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Selection process

The interview

If you are shortlisted for an interview, the People and Culture team will contact you to arrange an interview.

During the interview process you may be invited to participate in some or all of the below:

  • A video interview – a few questions to answer online at a time and place of your choosing
  • A face-to-face interview with an interview panel (usually behavioural style questions)
  • A practical exercise based on the duties and responsibilities for the position
  • A presentation or teaching demonstration to the interview panel or nominated Ara group
  • Psychometric Testing
  • Police Vetting or Ministry of Justice Checks

If you are outside of Canterbury you may be initially interviewed by Zoom. If appropriate, we may arrange for you to visit Ara.

Interview panels at Ara are made up of the appointing manager, and between one and four other people knowledgeable about the skills required for the position. You will receive information about the panel at the time your interview is arranged.

Whānau or other support at interviews

Candidates may opt to bring family or trusted friends as support to the interview. When we arrange your interview, please advise People and Culture who will be attending so that appropriate seating arrangements can be made.

Candidate selection

Once interviews and other selection processes have been completed, the selection panel will convene to select the successful candidate. At this stage we usually complete reference checks for this person. Provided the reference checks are positive, you will be telephoned and offered the role. We aim to advise you of the outcome as soon as possible after your interview but please allow up to two weeks for a final decision. You will then receive a formal offer of appointment in writing. 

Background checks

Part of this process involves a background check, to ensure our learners are kept safe. We will ask you to provide your identification (e.g. your Passport and Driver’s License), or verify your ID through RealMe. Your ID verification is used as part of the recruitment employment process for background criminal checks and will only be kept on file if you are employed by us. You will need a verified RealMe account to use this option, which is administered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs – if you don’t have a verified RealMe account, here is how to apply for one. We do accept JP verified copies of IDs, or bring in your IDs for our People and Culture team to verify. We prefer RealMe because it can be done online which helps speed up the selection process. 

Thank you for considering Ara as a potential employer

If you have been interviewed but are unsuccessful, you will be advised after the appointment has been confirmed. You are welcome to request feedback from the panel following your interview.