Application Process & Interviews at GHD New Zealand

Very straightfoward for graduates applying externally. Resume -> One way video -> Two way video -> offer

Straightforward and easy going

After the online applications I was told I had an interview. My recruiter was really nice, they called me and ran me through what I can expect from the interview and tips and tricks. I went into the office and had an in-person interview. Once I had that we heard back within a couple of weeks (i think) and I was offered the position.

No assessments, virtual interview followed by a zoom interview took place over a few weeks/ month

Very easy and friendly, was nice to have the job months in advance before starting, relieved stress while I was finishing UNI

The interview process was extremely easy, Alex and Priscilla were great, and they asked insightful questions all be it relatively general. But in saying that the general questions are needed. The communication was great between the grad co-ordinator, priscilla, and me, was a very easy process.

I think the interview process was well constructed and thorough. I do think that it shouldn't have to span across 6 months though. The pace of the different levels of the interviews would do well to go a bit faster as it is quite stressful to be waiting on responses in your final year of university. Opportunities can come and go very quickly. I do think that "selling the graduate role" needs include more thorough discussion of the everyday responsibilities that you will have going in to the job - I didn't really know what I was getting into until finishing my first 3 months was done. It's important to sell the role but also be realistic about it.

Hiring process was straight forward and simple. Apply online -> one way interview & assessment-> teams interview (I'd assume in person now) -> offer over phone.

I am Māori and the current recruitment process is very systemic which puts Māori at a disadvantage. I would love to see this improved so that Māori are attracted to work for GHD.

An interview happened with the Business Group Leader, and it was a friendly chat.

Why transport engineering? Why did you choose to relocate? What do you enjoy about civil engineering?

Unsure

A lot of usual standard interview questions, lots of scenario based e.g. "tell us a time when something didn't go to plan and how did you resolve it". Also some client based questions e.g "if a client wanted more from a project but you didn't have have scope/capacity how would you address that"

What are my strengths and weaknesses? What is a situation that presented to be difficult and how did you overcome it? What is your biggest achievement? What are your goals?

Introduction, hobbies, contribution to team, strength

What my studies were about? What was I interested? Previous work experience? What I knew about GHD.

How I deal with stress and deadlines / how I work in a team environment / what my interests are It felt like more of a conversation or friendly chat rather than an intimidating interview

Times I have displayed courage, and resilience. Times I have been in a tough situation. Why my previous experience would help in this role etc

Prepare basic SMART answers, quite relaxed otherwise.

Learn about the company beforehand, there's a lot of similar consultancies out there but make sure you are able to differentiate them, know why you want to work here. Prepare for scenario based questions, but I was told make sure your scenarios are first-person e.g. "I did this", not "We did this". They want to know what you personally did, not what your previous team, or group project etc.

Be passionate about the area you are applying for and review the website for projects that link to your skills and interests.

Companies hire students who can show character. You need to be passionate about your work. Be serious during the interview, but laugh now and then.

Read up on the companies you apply for, it will help you to gain a better understanding of the company, the services they offer, the values and the commitments to other external things

Just be yourself and smile

Typical preparation

I would recommend finding a mentor who you can practice speaking with. Emotional intelligence is of high value here so it is important to work on your EQ skills + interactions with lots of different kinds of people. That is a big part of the company culture that I highly appreciate