Get recruitment ready

Career Development and Employability Services (CDES)The University of Auckland

Welcome to our guide to the recruitment process. Get ready and get that job!

10 steps to help you get a job

From knowing yourself to success - check out how to get there.

Career Development and Employability Services (CDES)The University of Auckland

Click on the icons to find out more about each step.

Know yourselfDid you know that higher performing employees tend to be more self-aware?Knowing yourself and what makes you tick is the first important step in planning your career. This will help you identify and pursue a fulfilling career that aligns with your values and interests.

4 tips for knowing yourself1. It's time for some self-assessment! Ask yourself what your values are.

What do you want from your life and work?

2. Think about what your interests are and what motivates you. Would yoube happy working in an office all day, or are you more interested inworking outdoors? Are you an entrepreneur who wants to start your ownbusiness, or would you prefer working in the public sector?

3. Make a list of what you’re good at and what you enjoy. What are your capabilities – for example, are you a people person with great communication skills, do you have specialist knowledge, or are you a really creative thinker? Think about what you can offer an employer – this is your ‘value proposition’.

4. Remember, understanding yourself is an ongoing process. Your valuesand priorities may change as you grow and have more experiences.Regularly take stock of your capabilities, interests and motivations.

Take actionAttend a ‘Finding your career direction’ workshop. This two-part workshop series can help you learn about yourself and open up possibilities you may not have considered before.

Further resources• Careers New Zealand – where to start• Your career and you: self-assessment for students and graduates (and all

lifelong career planners)

Career Development and Employability Services (CDES)The University of Auckland

Feedback "The workshop was very helpful in setting out a holistic process around career direction, which I enjoyed thinking through. This rigorous approach to assessing career direction largely confirmed my initial instincts, but also helped bring home to me what my core values and main skills were."

Exploring possibilitiesNow that you know more about yourself and what you want, you can start to search for the relevant opportunities.

Did you know that around 75% of hiring managers and recruiters will check your social media profiles?

6 tops tips for exploring what's out there1. Get some work experience while you’re still a student. Whether it’s a

part-time job, internship or volunteering, it will help you grow yournetworks and learn more about what you like.

2. Make a plan! List companies you’re interested in, research recruitmentcompanies and set some goals.

3. Browse the CDES Job Board and other job sites.

4. Look on the 'careers' or 'jobs' section on the websites of companiesyou're interested in to check for the latest vacanies and learn abouttheir recruitment processes.

Take actionCheck out our ‘how to find internships, part-time jobs or graduate positions’ workshop for more hot tips and come to some of our employer events.

Further resources• Careers New Zealand – finding work• Job websites

Career Development and Employability Services (CDES)The University of Auckland

5. Optimise your LinkedIn profile to make connections and search foropportunities. Make sure all your other social media platforms areappropriate and set them to private.

6. Network, network, network! Go to career expos, career and recruitmentevents and put yourself out there.

Feedback "I really enjoyed the networking events and seeing what kind of jobs there are available for me after I graduate."

Completing the online application

Almost every company will require an online job application and you’ll need a CV and cover letter. Here’s how to get these key documents right.

Did you know that these days many companies use automated CV screening software? This software scans CVs and applications for keywords before any human gets a look in!

5 handy hints for your CVs, cover letters and applications

1. First things first, you need to tailor your CV to each specific job youapply for. It's obvious to employers when you haven't done this!

2. Make sure you clearly display your capabilities and support them withevidence and results using relevant keywords.

3. Ensure your CV is no longer than 2-3 pages and has a tidy and clearlayout. Use the spelling and grammar check!

Take actionCDES can also help you optimise your CVs and cover letters. We recommend you log into MyCDES and check out our "*CDES: How to create a CV" online module under the resources section. Once you've mastered the basics, come and attend our Writing Customised CVs, Cover Letters and Applications workshop. We also have daily CV drop-ins where you can get a quick check-over.

Further resources• Careers New Zealand – CV and cover letter examples• MyCDES CV and cover letter examples

Career Development and Employability Services (CDES)The University of Auckland

4. Cover letters also need to be carefully tailored to each position youapply for. Make sure you address the job advertisement’s descriptionand requirements.

5. Look at some online templates to make sure you’re on the right track.

Psychometric testingIt might sound a bit intimidating, but it’s a common part of the job application process. Luckily, it’s something you can practice and prepare for!

Did you know the USA used psychometric testing during the world wars to determine which conscripts were battle-ready?

5 things you should know about psychometric testing

1. There are different types of psychometric tests. Some might focus onnumerical and verbal reasoning, while others might analyse yourpersonality type. In numerical and verbal reasoning tests, there’s oneclear right and wrong answer. In personality questionnaires, there’sno ‘right’ or ‘wrong’.

2. These tests are designed to test your natural abilities in specific areasas well as evaluate how you might problem solve, behave and relateto other people.

Take actionCheck to see if we have any psychometric testing workshops on, or take a look at some online resources.

Further resources• Careers New Zealand – tests and interviews• Practice aptitude testing

Career Development and Employability Services (CDES)The University of Auckland

3. Psychometric tests are usually sat under exam conditions with a timelimit.

4. Answer honestly in personality questionnaires - don’t just try and pickwhat you think sounds good. The tests are usually designed to catchthis out.

5. Give yourself the best chance of success by asking a prospectiveemployer what kind of tests you’ll be required to undertake. Then youcan mentally prepare and do some practice questionnaires online.

• Psychometric success

Video interviewsYou may need to take part in a video or Skype interview if your employer requests it, or if you’re currently living in a different region.

Did you know that first impressions really do stick? That means you need to put your best foot forward right away, whether by video, phone or in person.

4 hot tips for video interviews

1. Treat it like any other normal job interview. Just because you’re notseeing your prospective employer in-person just yet doesn’t meanyou shouldn’t look professional. Ensure you’re dressed appropriatelyand look tidy.

2. The same goes for your surroundings! Make sure you’re in a quiet,private area with no mess in the background.

Take actionLearn interview skills to help impress employers at our 'answering interview questions made easy', 'interview practice' and 'personal branding' workshops. You can also do practice interviews online using Interview Stream.

Further resources• Interview Stream• Careers New Zealand - Interviews

Career Development and Employability Services (CDES)The University of Auckland

3. Give your technology a test-run. Make sure your Skype or other videocalling software is working correctly and that your internet connectionis up to scratch.

4. Have a back-up plan, such as the employer’s phone number which youcan call if the worst happens and your technology fails.

• Sample behavioural interview questions

Telephone interviewsTelephone interviews are another common part of the job application process. You might have a telephone interview as a pre-screening before you’re asked back for an in-person interview.

Did you know that many people get nervous about talking on the phone? The good news is it gets easier with preparation and practice.

7 ways to ace your phone interview

1. Always answer your phone in a professional matter – you never knowwhen a potential employer will call. Don’t ignore unknown numbers as itcould be an employer, and they'll only chase you for so long!

2. Do you have your voice mail set up? Is the message professional andcourteous

ensuring a good first impression? Make sure you check this –it’s easy to go years without recording a new one, and you don’t wantan employer to hear your old teenage joke message!

Take actionLearn interview skills to help impress employers at our 'answering interview questions made easy', 'interview practice' and 'personal branding' workshops. You can also practice interviews online using Interview Stream.

Further resources• Interview Stream• Careers New Zealand - Interviews

Career Development and Employability Services (CDES)The University of Auckland

3. If possible, organise a specific time for the phone interview with theemployer so you aren’t caught unawares.

4. Prepare beforehand just as you would for an in-person interview bypractising questions and researching the company.

• Sample behavioural interview questions

5. Sit somewhere quiet where you won’t be disturbed for the duration of the phone interview and try to make sure your reception and phone line are reliable.

6. Have your CV on hand to help prompt you.

7. Speak clearly, confidently and professionally. Have a glass of water ready in case you need it.

InterviewsCongratulations, you’ve made it through to the physical interview stage!

Did you know that 55% of messages processed by your brain about a person are based on their body language?

5 ways to put your best foot forward in an interview

1. Research the company you’re interviewing with thoroughly. Employerswill commonly ask ‘what do you know about us?’ and ‘why do you wantto work here?’

2. Practice interview questions. Learn about the ‘STAR’ interviewtechnique, which helps you answer questions effectively by detailing asituation, task, action and result.

Take actionLearn interview skills to help impress employers at our 'answering interview questions made easy', 'interview practice' and 'personal branding' workshops. You can also practice interviews online using Interview Stream.

Further resources• Interview Stream• Careers New Zealand - Interviews

Career Development and Employability Services (CDES)The University of Auckland

3. Dress professionally for the interview and ensure you arrive to theinterview location in plenty of time.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask your own questions. You might want to ask aboutwhat kind of career progression is available or what the culture of theorganisation is like.

• Sample behavioural interview questions

5. After the interview, you can follow up with an email thanking theemployer for their time and reiterating your enthusiasm for the role.

Assessment centresAssessment centres can happen before or after a one-on-one interview. They involve you undertaking exercises and tests that will assess your interpersonal skills, problem-solving ability and performance under pressure.

Did you know there are many different styles of leadership and you don’t have to be the loudest to stand out?

4 facts about assessment centres1. Assessment centres can vary in length from a couple of hours to

multiple days. You will be placed in a group with other applicants and assigned various tasks, and may have to present your results and findings back to the group.

2. While you won’t know exactly what activities you’ll be doing beforehand, you can still prepare. Read up on the company again, as well as the position’s job description and requirements. Learn about what goes on in the industry your company is a part of. You can also try online case questions, aptitude tests and puzzles.

Take actionWe have a number of workshops that will help you perform strongly in assessment centres. Try our personal branding, interview practice and answering interview questions made easy workshops.

Further resources• Assessment centres• Assessment centres tips and advice

Career Development and Employability Services (CDES)The University of Auckland

3.

On the day, don’t be afraid to be yourself – you don’t have to be theloudest person to make a strong impression. Present the best versionof you and your personal strengths.

4. Listen carefully to all instructions but don’t be afraid to ask questionsand show interest and enthusiasm.

• Case interview secrets

Pre-employment checksYou've made it this far - so keep up the good work by acing your checks and references.

Did you know nearly 70% of recruiters reference check each

candidate? They also ask a range of questions.

What you need to know about pre-employment

checks

1. Some jobs will require pre-employment checks before an offer isconfirmed.

2. Most commonly, an employer will check your references. You getto choose who your

references are – make sure you selectsomebody you have worked closely with,

preferably your manageror somebody in a more senior role than you. Be sure to ask

them ifthey will act as your reference before giving an employer theirdetails.

Further resources• Employment New Zealand - Tests and checks• Job reference tips

Career Development and Employability Services (CDES)The University of Auckland

3. If you have no previous work experience, you can still find areference. Try your sports coach, mentor or professor.

4. Depending on the industry and the job, types of pre-employmentscreenings can also include: criminal record and police checks,medical checks, drug testing, credit checks, driver licence checks,immigration checks and/or proof of identity checks.

So, you've been offered the job...what next?

Did you know – almost one in ten New Zealanders are working without a written employment contract, a legal requirement under NZ employment law?

What to do once you've been offered a job

1. You don’t need to accept a job offer on the spot. Take some time toreceive a written offer and contract, read through it and consider ifit’s really what you want. Make sure you have all the details,including the salary.

2. Remember, you can always get a lawyer, trusted family member or friend to look over your written offer or contract before you accept.

Further resources• Careers New Zealand - dealing with job offers• Citizens Advice Bureau - Employment agreements

Career Development and Employability Services (CDES)The University of Auckland

3. Raise any concerns or ask any remaining questions you have beforeformally accepting the offer.

4. Even if you’re a freelance or contract worker, always make sure youhave a written contract!

• Employment New Zealand - Employment agreements

Congratulations, you have an offer!

• Seek - Salary negotiation• Employer/employee rights and responsbilities

"My job search was a tough personal journey. I had self-doubts, I had anxiety.

At first, I didn't think I would be successful. After graduation, I would try to apply for jobs, then put it off for days at a time when I got negative responses, fearing more rejection.

I attended CDES workshops, spoke to members of the CDES team and found everyone very friendly and encouraging. I think that was an important first step for me, to be comfortable in seeking help and advice, and having someone to talk to about my situation.

You helped me understand that employers are equally interested in looking for candidates, and there is nothing wrong with trying for a job you are interested in.

I focused on my experience, skills and what I can offer. You helped me improve the look of my CV which made such a difference in responses from employers and recruiters."

Feedback

REFLECT Do you have any questions, notes, or ideas after reading through our tips? Jot

them down there so you remember to follow them up.

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

Career Development and Employability Services (CDES)The University of Auckland

Career Development and Employability Services (CDES)

Career Development and Employability Services (CDES)The University of Auckland

2018www.cdes.auckland.ac.nz