Applying to the Ministry

Do you want to apply for a job with our Ministry? Then check out our vacancies. Once you find the job you want to apply for, make sure you read the position description carefully and check that the salary range, location and start dates work for you. If it’s all looking good, then start your journey with our Ministry! Head to our online vacancies site, press apply and register your details.

Ministry of Justice vacancies(external link)

When filling out the job application, make sure you:

  • include a one-page cover letter that describes why you’re the right person for the job
  • include an up-to-date CV (resume). Make your CV and letter as easy to read and professional as possible
  • Answer any additional questions we have for that role.

When we receive your application, we’ll send you a confirmation email.

What to expect after you apply

It will take up to two weeks after the application closing date to know if you’ve been shortlisted for an interview. If you have, we’ll call or email you to arrange an interview and/or give you information about our assessment centres.

If your application was unsuccessful, we’ll call or email you to let you know and encourage you to apply for future roles within our Ministry.

Careers interviews

Interviews

Our interviews are usually 45 minutes to an hour long. There’ll be two to four people on the panel, including the hiring manager.

Some roles have ‘assessment centres’ instead of interviews. These include a group activity, an interview and a role play. They’re around 2–3 hours long and also include a panel.

Interview tips and advice

Whether it’s an interview or an assessment centre, think about the questions you might get asked and examples you can use to illustrate your answer. Be ready to tell us why you want the job and why you’re the best person for the role. Also, make sure you have one or two questions to ask us at the interview – we want this to be a two-way process.

Other suggestions to help you prepare for the interview include practising giving your answers out loud and reviewing the Ministry of Justice website. Ensure you’re on time, dress smartly and be professional. Turn off your mobile. Make sure you bring along anything you’ve been asked for. This might include photo ID or forms you’ve been asked to fill in.

After the interview

The panel will tell you when you can expect to hear back. It will usually be within a week.

If the panel is considering you for the role, the hiring manager will check with your referees and do other background checks.

If these raise no issues, the hiring manager will:

  • call you and offer you the role
  • confirm your salary, start date and other employment conditions with you
  • formally offer you the role.

You’ll be sent an offer pack. You’ll need to fill this in and return it as soon as possible. This will let your hiring manager set you up as a new employee and help welcome you to Tāhū o te Ture – the Ministry of Justice.

Check out our vacancies and apply now(external link)

Need more information?

If you have any questions about our hiring process or a particular role, please contact us – we’d love to hear from you.

Email: recruitment@justice.govt.nz