Information for applicants

The National Library has a competency-based recruitment, selection and appointment process for all appointments.

An important part of selecting the person 'best suited' for a position is assessing applicants against the key competencies (relevant skills, knowledge and attributes) that have been identified as critical to effective performance in the role. These competencies are set out in the Role Description.

To apply for a position

To apply for a position with the Library you will need to complete an application form and send this to us with your curriculum vitae (CV) and a cover letter.

If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to provide the names and contact details of at least three referees the Library can contact to verify the information you have supplied about your skills, abilities and attributes. It is expected that your current and previous manager would normally be cited as referees. You can include names of referees with your application or supply them after you have been shortlisted.

What happens next?

The panel will shortlist applicants whose applications indicate they best meet the key competencies. If you are unsuccessful in making the shortlist, you will be advised of this. If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted to arrange an interview time and in some cases other kinds of assessment.

At the interview you will be asked to give examples of how you have demonstrated the key competencies identified for the role. You could think of them as 'behavioural stories' or 'S.T.A.R.R.s' which describe a Situation or Task, the Actions you took and Role you played, and the Results you achieved.

You have the opportunity to be supported at your interview by whanau or other group support. If you intend bringing support with you, please let the Library know in plenty of time before the interview so that arrangements can be made. Any expenses involved in bringing support persons to an interview are your own responsibility.

If you are shortlisted for a position, you may also be asked to undertake occupational testing. This could be a cognitive or personality test, or a work sample test.

Cognitive tests assess your cognitive skills, including critical thinking and verbal and numerical reasoning. Personality profiles assess the 'fit' between yourself and the Library.

After an appointment is made

There is a 5 working day period after an appointment has been made and notified to all staff. During this period the appointment is provisional and Library employees may seek a review of the appointment. After this period, provided there have been no reviews, the appointment is confirmed and you will be advised.

The information you provide will be used only for the selection process. In the event of a review of an appointment recommendation, a summary of the information may be shown to another applicant. If this were required, you would be advised.

Curriculum vitae of unsuccessful applicants will be destroyed once an appointment has been confirmed.

Files for each vacancy will be held for 12 months and then destroyed, unless the appointment is under review.