Application Process & Interviews at Hydro Tasmania

The interview and assessment are of the usual format used by most organisations. The process involves a video interview, and an assessment centre day. The assessment centre involves a group discussion and a face-to-face interview.

Many steps and checks, process was very early on in the year

Group exercise - 6 applicants with 2 employees leading the activity interview - 3 interviewers.

Process went smoothly. There was a long wait between getting the position and starting work, during this time there was not much communication from the business. Interview was pleasant and I felt quite comfortable

In-person interview and collaborative team task. I believe this has changed since - may now include online interview.

Written application with technical component - Online pre-recorded video interview where you get to read text questions for 30 seconds then record a video answer (Sonru). (This was horrible). - Group problem solving activity - One on one interview - Job offer

Interview process was okay, started with a written application then video interview and then face to face group and individual interviews. challenging to have to travel interstate to attend the interview

First you submitted your resume and cover letter. Next you were invited to complete an automated online video interview where questions would appear on the screen and you had approximately 30 seconds to read the question then 30-60 seconds to record a response. After that, you where invited to participate in a graduate application day where the applicants successful up til that point came together in Hobart (they are also held in Melbourne) to complete teamwork activities and face-to-face interviews. The teamwork activities where classic problem solving tasks designed to evaluate candidates' communication and leadership skills. The face-to-face interview (in my case) was a panel consisting of one person from HR and a senior engineer.

The interview process followed the following: - CV and Resume - Online video interview - 1 day combined group interview and 1-1 interview The overall process was quick and explained well prior to each step.

Fewer rounds than other grad recruitment processes which made it easier. Only resume/cover letter, work sample, video interview, assessment centre/interview on same day. Small assessment centre was more relaxing (about 10 people vs 40 people). Lots of phone calls and emails to guide you through the process. Seemed focused on selling themselves as much as you selling yourself. E.g. told us about volunteer leave, why they value grads, etc.

Can you describe how an alternator works?

What do you like about the business. What are challenges that you have faced. Describe a piece of work you enjoyed. Talk about your teamwork abilities.

Situational questions - e.g. explain a situation where you needed to work with a team to come up with a solution.

Mostly the usual stuff like: - What do you want to do with your life? - How do you handle disagreements in the workplace etc. - How do you manage your time? - Do you play well with others?

Mostly about my experiences and how i faced different challenges

It was the typical behavioural interview style questions.

The questions asked during the interview revolved mostly around the STAR interview technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result). The questions were mostly open ended but were trying to assess what your response would be to certain situations to get an impression of how you would work in a team, take leadership, communicate effectively etc. These were also from your own personal experience, not just hypothetical situations. The interview also technically assessed you by going through the answer you gave to a (somewhat) technical problem you had been presented with prior to the day and were required to have submitted a 1-2 page response. The question given to me was choosing which solution out of about four options to go with in order to provide power to a piece of critical infrastructure. My answer was to go with the most expensive but most reliable option due to the critical safety function of the asset. This was well received by the engineer on my panel.

Be yourself

Know how to answer questions in the STAR response format.

Relax. Be honest. Be warm, friendly and make eye contact. Talk to people. Learn about the company and its values. Think about and prepare for a range of interview questions. Have some situations in mind that you could use as examples when answering interview questions.

Understand what the company does and how they are involved with Tasmanian communities, and in current Tas/Federal energy news (Battery of the Nation)

Prepare a response to all generic interview questions using the STAR method - this is invaluable.

Be yourself, everyone is brilliant here, and they are likely looking for someone just as great to join in

Get some passion for hydro turbines! Probably the biggest advice would be to not go in acting like you 'know-it-all'. I'd say we are looking for people that are engaged, enthusiastic, but have the ability to learn and listen.

Prepare STAR interview responses from your personal experience. Don't get tricked by any red herrings in the teamwork game! (I was lucky because everyone else made the same mistake). Do research on Hydro Tasmania, its history and its future plans (e.g. the Battery of the Nation project). You'll be more impressive if you appear knowledgeable and keenly interested in the company and the work it does.

Research the company and have an understanding of what type of work you may be involved in.

Be authentic, if applying from interstate seriously consider if you want to relocate to Tasmania, have a read of their website.