Our recruitment process

Apply

You can apply for any of our current vacancies via our careers portal
If you have any support or access requirements during our recruitment process, please let us know when you apply and we’ll do our best to get you sorted. You can email us before applying at [email protected]
Double check your cover letter is tailored to the job you're applying for.
Your cover letter should highlight your skills and/or experience that are most relevant to the role.

Once you've submitted your application, you'll receive a confirmation email.
We'll then be in touch via email or phone if you're shortlisted for the next stage.
We’ll let you know via email if you haven’t been shortlisted – usually within two weeks of the vacancy closing.

We'll call you and let you know if we're proceeding with your application and invite you to an interview.
The interview is a two-way conversation and a chance for us to get to know each other.
For some roles with a high calibre of candidates shortlisted, the hiring manager or an HR Advisor may call you for a short phone interview before progressing the finalised shortlist of candidates through to the interview stage.
Interviews are mostly in person, but we can also interview you over Microsoft Teams.
The interview may include a panel of up to three kaimahi/staff from Porirua City Council.
Your hiring manager or HR advisor will give you all the information you need so you know what type of interview you're having and who'll be on the interview panel.
We usually use behaviour-based questions in our interviews. The questions will be based around our competencies that are relevant to the role, such as customer service, problem solving and innovation, relationship management, teamwork, leadership and getting things done. There will also be specific technical questions relating to the role.
We recommend spending some time preparing for the interview, thinking about how your skills and experience are relevant to the role and competencies.
We'll email you an interview confirmation, so please respond to confirm your attendance.

We’re here to help:

When preparing for your interview we recommend you:

be familiar with the position description for the role you've applied for
be prepared to make a great impression and be on time
be prepared with the technology if your interview is on Microsoft Teams, it’s a good idea to dial into the Microsoft Teams meeting 10 minutes before your interview
practice potential questions and answers – feel free to bring short notes to the interview with you
be positive and friendly and try to relax – this is an opportunity for us all to get to know each other
be ready with your own question to find out more about working here
you may want to have a look over our Long-term Plan and Annual Plan.

If you're our preferred candidate, the final stage in our recruitment journey is the checking stage. We'll ask you for two references, ideally direct managers from former employers.
We'll also ask for your permission to undertake a Ministry of Justice criminal record check or a Police vetting check.
Depending on the role, we may also complete a drug test, a qualifications check or a physical fitness check. Lifeguards also do a swimming test.
Other background checks may be requested for some roles.

We’re here to help:

If you want to know more about the checks required for your role, please contact our HR Services team.
We encourage you to let your referees know that they'll be contacted about giving a reference before you provide their details. It’s also helpful to let them know some information about the job you're applying for.

After your successful checks, we will phone you and let you know you are our preferred candidate.
We will send you a written employment offer to consider along with acceptance of our terms and conditions of employment.
Your offer and other onboarding documentation will be sent electronically via our careers portal.

We’re here to help:

When your offer is ready, you will receive an email from our careers portal, the same place where you originally applied for the role. You just have to login to the portal and follow the instructions.
We encourage you to contact our HR Services team or your hiring manager if you have any questions about your offer.

Our HR team will let you know when your onboarding documentation is all complete.
You may receive an email from our HR team requesting a copy of your ID.
Your new manager will be preparing to welcome you and getting things sorted for your onboarding at Council.
They will also be in touch the week before you start work with us.
Your first day will involve reading some important documents, policies and information related to your role.
You will be invited to attend a two-day corporate induction in your first few months of employment. This is a great opportunity for you to spend time with other newbies and learn more about the fantastic city and Council you are working for.