Selection process

Advertising

Council will advertise all external vacancies on the Council website as well as other media, depending on the position, which usually include the Local Newspapers and Job Websites (e.g. MyCareer and SEEK). All applications must be submitted to Council by Close of Business on the closing date stated in the advertisement.

Applications/shortlisting

Short listing for interviews will be determined by how well you satisfy the Selection Criteria. Applicants should be aware that short-listing can occur at any stage from the time applications close.

If your application does not address each of the selection criteria it is unlikely that you will be ‘short-listed’ for interview. Often numerous applications are received for positions and the shortlist of applicants produced by the selection panel will comprise those applicants whose written applications best match the requirements of the position as indicated in your response addressing the Selection Criteria

If you are short-listed you will be contacted by telephone to arrange an interview. If you have not been contacted within 4 weeks of the closing date please assume that your application has not been successful, however all unsuccessful applicants will receive written notification at the end of the recruitment process.

Interviews

During the interview you will have the opportunity to explain or clarify information provided in your application. The interviewees will be asked a series of pre-determined questions based upon the Selection Criteria and behavioural interviewing techniques. The interview will also be interactive, and questions, in addition to the pre-determined ones, may be asked by the selection panel members as they explore issues raised by the various responses of interviewees. The interview will usually take between 30 to 60 minutes. It is suggested that at the interview you should:

Be straightforward and honest
Listen carefully and ask for clarification where necessary
Present yourself in a positive manner
Volunteer or present information/documentation to support your case
Provide specific or concrete examples which demonstrate your ability to satisfy each of the Selection Criterion
Keep to the point, i.e. avoid the temptation to over elaborate

If you are selected for interview it will be necessary to bring evidence of your qualifications with you, i.e. originals or certified copies.

At interview stage, Council will require you to prove that you are an Australian citizen or have the right to work in Australia. You can do this by producing originals of any one of the following documents.

NSW Drivers Licence;
Australian Birth Certificate;
Australian or New Zealand passport;
Australian Citizenship Certificate;
Visa showing permanent resident status;
Temporary visa with entitlement to work.

Please note that Council does not reimburse applicants for interview expenses unless specifically indicated.

Other selection techniques

The selection panel may choose additional selection techniques that can be used in the selection process. The other selection techniques that may be used are work samples, case scenarios and competency testing.

References

You should include the name of two referees in your application. For those applicants currently in the workforce, it is preferable that one of the referees is a present or past supervisor. Permission will be sought at interview to contact nominated referees so that current employment is not jeopardised. Please ensure you have asked each referee for their permission to act as your reference before we contact them.

Child related employment

Employment screening will be conducted for people seeking employment in paid child related employment. Relevant criminal history, apprehended violence orders and prior employment checks, including related disciplinary proceedings, will be conducted on recommended applicants.

Health and functional assessment

You will be required to have a pre-employment health and functional assessment to substantiate your ability to carry out the job for which you are applying.

Drug and alcohol testing

Council has a Drug & Alcohol Policy in place. All new employees, when attending a pre-employment health and functional assessment, will be required to undertake drug and alcohol testing.

Appointment/post selection feedback

Applicants will be advised in writing of the outcome of the selection process. Upon request, you can obtain post-selection feedback about your performance in relation to the Selection Criteria. A feedback session is your opportunity to listen rather than to debate the panel’s findings.

Probationary periods

If you are successful in your application you will be placed on a probationary period. During that time you will be given feedback on your work performance. If your performance has been satisfactory your appointment will be confirmed after 3 months.

Should you require any further information please contact the Human Resources Section on telephone (02) 6549 3729

This page last updated 18 November, 2009 11:01 AM