Make a strong start

Migrants are often surprised that the Kiwi workplace can be much less formal than what they are used to from home. 

This means that job interviews in New Zealand usually start and end with informal chat or small talk. From the very start of your interview, you should show that you are comfortable having informal relationships with your managers and colleagues. 

First impressions are important. Give a strong handshake, look the interviewer in the eye and dress appropriately. Don’t forget to smile!

 What does it mean to be professional in New Zealand?

• Integrity and honesty
• Professional dress and appearance
• Confidentiality
• Respect for others
• Punctuality and reliability
• Competence
• Good communication skills
• Strong work ethic and dedication
• Taking pride in your work
• Humility

This scenario looks at how you can make a strong start to a New Zealand job interview.

In which answer do you think the candidate gives the best response?

Did you find us OK?

Yes.

Oh she doesn’t seem very friendly…

Yes I did, thank you. I came by yesterday to see where the building was.

She seems friendly. She also showed initiative by coming to check where the building was first.

I thought it would be easy but then I got lost. I had a very hard time finding the room. It would be helpful if there were more signs.

What a serious answer. She seems quite blunt and not very friendly. I was only trying to make her feel comfortable.

Choose a response and find out which answer is best

What does this mean? Did I find the building? Of course I did.

“Yes.”

I’ll tell them about what happened to me yesterday

“Yes I did, thank you. I came by yesterday to see where the building was.”

It was a terrible experience trying to find this building. They should make it more obvious.

“I thought it would be easy but then I got lost. I had a very hard time finding the room. It would be helpful if there were more signs.”

Think about your answer again.

The interviewer may be expecting you to provide more information. New Zealand employers like to engage in small-talk to understand what you will be like to work with as a colleague. This question allows you to show your friendly side by engaging in conversation.

Try a different response

This is a good answer.

You spoke to the interviewer in a friendly and engaging manner. The interviewer appreciated that you took the initiative to find the building prior to your interview. Employers like to engage in small-talk to understand what you will be like to work with as a colleague.

Try a different response

Think about your answer again.

This answer sounds negative and unfriendly to the interviewer. The interviewer wanted to engage in friendly small-talk to understand what you will be like to work with as a colleague. This question is a good opportunity to be positive and engaging.

Try a different response

Up next

Manage the amount of information you give

New Zealand employers do not want to hear long stories. Having a relevant, well-structured answer ready can help.