Job application and interview process

It’s useful to know what to expect from our job application and recruitment process before you apply for a role. You can also find tips on how to give meaningful answers in your job interview.

Your job application

You can only apply for AUT roles using our online job application process. When you complete your online application you should:

• Answer all the questions – we assess these before we look at the CVs (resumés) to get an idea of each applicant’s skills
• Attach your CV electronically
• Make a note of the closing date (we usually don’t contact applicants until after this date)

After submitting your application

Once you have submitted your application we will send you a confirmation email.

The selection process: your job interview and how we shortlist

Our selection panel will shortlist applicants who best meet the selection criteria for the role.

Shortlisting

If you don’t make the shortlist we will contact you by email to let you know.

If you are shortlisted, we will contact you to arrange a face-to-face panel interview. At this point you should tell us:

• If you would like a whānau interview (to bring support people with you)
• If you have special requirements for your interview (like building access or adaptive equipment)

Your panel interview

At AUT, a panel of people will interview you. The panel is usually made up of 3 to 4 people (sometimes more depending on the role), including the manager for the role.

Your interview may take from 30 minutes to one hour. Sometimes we may include testing, presentations or assessments during your interview.

We will ask you about your skills and experience. You should give specific examples of how you behaved in certain situations. Tell us what you did – and avoid talking about ‘we’.

To help you give logical and concise answers, try the STAR method:

• Situation: Describe the situation or problem you were faced with (try to keep your examples recent).
• Task: What did you have to do?
• Action: What action did you take and why? Were there any challenges or obstacles and how did you overcome them?
• Results: Highlight the outcomes and the end result.

There will be time for you to ask any questions you have about the role and about AUT. Before you leave your interview we’ll tell you when you can expect to hear from us.

Referees

If you reach this stage in the process, you are probably one of the top candidates for the role.

We will ask your permission to contact at least two of your referees. We don’t accept written references at this stage, and your referees should include your current or previous employer (ideally your direct manager). Make sure you ask their permission for us to contact them.

Background checks

We carry out a work eligibility check for every role at AUT. If you claim to have a qualification from an education institute, we will confirm this directly with the institute.

Some roles require other pre-employment or background checks like medical, credit, Ministry of Justice and driver’s licence checks.

If the role is subject to the Vulnerable Children Act 2014 it will require extra vetting.

Vulnerable Children Act 2014 (Legislation New Zealand website)

Equal opportunity employer

AUT is an Equal Employment Opportunities employer. We are committed to the Treaty of Waitangi and to equity.

AUT aspires to be the university of choice for Māori and Pacific communities.