The Interview

Using the CVs, the selection panel shortlist applicants to interview. 

NZCS uses panel interviews as the standard selection method.  The interviews are pre-planned and questions are based on the competencies for the job.  Unless there is specific prior agreement among the panel, the short-listing process is excluded from the final selection method.

The panel may also decide to supplement the selection process by using; Presentations (external and internal applicants), Simulation Exercises (external and internal applicants), Psychometric tests, Cognitive Tests (internal and external applicants), Personality Profiling (internal applicants for Team Leaders and other management roles, external applicants for any role), Tests of management aptitudes (external and internal applicants for Team Leader and other management positions), Assessment Centres.

If the panel chooses to use any of these methods, they will decide whether to use them with all short-listed applicants or only the preferred candidate(s) (time frames and costs will be part of this decision).  You will be advised if any of these will be used.

Remember:

• The Interview is an entirely separate process from short-listing.
  Short-listed applicants are on an ‘even playing field’ for the interview.
  Do Not assume the panel already has information from your CV or knowledge of your work experience.
  
  
• Your job is to convince the panel of how well you meet each of the competencies for the job.
  
  
• Review your CV and competency statement:
  
  • How can you expand on the examples you have included?
  • What other examples can you add? (from all sources e.g. sport, voluntary roles etc)  *SBO worksheet is a resource
    
    
• PRACTICE!
• Try out different ways of saying things.
• Be prepared to assert yourself during the interview – if the panel do not ask you about one of you strengths, make sure YOU cover it.
• Comment on all relevant aspects of your CV
• Remember the ‘even playing field’