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Careers in Local Government - General Recruitment Advice
Careers in Local Government
General Recruitment Advice
The following information is provided as a guide only.
Recruitment Process
- Telephone, write to or email the council for an application form.
- You will receive an application form, a job description, a person specification, selection criteria and often general information about the local government and surrounding area.
- Fill in the application form, address the selection criteria and send back before the closing date.
- Applications are matched against the essential requirements and are then short listed.
- Short listed applicants are invited for an interview.
- Referees may be contacted.
- Candidates are informed as to whether they have been successful or not.
- The successful candidate will receive a contract of employment for signing.
Information and Advice
Closing date - Check the closing date for applications to ensure that your application is submitted within the time specified. Applications received after the specified time will not be accepted.
Enquiries - If you would like to find out more about the vacant position, you can contact the person whose name is included in the advertisement.
Preparing Your Application - Your application should contain the following:
- An Application for Advertised Vacancy Form if applicable.
- Personal details including name, address and telephone number.
- A summary of your work history starting with the most recent position.
- Your education and training achievements (be sure to include current commitments).
- Any activities you have undertaken outside of work, which are relevant to the application.
Addressing the Selection Criteria - The selection criteria specifies the minimum education, demonstrated abilities and applied knowledge required for the position. When preparing your statement:
- Treat each selection criteria separately with at least one paragraph (usually less than a page) statement against each of the criterion.
- Describe how your experience relates to the selection criteria.
- Describe or list events/projects where you have used the required skills and knowledge. You may even wish to provide details of the outcome of your actions and any feedback, which you have received.
- Where appropriate, relate the skills you have used in obtaining tertiary or other qualifications to individual selection criteria.
Referees – Always list three recent and relevant referees. Provide names, work addresses and telephone numbers of referees. Only referees who are able to comment on your work experience should be included.
General Preparation of Application Advice - Always type applications and staple in the top left hand corner. Do not put applications in binders or plastic sleeves.
The Interview - A selection panel, usually comprising three people, will consider each application and then determine a short-list for interview. Selection for interview is based on an applicant’s ability to demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria.
Preparing for the Interview - To help the selection panel and assist you in preparing for the interview, think about the following:
- The Job Description Form (list of duties) will provide you with the main duties of the position. You can contact the person nominated in the advertisement if additional information is required.
- Obtain a copy of the Local Governments’ Annual Report and visit the local governments website
to familiarise yourself with its role and responsibilities.
- Focus on the selection criteria and think of examples of work situations where you applied the relevant skills and knowledge.
- Bring examples of your work, which demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
- Take a copy of your completed application to the interview for reference.
If you are selected for an interview you will be advised of the details several days before the interview. Interviews usually last 30 minutes to an hour.
At the Interview – Some tips and advice for when you are at the interview.
- Do not assume that any of the panel members know about your suitability for the job, even though you may have worked with one or more of them, or have had previous experience in the position for which you have applied.
- Take your time to answer each question. A well-constructed answer presented clearly and concisely will enhance your interview performance.
- Feel free to ask questions when given the opportunity.
- Panel members will make notes based on your replies during the interview. This is normal practice so try to treat it as part of the process. These notes are invaluable to the panel in making their final decision.
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Careers in Local Government
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