Frequently Asked Questions
Why we use online applications
To ensure we have a consistent and fair approach to all candidates (including current employees) across New Zealand and Australia, we track all applications centrally.
You will be assessed on a case by case basis every time you apply, against specific criteria set out by the Hiring Manager for each role. Those that rate highest against the criteria are bought through to the next part in the recruitment process.
How we advertise vacancies
We advertise either online or in print depending on the role. We may also proactively approach candidates from our existing database - for this reason it's vital that you ensure your contact details and resume are up to date, and a true reflection of your skills and experience.
Previous employees
We value previous Fonterra employees and to ensure that the business selects the best possible person for the role all applicants are reviewed on a case by case basis.
Types of Employment
Permanent full time: no specified end date, working a minimum of 40 hours per week.
Permanent part time: no specified end date, working less than 40 hours per week.
Casual: on-call employment, with no set or fixed hours, where the employee is called in 'as required' for work.
Fixed term: an employment agreement for a specified time frame, with a set end/ finish date
Eligibility for employment
NZ Citizens, Australian Citizens or NZ Permanent Residents are all eligible to work for Fonterra and can apply for any advertised role.
If you currently hold a NZ Working Visa it is important that you understand the restrictions and permissions associated with this. For more information contact NZ Immigration through their website: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/
Please note that if your visa does not fit within the criteria for the role you have applied for, we cannot legally employ you.
Fonterra is an accredited Employer with NZ Immigration: this means for appropriate candidates we may be able to offer sponsorship. Please note that only certain roles fit into this category, which has been outlined by New Zealand Immigration.
The criteria are as follows:
- The employment term must be 24 months or more
- The role must have a base salary of $55,000 or more
- The candidate must have a skill set that matches the requirements of the role
- The candidate must pass all required police and medical checks.
Please note that if you do not have a valid current visa for New Zealand you will need to contact the NZ Immigration Service to facilitate this.
How to prepare yourself for a face to face interview
APPLYING FOR A ROLE
It is important that your application is submitted within the advertised timeframes for the role, and you must provide a relevant, detailed and up to date resume to support your application.
Why can't I register as a new user? There are four main reasons this happens: (1) You have already registered as a user using this email address. Select the 'forgot my password' link and a link and an access code will be sent to your email address. Click on the link and copy and paste the access code. (2) Your e-mail address may already be being used by another candidate which means you need to create a new one or get them to change it. (3) Check that your username is also unique and has no space. Remember your username and password is case sensitive. (4) The password you are entering needs to be at least 6 characters long and needs to have a number as well as a letter.
I have forgotten my password, and have been sent an email which contains an access code, but this does not work, what should I do? Try clicking on the link contained in the email and then copy and paste the access code.
Do I need to include references when attaching my CV? You should only include contact details. Scanned written references are often too large to upload. We will confirm referees with you during the recruitment process.
I cannot attach my resume. If you are having issues attaching your resume, it could be because the file is too large, or is not in a supported format. Delete any pictures you have on your CV and make sure it is one of the formats below:
- MS Word (*.doc)
- MS Works (*.wps)
- Adobe (*.pdf)
- Text files (*.txt)
I am trying to apply for an advertised role but it is not allowing me to apply, why is this? Please always refer to the closing date; you cannot apply after this date as the role has closed.
Why do I need to answer the questionnaire and Information Disclosure questions? These questions help us to determine candidate suitability for specific roles. We also conduct a series of check on all candidates employed at Fonterra including criminal checks so it is important we have any information that may impact on your ability to be employed early on.
My friend/family member has registered with Fonterra, can I apply for a role using their log on details? No. Each applicant must have their own profile.What happens after I have submitted my application? When your application has been received our database will send you a confirmation email to the email address you have specified. If you have not received this please check your 'junk mail' folder in the first instance, or please call us on 0800 562 736.
How long until I hear from you again about the role? Once the advertising is closed, we will then review all applicants for the role. We will notify you via email if there are any significant delays.
I applied for a role and have not heard anything. What's happening? If you did not receive a confirmation email when you applied, log into your profile and check you completed all the steps to apply.
What happens if I am not successful? You will be notified via email through the recruitment database. In many cases, due to the high volume of applications we are not able to provide individual feedback.
What happens if I am successful?
If you are selected to proceed we will contact you via telephone and explain the next steps in the process. Typically this would involve a phone based interview, where we will confirm the details you have already submitted and ask you further questions to ascertain your suitability for the role.
After the telephone interview: your details will be evaluated along with the other shortlisted applicants, and the Hiring Manager will decide which candidates they wish to interview face to face. We will contact you via telephone to advise you of the Hiring Managers decision, and where applicable we will step you through the next part of the process.
If you are selected to proceed to a face to face interview with the Hiring Manager for the role, our team will call you to book the time over the phone: and we will send a confirmation to your email.
We also call you to take you through interview preparation over the phone. For further information on interview preparation please go here
Skills based assessments: depending on the role, you may be asked to complete a series of skills based assessments; we will advise you if this is required.
Psychometric assessments: depending on the role, you may be asked to complete online psychometric assessments; we will advise you if this is required.
Why do I need to have a Pre-employment Medical (PEM)?
Travel for interview: unless otherwise stated, candidates would be expected to cover any applicable expenses to attend their interview.
I have an appointment on site, where do I need to go?
Withdrawing from an interview: if you are unable to attend your interview, or you wish to withdraw from the process, you must contact us ASAP.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE FACE TO FACE INTERVIEW?
If you are unsuccessful after the interview: we will notify you via telephone, and where possible give you detailed feedback.
If you are selected to progress after the interview: depending on the role you may be invited to attend a further interview to meet other key stakeholders' or you may be progressed straight to the pre-employment check stage of the process. We will notify you of requirements during the process.
Pre-employment checks: depending on the role this can involve all, or some, of the following: Criminal, Drug, Medical, Reference Checks and any applicable Psychometric Testing/Assessment.
Reference checks: all perspective employees will be expected to provide two relevant referees. We conduct our reference checks via telephone, so you would be expected to connect with your referees to ensure that the contact information is correct, and to ascertain if they are happy to speak on your behalf. A relevant referee must be someone you have reported to (such as a Team Leader, Supervisor or Manager) who can comment on your performance and this must be from a recent role (ideally no more than 5 years ago).
JOB OFFERS
We do not make offers verbally though we may discuss aspects including location, salary/wage, possible start dates with you over the telephone or by email. Please note jobs offers are only made by sending out a contract to you which will include a pack of information you will require to make an informed decision.
