Air New Zealand Limited Ramp Agent Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Air New Zealand Limited interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. Which responsibility on the job posting do you consider the most challenging and why?
How to Answer
Ensure that your interviewer knows you are aware of all aspects of working for the Air New Zealand cargo operations team by talking about the duty on the job posting that you consider the most challenging. As you answer, try to emphasize some of your strengths or past/equivalent experience that will enable you to nevertheless be successful in this role. Be smart about why you consider this aspect of the job challenging and explain why you have the tools to overcome it, if hired to be their next Ramp Agent. If possible, try to base your answer on a simple lack of direct experience.
Answer Example
"I think the most challenging aspect of the job will be learning the different types of freight and the system for keeping all freight and luggage on track and on time. Because I've never worked in the airline industry and am confident in my abilities to perform in all aspects of the job, this could be a challenge simply because it is new to me. If hired as your next Ramp Agent, I will make learning the processes and systems my top priority from day one on the job and am confident in my ability to do so."
2. Do you have any experience operating heavy equipment?
How to Answer
While work on the cargo operations team at Air New Zealand doesn't require operating machines that a Heavy Equipment Operator would, the job still entails work on several types of machines. While your interviewer will be able to tell a lot about your work history from your resume/application, they want to hear firsthand from you any experience that you do have. If you don't have experience working on tractors, front-end loaders, or other large equipment, try to relate to other large or heavy pieces of equipment in your personal or work history. These can include forklifts, large industrial trucks, or other pieces you see fit. As you answer, make sure you discuss your ability to train on any equipment that you work with and the confidence you have in doing so.
Answer Example
"While I don't have direct experience working on traditional heavy equipment like road construction equipment, I currently operate a large Towmotor forklift. Each year, I am required to retest my skills on operating the forklift safely, and I've found that picking up on the machine in a safe and efficient manner was very easy. Also, I have experience operating a Bobcat loader that my father-in-law owns and am very comfortable operating that safely as well."
3. This job at Air New Zealand requires mechanical aptitude to help troubleshoot equipment issues on the fly. How would you rate your mechanical aptitude?
How to Answer
As a part of Air New Zealand's cargo operations team, you will be working with many different pieces of mechanical equipment and your success in this role will require you to have some knowledge of the ins and outs of mechanical repair and troubleshooting. As you rate yourself, talk about any experience you have working on mechanical issues in vehicles or other mechanical equipment to prove your ability to learn this aspect of the job quickly. Any way you answer, try to impose your confidence in this area to your interviewer and show a willingness to learn more in this job.
Answer Example
"I would rate my mechanical abilities as above average, compared to other candidates you are considering to join Air New Zealand. I am very confident in my ability to work on anything gas powered, including motors, transmissions, and carburetors. In my current job, I've been trained to troubleshoot mechanical issues on the manufacturing equipment I work with on a daily basis. If hired for this role, I would be highly trainable in learning common issues with the equipment that I'd be working with."
4. Working on Air New Zealand's cargo operations team will require some basic computer skills. How would you rate your computer skills?
How to Answer
Because work as a Ramp Agent will require you to work on the Air New Zealand computer system and work with baggage scanners, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you will bring some basic computer skills to their team. Talk openly about any experience you have with different software and computer programs in the work you've done in the past. No matter what experience you have, make sure your interviewer walks away from the interview knowing that you have the ability to learn and thrive on any programs that you will work with in this role.
Answer Example
"I consider myself very computer savvy in both my personal and professional life. On the job, I have worked with point of sale programs, inventory tracking systems, and several other online systems in my work. I am very comfortable with learning any new program and can typically do so with ease, to the point of being comfortable flying solo in a matter of a few hours."
5. Would you consider yourself able to work independently with little direction at Air New Zealand?
How to Answer
While Ramp Agents do work as part of a larger Air New Zealand team, the job also requires the ability to work independently with ease and with little direction given by a supervisor. Your interviewer will be looking to hear that you are able to learn quickly on the job and make important decisions on your own. They also look to hear that you know when to communicate important issues back to your supervisor when necessary. While professing your confidence in your ability to work independently, try to come up with a past scenario where you were required to work on your own and talk about your ability in that time to learn quickly, make decisions, and communicate what was necessary to others.
Answer Example
"Because I have been working autonomously for most of my career, I'm very confident in my ability to perform this job independently once trained in the role. In my current role, I often have to work alone in our shop and I'm entrusted to make important decisions with customer orders when needed. If any issues come up during my shift, I make sure to either call my supervisor or leave him a note for the following day, as my times working alone are in the late evening and he works the day shift. My current job has helped me become much more confident in my abilities to perform any job, at any time, with no direct supervision."
6. How can I ensure that you'll bring a strong sense of safety in your work to the Air New Zealand team?
How to Answer
Working on the cargo operations team at Air New Zealand involves being surrounded by many potential safety hazards. The job requires heavy lifting, operating machinery, working with hazardous materials, and working in extreme conditions. Because of this, Air New Zealand has very specific safety policies and procedures for their frontline staff, including the entire cargo operations team. While your interviewer isn't looking for you to know all of the safety protocols of their airline, they will be looking to hear that you are familiar with working under specific safety procedures and that safety is always a top priority for you. As you answer this question, be sure to be very specific when you talk about safety procedures you have followed in previous jobs, and also explain why following those procedures was important.
Answer Example
"In my current position on a road construction crew, safety is always a top priority in my work. The day starts with being dressed in my hi-vis uniform to ensure that motorists we are working around know where we are at any moment. I've been trained on all safety protocols on the equipment that I operate and always put safety first when I am operating any piece of equipment. Some of the equipment that I operate can be deadly if not used properly, and my number one goal every day is that my crew walks off the job safely."
7. Do you have a valid driver's license and a clean driving record?
How to Answer
Working as part of the Air New Zealand cargo operations team will require you to operate cargo carts, tugs, service trucks, and belt loaders. Some pieces of equipment may require you to hold a valid driver's license. Prior to interview, be sure to read the job description on the requirements around holding one. As you answer this question, let your interview know that you do possess a valid license and then be open and honest about your driving record. If you are hired at Air New Zealand, there is a high likelihood that the company will run a background check that includes driving violations, and it is best for your interviewer to learn of any driving violations from you personally during the interview process.
Answer Example
"I do hold a valid New Zealand driver's license and also a class 2 commercial license from my time operating a box truck. I am proud to say that I have never had an at-fault accident, both in my personal time and work time, while driving. Two years ago, I did receive a speeding violation on my personal time that resulted in a simple fine to pay for going 20 kilometers per hour over the posted limit."
8. Have you ever had to work in extreme weather conditions in any of your previous positions?
How to Answer
The cargo team at Air New Zealand is required to work outside during all weather conditions. This can include extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, sleet, and any other conditions. For this question, your interviewer is simply looking to hear that you understand this aspect of the job and that you are confident in your ability to perform under any condition. If you do have direct experience working in varying conditions, be sure to talk about that with your interviewer. If you don't have direct experience, that is fine. Just be sure to instill confidence in your interviewer by talking about how you'll be able to handle the environment Ramp Agents work in.
Answer Example
"First and foremost, I am an avid outdoors enthusiast and enjoy being outside in any condition. I know that working for Air New Zealand will require me to work outside in any weather, and I have been doing this for the last three years in my current job. Whether it is 95 degrees and humid outside or 10 degrees and windy, I have to show up for work each day and be ready to perform. In extreme circumstances, I know to take care of how I dress and prepare for the day to put me in the best position to succeed in the conditions."
9. Working on our cargo operation team comes with some very physical demands. Do you think you are able to handle the physical requirements in this line of work?
How to Answer
Before interviewing or even applying for the cargo operations team at Air New Zealand, it is important for you to know of all the physical requirements of the job. The first major physical requirement of the job is the ability to be on your feet for long hours on the tarmac. The second major physical requirement of the job is the ability to lift heavy objects throughout each work day. Ramp Agents are required to lift cargo and luggage as they load and unload aircraft, and you'll need to have the ability to lift up to 100 pounds. As you answer this question, reiterate to your interviewer that you are aware of and can meet the physical demands on the job. If possible, give examples from prior work where you've worked under similar conditions.
Answer Example
"I am a person who likes to be on their feet all day, and I can really see myself thriving in this job. In my current role, I am required to lift boxes that can weigh as much as 85 pounds and do so with ease. I also operate a large hand jack to move pallets around and am able to do so without any problems. When I applied for this role, I made sure to read all of the physical requirements of the job and am confident in my ability to do them."
10. Tell me about an accomplishment that you are the most proud of.
How to Answer
By giving you the opportunity to brag a little bit about yourself, your interviewer will be ideally looking to hear about an on-the-job accomplishment that you are most proud of during your career. As you prepare for this question, make sure the accomplishment you talk about relates to some aspect of the work as a Ramp Agent, and try to make it clear to your interviewer how this accomplishment will make you a great fit at Air New Zealand. If you are early in your career and can't think of a true work accomplishment, it is okay to focus on your personal life or education to prove your character or work ethic to your interviewer.
Answer Example
"Last year, my supervisor asked me to represent our department and be a part of an organization-wide committee focused on quality improvement. He commended me for my error free work over my three years with the company and knew that I would best represent our department on the committee. I was very honored that my focus on the job was recognized, and I can't say enough how grateful I am for the new learning opportunities I've had as part of this committee. If fortunate enough to join your cargo operations team, I've learned many great quality-related items that I could bring here."
11. What would your previous supervisors say about you and your work ethic?
How to Answer
Here is a question that enables you to talk a bit about your overall work ethic, so be sure to take advantage of this situation to prove your value to Air New Zealand. As you look to answer this question, be sure that you are able to match your work quality to key components of the job and that your answer closely matches what a previous supervisor of yours would actually say. If you submitted references for the position, your interviewer may be contacting them directly to see what they would have to say about your work ethic.
Answer Example
"If you were to contact any of prior supervisors and managers, the key themes they would talk about in my work are my punctuality and my drive each and every day. I pride myself on being on time and finishing tasks promptly, without delay. Also, I always show up for work ready to go to have a successful day on the job no matter what is happening in the outside world or my personal life."
12. Why are you the best candidate to join the Air New Zealand cargo operations team?
How to Answer
Your interviewer is asking this question to give you the chance to give them your top sales pitch on why you are the best candidate for the job. This is your chance to highlight your skills and abilities and how those will transfer to success on the cargo operations team at Air New Zealand. To do this, try to highlight your top two to three skills that closely match the requirements of the job. Prior to the interview, be sure to research the job description in detail and try to focus on the key job duties like teamwork, safety, and working in a fast-paced environment.
Answer Example
"In addition to my top notch work ethic, my experience in operating equipment in a safe and efficient manner and being a true team player, what makes me the best candidate for this role is my desire to learn and grow with Air New Zealand. As a young child, I became very enamored with aviation and being hired for this role would help me fulfill a lifelong dream."
13. How do you foresee yourself working in the very fast-paced environment we have here at Air New Zealand?
How to Answer
Life working for Air New Zealand is very fast paced with no two days the same, and this is especially true for the cargo operations team. As airline travel becomes more popular year after year, Ramp Agents work in the high stress, fast-paced environment where they ensure that baggage is loaded and unloaded so flights can stay on time throughout the day. Your interviewer will be looking to hear that you thrive in a fast-paced environment and you can prove that you do by talking about jobs that you've had in the past that were high stress and fast-paced. If you are able to, try to paint a clear picture of a typical fast-paced day and discuss how you handled working in that environment.
Answer Example
"Already knowing a member of the Air New Zealand team, I am confident that I would thrive in the fast-paced setting of a Ramp Agent. During my career, I've worked both in a large call center and in restaurants, and both of these settings were very fast-paced. As a waiter for a popular restaurant, I was on the move for an entire shift with no time to sit down. Whether taking orders, filling beverages, or cashing out customers, I had to be flexible in my duties and ready to shift on a moment's notice. If hired here, I foresee myself handling the pace of the work really well."
14. What experience do you have, that I can't see on your resume, that you feel prepares you well for work as a Ramp Agent at Air New Zealand?
How to Answer
This question allows you the opportunity to talk about some experience you have that you feel directly applies to being a Ramp Agent and something your interviewer can't tell you have direct experience with by simply looking at your resume. As you prepare for this question, be sure to read over the requirements of the job and try to be unique in your answer to show the diverse set of skills you will bring to the cargo operations team at Air New Zealand.
Answer Example
"In my current job, I am the safety lead for my department, and I haven't called that out on my resume or application for this position. As the safety lead for my team, I am responsible for daily safety checks in our department and providing training for our staff on many safety protocols and procedures. If hired here as a Ramp Agent, I would bring with me a ton of on-the-job safety experience and the willingness to take on any safety-related roles with your team."
15. What time management skills would you bring to the Air New Zealand team?
How to Answer
With this question, your interviewer is looking to hear about the organizational and time management skills you have used on the job in the past to get a feel for how you will fit on the cargo operations team at Air New Zealand. Oftentimes, as a Ramp Agent, the work day gets very hectic with multiple things going on at once, and this question allows your interviewer a look into your mind to see how you handle these types of situations. As you answer this question about your current work, be sure to emphasize the thought processes you use to ensure that the most important tasks get done first, while also ensuring that all necessary items are completed in a timely manner.
Answer Example
"In my current work, I use a calendar to be reminded of upcoming meetings and deadlines, as well as daily/weekly to-do lists that help me prioritize the most urgent duties, as per my superior's requests, to ensure I am on top of things. I review and amend my lists every morning, throughout the day, and in the afternoon before leaving for the day. I fully understand that this job as a Ramp Agent will require a lot of prioritization on the fly, without the help of a handy computer or calculator, and I don't foresee this being any issue after I am trained on the job."
16. Talk about a time you had to work with an especially difficult coworker. How did you handle that with ease?
How to Answer
Working on the cargo team involves working among a large team of individuals. At some point in working as part of the large team at Air New Zealand, there will be conflict between you and a coworker. For this question, your interviewer is looking to hear that you possess solid conflict resolution skills that will help you on this job. In preparation for this interview, think about a time where you had to resolve a conflict with a colleague. As you answer, focus on the interpersonal skills you used to help achieve a positive result for all involved.
Answer Example
"A few years ago, a new colleague was transferred to my team and he had a reputation of not pulling his weight around our company. From the first day working with him, I tried to not let what I had heard about his work ethic cloud my judgment, but it was easy to see over the course of a few days that he simply didn't care enough to keep up his end of the work on our team. Over break one day, I took it upon myself to approach him and talk to him about the work ethic we try to maintain as a team. I used the analogy of one cog being dysfunctional and affecting the entire machine. My approach was personable and professional, while also being very direct. Though it did take some time and some additional conversation from other team members, his work picked up over the course of the coming months, and he remains a very high functioning member of our team today."
17. What do you look for in an employer?
How to Answer
Be sure to review the job posting and the Air New Zealand website/social media pages prior to your interview to familiarize yourself with the organization. Do your best to answer by including something you saw on the job description or website to show you did your due diligence before the interview, and that you are serious about working for this employer specifically. As it specifically relates to Air New Zealand, it is important to know that they are known for their diverse workforce, their strength, determination, and customer focus.
Answer Example
"I am looking for an employer who values its employees and who will give me the opportunity to grow. I also saw on your job posting that Air New Zealand prides itself on the Koru, a symbol of strength and determination. This is exactly the type of environment I wish to work in. Having always been a team player, breaking into the airline industry as a Ramp Agent would be a dream career move for me."
18. Have you ever had to perform record keeping duties on the job in the past?
How to Answer
The cargo operations team at Air New Zealand works to ensure that all cargo and baggage are routed correctly throughout the airport. To make sure that this aspect of the job is handled, accurate documentation of the work is vital. For this question, your interviewer will be looking to hear about any experience that you have in documenting and maintaining records of work that you've performed in the past. As you prepare for your interview, think about any duties that you've had on the job during your career that involved any sort of documenting of information. Then as you answer, be sure to explain why these duties were essential to your work so your interviewer knows that you take the often mundane tasks of record keeping seriously.
Answer Example
"In my current role in manufacturing, I am required to track the pieces that I handle every day using a scanning tool and barcode system. The process of product tracking at our facility is very important in providing key measures on production. When working, I simply need to scan each piece that I'm working with. When we implemented this system a few years ago, it took a few days to fully integrate this into my work processes, and now it is second nature to me."
19. Give an example of a time you had to take a leadership role on the job. What did you learn from that situation that you can bring to the Air New Zealand cargo operations team?
How to Answer
In the team-based environment at Air New Zealand that the cargo team works in, there may be times where you have to take the bull by the horns and be the leader of the team. While your interviewer will be able to see any formal leadership positions you've held during your career, they'll be looking to hear the details of the leadership role that you took and what you learned from that experience that will be beneficial to their team. If you don't have any formal leadership experience on your resume, there is no need to fret. Prior to your interview, think about times where you've taken the lead on the job and discuss those in detail.
Answer Example
"In my current role, I was tasked a couple of years ago to lead a team on offsite projects that come up once in a while. My supervisor saw my ability to think on my feet and delegate duties to my team as a great sign that I was ready for this challenge and when asked if I would, I graciously said yes. If I were to become a Ramp Agent, I feel very confident in my ability to give direction to others, if it became necessary. My current experience would fare well for me because I've learned how to do this confidently and with class."
20. Working as a Ramp Agent will require you to work any shift on any day of the year. Can you work weekends and holidays in this role?
How to Answer
Before you even apply with Air New Zealand, you need to be aware that the job requires you to work shifts that include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Air New Zealand operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year, and the cargo team is expected to be on the job at every moment. If this question comes up during your interview, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you have the availability to work all required hours of the position. As you answer, talk about your flexibility on the job and how it relates to your personal life. If you do have any time commitments outside of work, be sure to be open and honest with your interviewer about any conflicts that you may have, while making it clear that you are able to handle the basic availability requirements.
Answer Example
"I am fully aware of the hours requirement for this role and am able to commit to day, evening, night, weekend, and holiday hours. In my personal time, I do have a commitment to a football league. But, if needed, I can always find a player to fill in for me if I'm scheduled to work during game nights."
21. How would you rate your communication skills, and why do you feel these skills are important for our cargo operations team at Air New Zealand?
How to Answer
Ramp Agents are required to communicate in an effective way with all staff at Air New Zealand to ensure that cargo and baggage is handled with accuracy and timeliness. Because most of the work of the cargo team is done away from a computer, make sure to focus on your verbal communication skills and listening skills the most, as they are most often used in this role. As you answer, talk about the importance of communication when working as part of a larger team and talk about times that this has been important in the work that you have done in the past.
Answer Example
"I pride myself on my great communication skills and would rate my ability to communicate as excellent. Throughout my career, my jobs have required verbal communication skills in a fast-paced team environment. I am a firm believer in over communicating in a fast-paced setting because the work duties and landscape are always changing. I am an active listener who can change directions on a moment's notice, as new things come to light on the job."