[victoria24]

just had an email from the recruiter for westpac who is calling me tomorrow night to discuss my timeframe and to go through my experience. she hasnt mentioned that its an interview but i guess the purpose is the same ie; to sound me out.
this came about due to my schmoozing at london expo so is pretty exciting as westpac are accredited :nice1

any tips for things to say/not to say?
any opinions on westpac as an employer or as a bank in general?

i could burst i'm so excited!!

[TonnyTessa]

Sounds a bit like an interview to me. Can't offer advice other than deep breath and smile, so good luck instead!

[BodaciousBean]

I wanted to pop in and say good luck! :nice1

[Janey]

good luck! any idea where it would be located we are with Westpac and can not sing their praises enough!

[victoria24]

thanks janey, unsure of location at the mo but looks more wellington than auckland from brief squizz at website. ill keep you posted!

[Mrs Pony]

OMG! Thats fantastic! Good luck!! you know we'll be prayin for ya!

[Jon-and-Lou]

Good luck with your interview.

Best advice I received when doing a few of these, is to do it standing up. This has the effect of making you sound more animated, rather than seated which tends to make you more monotomous sounding.

Put a CV in front of you, list anything you think they should know - ie. good stuff you've done.

Also prepare at least 5 questions - more if possible as invariable some get answered in the course of the interview.

and a glass of water .. trust me, invaluable.

Fingers are crossed,

Lou

[James 1077]

Got to agree with Jon-and-Lou!

One thing that I would add is to smile when you are talking - this makes your voice friendlier and people are more likely to empathise with you.

Another is to use positive phrases and words whereever you can rather than negative ones ("glass is half-full" type of thing).

Often in interviews the same sort of questions will come up - so make sure you have prepared a response to the question beforehand. Where something similar comes up you can mould your prepared answer to fit the similar question.

Questions you are likely to be asked are:

Why do you want to move to NZ?
Why Westpac?
Where in New Zealand do you want to live and why?

Telephone interviews are always hard as you don't have the ability to read body language to see how well your answer is going and to create empathy so every little helps.

Can't say what Westpac are like as an employer but I can say that they are excellent as a bank. My wife and I are most impressed with the service and offerings that they have. Given that good service often comes from being happy with your employer and therefore striving to go that little bit further I imagine that they are also good to work for.

[tea drinker]

Check out their website in detail and tell them that you have. See if you can find something to ask about their company.

Also mention how many formites have praised their service :D

[tea drinker]

...and speak more slowly than normal

[deepthir]

Hey!

Just dropped in to wish you luck!!! All the very best! :)

[Corbishleys]

My OH Claire had her telephone interview with Christchurch hospital at 10pm lied in bed in her PJs
It seemed to work for her

good luck:nice1

[victoria24]

thanks for all the help guys, Got a face to face interview on feb 16th with westpac following my phone interview:nice1

[BodaciousBean]

It's all coming together now. :):cheers:nice1

[TonnyTessa]

congrats!

[M-Squared]

...and speak more slowly than normal

Great advice as we all talk funny to the Kiwis. :D :exit

[M-Squared]

thanks for all the help guys, Got a face to face interview on feb 16th with westpac following my phone interview:nice1

Best of luck! PM for you in a few moments... ;)