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of the keys to successful businesses is the employment
and retention of the right people. The interview is
the most common tool used in the selection process.
Interviews provide both you and the candidate with an
opportunity to gain an understanding of each other and
for you to make an informed decision.
The interview process is generally in
stages:
• A telephone interview
• First formal interview
• Second interview to validate selection
The aim of the interview is to ensure
that the most suitable person for the role is selected,
and an employee who will also best fit your business
culture. You will need to spend some preparation time
on your questions. You must have a Position Description
prepared to ensure you clearly understand what you require.
This will highlight the key competencies and skills
to fill the role.
Prepare a questionnaire which targets
your questions around key interest areas. Ensure your
questions have structure and ask all candidates the
same questions so you are able to review them. Thoroughly
read all candidates resumes so you clearly understand
their skill base and allocate sufficient time to avoid
rushing through the questions.
There are generally three styles of interviews:
Structured interviews
This style is the one most frequently used and is a
one on one meeting between you and the candidate. Your
questions here will be based on qualifications, work
experience, key responsibilities, acheivements, reasons
for career change, motivation, team work, adaptability
and aspirations.
Panel Interviews
This style is usually used by large organizations and
the aim of this method is to ensure that an impartial
and fair decision is made.
Group Interviews
These are also conducted by large organizations where
several candidates are brought together to discuss work
related issues and to provide a solution in a simulated
business environment.
Australian
Job Search is an easy, cost-efficient way of recruiting
staff online. Small and medium businesses may post job
vacancies on Australia's biggest employment-facilitating
website free of charge at www.jobsearch.gov.au
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
The principles of EEO must be applied
in the interview process. Avoid questions which do not
relate to the position or to the selected criteria in
case these can be misinterpreted.
In Australia it is unlawful to
discriminate on the basis of, but not limited to: age,
religion, gender, nationality, status as a parent or
carer, race, marital status, trade union activity, political
beliefs, pregnancy, physical appearance and disability.
Apprenticeships and Trainees
 An
apprenticeship is a four year entry level training and
employment programme for people wishing to gain a Trade
Qualification in a particular occupation or industry.
Employers participating in the apprenticeship programme
may be eligible for Australian and State government
assistance for each apprentice they employ.
A traineeship is a one, two or three
year entry level training and employment programme for
people wishing to establish a career in a particular
occupation or industry. Employers participating in a
traineeship may be eligible for Australian and State
government assistance for each trainee they employ.
Benefits to employers are broad based.
For details visit the
NSW TAFE website. www.tafensw.edu.au
Employing Trainees
Traineeships are the entry level employment
and training programmes where the trainee undertakes
an accredited training programme tat may include on
the job or off the job instruction, or a combination
of both.
The training is delivered by a Registered
Training Organisation [RTO]. These can be selected from
a list of approved providers, including TAFE Colleges
and a large number of private sector Registered Training
Organisations.
Trainees generally spend a minimum of
eight hours per week in training either on or off the
job, and thirty hours undertaking normal supervised
employment duties, making up the thirty eight hour week.
Applicants must be Australian Citizens
or hold Permanent Residency Status or be a New Zealand
passport holder who has been resident in Australia for
six months. You can recruit your own trainee by advertising
in newspapers, word of mouth and even employ your own
family members.
Employing Apprentices
Apprentices undertake an accredited training
programme that includes on and off the job instruction.
A probationary period of three months generally applies
from the apprentice’s sign up date. They are considered
to be full time employees for the duration of the apprenticeship,
usually four years. There is no provision in NSW for
the employment of part time apprentices.
Applicants must be Australian Citizens
or hold Permanent Residency status or be a New Zealand
passport holder who has been resident for a period of
six months.
Training is delivered by a Registered
Training Organization [RTO]. These can be selected from
a list of approved providers, including TAFE colleges
and a number of private sector Registered Training Organizations.
At the completion of the apprenticeship,
employers have the option of continuing employment as
a full time, part time or casual employee or to discontinue
the employment altogether without penalty.
For details visit www.tafensw.edu.au.
Other sites for assistance with
trainees and apprentices
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