencies in the role description.

Behavioural interviewing focuses on your past behaviour in actual work or other relevant situations. Your pre-interview preparation should include examples of these situations.

The interview will normally take up to an hour, but may be longer. There will be time for you to ask questions, and for the panel to talk to you about the University as a working environment.

Interview tips

During the interview:

  • discuss how your skills, experience and qualifications match those required for the position
  • talk about the strengths you would bring to the position and to the University
  • find out about the day-to-day aspects of the position.

Referees

You may be asked to confirm the names and contact details of at least two referees whom the hiring manager can contact to verify information you have supplied.

Whānau support

If your interview is in person, you can bring along whānau (family) or other support people. Advise the hiring manager if you intend to do this.

Any expenses involved in bringing support persons to an interview are your responsibility.

Further information on the conduct of a whānau support interview should be discussed with the hiring manager.

Follow up interviews

Secondary or follow up interview(s) may also be conducted to further explore information gained during the interview, assessment and reference-checking processes.

The selection decision

If you are the successful candidate you will be contacted by phone. From there we will go through a pre-employment verification process before you are sent a formal written offer of employment.

Unsuccessful interviewed candidates will be contacted by phone and by email.

How long it takes

The entire process may take several weeks from the vacancy closing date. If you have any queries about the outcome of your application, contact the hiring manager listed on the vacancy advertisement or email erecruit@vuw.ac.nz.