Application Process & Interviews at NZ Transport Agency - Waka Kotahi

Thorough and structured.

The hiring process consisted of some online assessments followed by a pre-recorded interview and an opportunity to record a presentation on a topic I was interested in. The final step was a Teams (online) interview.

There is the initial application, one way interview, psychometric testing then an interview with potential host managers.

A mixture of virtual interviews and psychometric assessments.

There were quite a lot of steps that I had to take and it was a little overwhelming, but for me the process felt quite swift.

It was relatively as expected for a graduate programme, however giving extra work having to create and deliver a one-way presentation.

After submitting my CV and Cover Letter, I went through many different assessments, such as a psychometric test, a one-way interview where you record and submit answers and an interview conducted online.

After sending in a CV and optional cover letter, we had a one-way video interview where we had to film ourselves giving answer. After that, we were asked to give a 5 minute video presentation about a transport-related issue that we chose from a list. Following the presentation, we did game-based psychometric testing before a Teams interview with a couple of managers

Gamified assessment, video interview, panel interview

This happened in 2020 during COVID so the process is different. 1. Personality Test 2. One-way recorded Interview with set questions 3. Second interview with two technical leaders 4. Reference Check, Criminal Check 5. Offer

3 way interview with the direct manager of the team and another senior procurement manager. The interviewers provided a relaxed environment that made it a lot easier to answer their questions.

Pretty lengthy but good

Job-specific questions weren't targeted I thought as they don't expect us to have a wealth of experience given most of us have just left university.

Sorry I can't remember a lot of them.

Cannot remember

The psychometric test was a gamified way to understand your behaviours and attributes. The interview was fairly standard but included many questions about your ambitions and Waka Kotahi.

I was asked about how I had solved a complex issue at work, times where I have used my communications skills successfully. I was also asked what I would contribute to the programme.

Can't remember but all behavioural based questions.

how would I work as a team, what my strengths and weakness were, what type of work was I involved in within the Emerging professionals programme, how would I promote change etc.

Can't remember - There was a game quiz thing

Be genuine and make sure the company values align with how you feel.

We work in a wide range of areas so interview questions are not specific to a subject area. It is more about your ability to work with others and be an effective team member.

Think of examples in your life/work where you have had to problem solve. Look at the Waka Kotahi values and think how you apply them in your life/work.

be confident and be happy and you'll ace it. Know a little about the company and what they do

Be yourself!

I would say look up some of the campaigns that are running, make sure to ask questions and be yourself. That sounds a little strange, but you want to feel comfortable and safe, you can't really do that while pretending to be what you think that they want. I'm not saying to show up in sweats and a hoodie, but make sure that your personality shines through

To be familiar with the company and their core values.

Do your research on Waka Kotahi and make sure our values align with your values. Be formal but also show some of your personality to stand out from other candidates. Set goals and make plans for what you want to get out of the programme.

Research Waka Kotahi's values and see how you can link your experiences to these values. Be yourself, and tackle the recruitment process using your unique views and perspectives - you will be able to offer something that no one else can!

Research what Waka Kotahi does, and prepare some experiences you can adapt to answer questions e.g. when was a time you were involved in conflict

Be yourself and prepare heaps of examples (academic or previous work experience)

learn about company and its key values. Answer questions and relate it back to Waka Kotahi key values.

Actually do all the steps !! take the time and effort