Is Customs for me?

The following checklist is designed to help you work out the answer to this question for yourself!

These questions are for self-assessment only, except for those marked with an asterix *, and are not part of the formal assessment process but they will help you make up your mind about joining Customs.  They will also provide you with a realistic preview of the role.

 

Self-Assessment Checklist

(* = Mandatory minimum selection requirements)

Part 1 – Do I meet the minimum selection requirements? Answer YES or NO to the following questions.

1. *I am a New Zealand citizen or have the permanent right to work in NZ.
2. *I feel confident that I would pass comprehensive security and background checking. The highest levels of integrity, honesty, trust and discretion are a must in the role.
3. *A minimum pass in NCEA Level 2 English and Maths of "Achieved" or equivalent. Some exemptions may be considered (e.g. relevant experience).
4. I have a level of fitness that allows me to (for example) lift heavy and awkward baggage, pack and unpack cargo, climb ship ladders and search confined spaces (in accord with occupational health and safety guidelines).
5. *I have a full current New Zealand driver’s licence.
6. I have a real commitment to keeping the New Zealand border safe and secure.

This part of the self-assessment involves a series of questions that you should ask yourself and answer honestly. Write your answer on a piece of scrap paper alongside the question number.

 

Part 2 – Am I committed to the comprehensive learning and development that is required?

I will be able to:

1. *Attend an initial five weeks residential induction training programme.
2. *Commit to an additional 18 week period of intensive learning requiring out of hours study,on-the-job training and assessment.
   To provide you with the best learning opportunities, if you live in a region other than Auckland, relocation to another centre within New Zealand may be required for all or part of that period.
3. Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development.

 

Part 3 – Is the type of work for me? Answer YES or NO to the following questions.

I will be able to:

1. Work across different service areas, spanning a wide range of activities.
2. Work directly with the public on occasion.
3. Work with a wide range of people and cultures.
4. *Work shifts, on the weekends and on-call if required.  This includes adjusting to the extra demands shift work places on my health, home life and lifestyle.
5. * Relocate to another centre within New Zealand if required to ensure my career needs are met and to contribute to the resourcing requirements and broader goals of Customs. People’s circumstances will be taken into account.
6. Read and understand a wealth of legislation, policies and guidelines and to apply these in everything I do.
7. Work with computers and technology on a daily basis.
8. Record information accurately and write clear and concise reports when required.
9. Wear a uniform and comply with dress standards.
10. Concentrate for sustained periods of time, attending to detail, asking and answering questions, and continually considering possibilities and implications.
11. Deal with people who may be upset, abusive, and personally challenge my authority.
12. Ask difficult questions that may be personal and probing.
13. Work in sometimes unpleasant working environments (e.g. inside hot, dirty and cramped containers) in the process of getting the job done.
14. Keep my energy levels up through both busy times and quieter times.

 

Part 4 – Do I have the personal qualities required? Answer TRUE or FALSE to the following questions.

1. I would say I am curious, like finding connections and enjoy getting to the bottom of things.
2. People say I have a mature approach to situations.
3. I do not shy away from conflict, or avoid crises or difficult situations.
4. I am able to keep my cool and stay in control even when people around me are upset.
5. I get a lot of satisfaction from helping and supporting the team members.
6. I am a good listener and communicator.
7. I am able to look at situations and problems objectively, rather than letting my own emotions and biases get the better of me.
8. I am comfortable having a role of authority and a lot of responsibility.
9. I see myself as emotionally strong.
10. I am more likely to take the initiative, ask questions and do research than wait to be told.
11. I can persevere and see things through even when I'm tired.
12. When things don't work out as I expect, I try to learn from my mistakes rather than blaming others.
13. I am open to new ideas, technologies and ways of working better.
14. I always give everything 100%.
15. I have confidence in my ability to achieve results within expected timeframes.
16. I am clear in my mind as to why Customs would be a preferred employer for me and how I would be of benefit to Customs.

END OF CHECKLIST

 

• If you answered Yes or True to all questions
  
  It is likely that you might have the attitudes and experience that match the role requirements of being a Customs Officer.

• If you answered No or False to any question
  
  There may well be aspects of the job that will cause you stress, your own skills might not be well aligned with this type of work, or it might simply be outside your interests or abilities at this time.

 

Reread the materials, do some more research and give this serious consideration. To talk through any aspect of your fit with this checklist, you are welcome to contact our Recruitment Centre, on 04-462 0244 or email recruitment@customs.govt.nz - this is the time to decide.

 

Back to 'A Career with Customs'