This page provides information about the Ministry's selection process, including information for overseas applicants and advice on what your CV should contain.
Your CV
Focus on providing a summary of the skills, experience and qualifications you have that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. Carefully review the key selection criteria in the position description and ensure your CV shows how you meet these criteria.
For each position you've held, include a summary of your responsibilities. Include major results and achievements for recent positions. Your work history may include both paid and unpaid work.
Careers NZ
The Careers NZ website has useful tips and tools to help you with:
The selection process
What you can expect from us
We'll email you to let you know we’ve received your application. We try to move through the selection process as quickly as possible. If there is likely to be a delay we will let you know, as we realise that your future plans may be affected.
Short-listing
After the closing date, the selection panel will review all applications against the position requirements and make a short-list. If you’re short-listed, you’ll be invited to an interview with the selection panel.
Interview
The interview gives you the opportunity to tell us how your experience and achievements fit with the required competencies. We'll evaluate you against each key competency, based on the experience and achievements you outline.
The information will then be used to determine overall suitability and fit for the role. The interview also provides opportunity for you to find out more about the role and the Ministry so we welcome any questions you may have for the panel.
Psychometric testing
Depending on the type of role advertised, psychometric testing may be used as part of the selection process. We’ll discuss this with you before asking you to complete a test.
- Aptitude and ability tests are designed to assess abilities relevant to the role.
- Personality-based tests are used to predict how someone might behave and perform in the role applied for.
You can receive feedback on the results of any tests you complete, if you wish.
Work sampling
Depending on the role, we might ask you to do a work sample exercise during the interview. This would involve you performing some type of work task that relates to an aspect of the role – like a word processing practical exercise, role play or presentation.
Referee checks
If you are the preferred candidate, we’ll contact your nominated referees and ask for their thoughts on your performance, work habits and suitability for the role applied for.
Overseas applicants
We welcome overseas interest in any of our career opportunities. However, to work in New Zealand you must:
- be a New Zealand citizen or hold a New Zealand residence class visa, or
- be an Australian citizen or an Australian resident, or
- hold a current and valid work visa.
You can find out how to get a work visa at the Immigration New Zealand website.
The only way to live and work in New Zealand permanently is if you are a New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder. If you only have a work visa we can offer you fixed-term employment, but not a permanent position.
Equal Employment Opportunities
Our commitment
All Ministry staff are treated fairly and equitably, regardless of individual differences such as disability, race, ethnic origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, ethical or religious beliefs, or family responsibilities.
The Ministry recognises that equality and diversity is important for organisational success.
The differences that all staff bring to the workplace have benefits to the Ministry that need to be understood, appreciated and realised.
What this means in practice
We use selection and appointment processes that have been designed to ensure the person who can best demonstrate competence for the job is the person appointed.
If you come to work at the Ministry, you will be provided with equitable terms of employment, opportunities for development, training and promotion, and reasonable accommodation of your disability including flexible working hours where appropriate.
The Ministry does not tolerate harassment of any type in our workplace, either by a Ministry staff member or any other person associated with the Ministry.
Criminal conviction checking process
It is the Ministry’s policy to check a person’s criminal record (through the Ministry of Justice) before any appointment is confirmed.
- You are required to declare any criminal convictions on the application form.
- Any offer of employment is made subject to the criminal clearance check being satisfactory.
A criminal conviction doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be offered employment. It will depend on the nature of the position you’re applying for and the nature of the offences that resulted in the conviction.