YOU ARE IN:Graduate How to Apply

How do I apply? 

Eligibility
Application process
Selection criteria

Applications for the finance graduate programme for 2010 opened 27 April 09 and close 7 June 09.

Recruitment for the planning and engineering graduate programmes is currently on hold. If you are interested in either of these programmes, please register your details on our website, indicate areas of interest, and register for job alerts. Should we commence external recruitment for these positions, the system will notify you vie e-mail encouraging you to visit the website and apply.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the programme you must:

• Be a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident
  

• Finance graduate programme

  Have completed or are about to complete this year, a degree in finance or accounting (or related degree)

• Planning graduate programme

  Have completed or are about to complete this year, a bachelors degree in planning

• Engineering graduate programme

  Have completed or are about to complete this year, a bachelors degree in civil engineering (or related degree)

Application process

Graduates will be required to complete an online application and when appropriate, psychometric screening and selection assessments to assist in the recruitment process. Short-listed candidates will attend a comprehensive competency-based interview, which may be followed by a second interview as required.
 
You will be advised if you are successful in moving to the next stage of the application process. If the next stage involves psychometric assessments (Stage 2 and Stage 3) then you will be contacted and advised on how to complete the relevant assessment.

What do I include in my application?

Academic Transcript

Cover Letter

• Outline why you are applying for the graduate programme
• Include an overview of the skills and experience you have which specifically meets the requirements of the position
• Write a maximum of one page.

Curriculum Vitae/Resume

     Your CV should include:

• Personal information
• A personal statement and career objectives
• A list of your personal attributes
• An outline of specific skills, key competencies and strengths relevant to the position
• Your work history
• A section on your education, qualifications and training
• Two referees
• An outline of your interests or any other information you wish to include.  

Recruitment and Selection Process

Online screening assessment

Psychometric assessment will be used as part of the screening and selection process and provides us with information on a person's potential, behavioural style and potential fit for the position. Assessments usually include aptitude and ability tests and personality profiles. Assessments measure your behavioural style and work preferences and are mapped to Auckland City Council’s behavioural competency framework.

Online selection assessment

This assessment builds on the initial screening assessment and provides greater insight into behavioural styles and work preferences. It is also linked to Auckland City Council's behavioural competency framework.

Competency based interview

This is a structured interview based on specific competencies in order to determine a candidate's suitability for a position in the graduate programme against previously defined criteria. The interview focuses on eliciting specific examples of past performance and will determine your suitability for the position against defined criteria. To prepare for the interview, review the position description and identify the essential competencies and skills that are required.  Prepare specific examples based on real experiences and situations you have had that you will refer to in the interview to demonstrate your competencies and abilities. These examples should be relevant and detailed to show you understand what is required, that you possess the core competency and can use it effectively.

Auckland City Council interview process

• The interview will be held by a panel of two or three people
• There may be a second interview if required
• If you cannot make your appointment or will be late, please contact Auckland City Careers on 09 354 8700 or the customer centre on 09 379 2020 and leave a message
• Bring any required documents to the interview
• At the interview you will have the opportunity to tell the panel how your skills, experiences and qualifications make you suitable for this position
• Following the interview, we will advise all candidates of the outcome of their application
• All information obtained during the interview process will be treated as confidential by Auckland City Council - this includes your CV, interview transcripts and reference checks. If a candidate is unsuccessful in their application, these documents will be securely destroyed
• If any special requirements are needed to enable you to attend the interview, please ensure you inform us prior to the interview
• If you wish to bring Whanau to your interview, please advise the recruitment adviser or interviewer two days prior to the interview. 

Whanau interview

We are proud of our cultural diversity and EEO policies and we have a formal process for the whanau interviews to ensure you have a rewarding interview experience. If you wish to bring whanau to the interview, please advise your recruitment adviser or interviewer at least two days prior to the interview so an appropriate sized room can be arranged. Applicants are invited to bring up to three family members or friends to the interview. Auckland City Council is not able to meet whanau travel costs.

The interview structure for the whanau interview is:

• Greeting, mihi or prayer
• The panel will interview the applicant
• Whanau members will be invited to speak about the applicant, outlining the person's qualities and suitability for the position
• The chairperson will indicate when the interview is complete
• Mihi or prayer to close.

Reference checks

• Reference checks are performed after the interview and only for short-listed candidates
• Reference checks are used to obtain additional information and to verify your skills and competencies against the selection criteria
• You will need to provide two referees. Please check with your referees that it is OK for us to contact them.

Pre-employment checks

• All applicants for roles in Auckland City Council are required to agree in writing to undergo criminal history and/or police vetting checks as part of the recruitment process
• Criminal history and/or police vetting checks will only be completed on preferred candidates
• As a general rule, Auckland City Council will not employ applicants with any previous criminal convictions
• Offers of employment will be made only on the condition that any criminal convictions are declared in advance
• The welcome pack with the letter of offer includes a police check form for you to complete and send to the Ministry of Justice. You will also need a copy of a photo ID (driver’s licence or passport).

Offer of employment

On completion of the recruitment and selection process, the interviewer will make a verbal offer of employment to the successful candidate. Following discussion, the successful candidate will receive a formal offer of employment in writing. The offer is subject to the right to work and live in NZ and to appropriate pre-employment checks. We encourage candidates to seek independent advice prior to accepting the offer.

Selection Criteria

The basis of selection will take into account the following factors when considering your application:

• Academic merit in degree course or (honours) degree course
• Technical ability
• Learning agility
• Individual approach, qualities and skills
• Leadership potential
• Future career development and study
• Competencies contained within Auckland City Council behavioural competency framework
• Contribution to university or community activities
• Potential to contribute to your chosen profession
• Referees' comments.

Auckland City Council behavioural competency framework