Application Process & Interviews at Xero New Zealand

It is better than most. But it's still a long process and a lot of effort if you don't make it. Especially as a graduate. I believe that more higher positions there is less filtering applied.

I was hired as a graduate into Xero's grad program which is a highly sought after role, we are talking thousands of applicants for around 60-70 positions distributed amongst all Xero's offices, so my interview process was mostly focused on cultural fit and potential rather than any existing technical skills or knowledge. There were still basic technical tests to assure a basic level of competency, but they aren't taken into consideration as much as the multitude of questions determining your personality, social skills and willingness to learn and work in a team.

Code, online video interview, technical + behaviour interview. It took a long time, due to the large number of applicants.

I got into the graduate role through the internship program held the year before. I went through summer of tech for applications, then did a video interview, an online skills assessment and then a behavioural interview. It was a long but smooth experience with good communication from Xero.

Tell me about a time when you have conflicts with your team mates.

Know the values, understand your role and apply with confidence. It's really important to know what the job description wants and requires.

Learn as much as you can about the Xero values and showcase your knowledge in your interviews. Also, be yourself as the interviewers are just trying to get to know you.

For candidates apply to Xero's graduate program specifically - show a willingness to learn, as that is the purpose of the graduate program, for you to learn as much as you can. For anyone applying to Xero (including graduates) - become familiar with what Xero does and why, and gain familiarity with their values. Showing an acute awareness of what Xero does and why as well as demonstrating an understanding of their values (while embodying them as much as you can) will likely get you further through the hiring process than any demonstration of technical prowess.

Read about Xero Value.

I think the best way to prepare is look at Xero's values. As cheesy as it is to say, we really do look up to - especially human and team.