ENERGEX's selection process

The selection process includes information gathering techniques including written applications, interviews and reference checks. For certain positions, some form of testing may be used, such as work simulations (such as a keyboard test) or objective psychological tests of ability or personality. All methods are designed to gather relevant and factual information about job applicants.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement

ENERGEX firmly endorses the principle of selection on merit and is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in employment. ENERGEX will not condone any policy or practice that discriminates against any person or group on the basis of gender, race, age, marital or family status, religion, politics, irrelevant physical or other disability or for any reason unconnected with professional competence. Consequently, ENERGEX seeks to take action to ensure that people with comparable skills and qualifications have an equal chance of obtaining employment and of advancing within the organisation.

The following suggestions may be useful when preparing an application:

1. Obtain the job profile of the advertised position. The last page of the job profile, titled the Person Specification, contains details on the Educational Qualifications, Knowledge/Experience and Critical Competencies relevant to the job which should be addressed in your application.
   
   
2. Update your curriculum vitae/resume with recent positions and duties. You should include:
   - employment highlights;
   - results of tertiary studies;
   - training courses attended;
   - membership of professional and other associations or committees.
   
   
3. It is not necessary to include marital or family status, or nationality as these factors are not job related.
   
   
4. Address each critical competency and specialised job knowledge criteria listed in the Person Specification in your application. This will assist the selection panel to determine your suitability for the position.
   
   
5. Preface your application with a brief covering letter containing the following:
   - which position you are applying for including the position number;
   - a brief statement about your current position;
   - why you are interested in the position;
   - any key aspects of your application that you may wish to highlight;
   - a concluding statement making reference to any enclosures (eg application form, resume).
   
   
6. The covering letter should summarise the main reasons for your application and your suitability for the position.
   
   
7. It is important that your application and resume are neatly presented and easy to read.

A good application is:

• Well Presented. Print the letter and resume on plain paper and make sure that there are no spelling or grammatical errors. Make it easy to read by using an uncluttered format.
  
  
• Concise. Avoid long sentences and bulky paragraphs.
  Use headings and bullet points. In general, limit your resume to 3 or 4 A4 pages.
  
  
• Specific. When addressing the job knowledge/experience, qualification and competency requirements, provide specific examples to support your claims.
  
  
• Focussed on Accomplishments. Rather than provide long lists of duties performed, focus on what you have accomplished through your duties and how you have gone about achieving these things.
  
  
• Action Oriented. When providing evidence of your ability, use appropriate verbs which describe how you have carried out various activities, for example: designed, organised, analysed, negotiated etc.

Preparing for the interview

1. Below are some suggestions to assist you in preparing for an interview.
   
   
2. Ensure you are familiar with the job profile and the knowledge, experience and competencies required for the position. You may also like to seek additional information relevant to the position for which you are applying (eg visit ENERGEX's Web site).
   
   
3. Review your application to remind yourself about your current duties and responsibilities.
   
   
4. Ensure you are aware of the exact location and time of the interview.
   
   
5. Consider the types of questions which might be asked and be prepared to answer questions in relation to each of the selection criteria and critical competencies. Interviewers will be seeking specific examples as evidence of your ability.
   
   
6. Prepare question you may ask during the interview as this is your opportunity to find out more about the position. You may like to ask for further information on the following:
   - clarification of duties/responsibilities of the position;
   - current and anticipated projects;
   - training opportunities;
   - advancement opportunities.
   
   
7. Mentally rehearse the interview. Set aside some time before the interview to think through the event in a structured and specific way.

The interview

The aim of the interview is to evaluate applicants on their qualifications, experience, skills and personal attributes in relation to the selection criteria. The interview usually provides the principal opportunity to evaluate shortlisted applicants. Your conduct during the interview and answers to specific questions are very important. Listed below are some tips to remember to enhance your performance during an interview.

1. Plan to arrive a few minutes early.
   
   
2. Greet the interviewers by name, with direct eye contact and a firm handshake.
   
   
3. Answer questions factually and truthfully with relevant information.
   
   
4. Answer questions fully but succinctly. Don't waffle as you will lose the interviewers interest.
   
   
5. Understand that interviewers are trained to ask for behavioural examples from your past work experiences to support your answers to questions. For example, if the interviewers want someone who can handle difficult customers, they will look for evidence that you have handled similar situations in the past. You need to give examples of how you have dealt with difficult people previously and what the result was.
   
   
6. Keep in mind the selection criteria, specifically the critical competencies during the interview and ensure that your answers address these. Provide examples as evidence of your abilities and skills.
   
   
7. Do not make derogatory comments about present or former employers.
   
   
8. Look alert and interested at all times. Be a good listener as well as a good talker. Smile and use direct eye contact.
   
   
9. Use good grammar and diction.
   
   
10. Be positive and appear interested.
    
    
11. Don't be afraid to take time to answer questions at the interview. You could preface your answer with phrases like "Let me think about that..." to buy some time.
    
    
12. Don't be afraid to ask a panel member to repeat or clarify a question if you do not understand it.
    
    
13. You may like to take a copy of your written application/notes to the interview to help you remember everything you want to say at the interview.
    
    
14. Remember to take with you examples of your work if appropriate. A report you have written may be a good example of your analytical ability or the way you plan your work.