Thank you for your enquiry regarding a position advertised by Shellharbour City Council. We are an equal opportunity employer and use merit-based selection techniques. Please read these notes carefully as they are designed to help you understand our selection process and to put forward your best case for appointment. We will choose the applicant who best meets the selection criteria for the position. You will find these selection criteria in the advertisement.
Position Description
Before a position is advertised, Council staff analyse the requirments of that position. They then develop a list of duties and the selection criteria (qualities to perform the job). This information is used in the Position Description. If you require further information on the position, a contact is listed in the advertisement.
Our aim is to select the best person for the job based on the selection criteria. We do this by examining how well your knowledge, skills and abilities meet each of the selection criteria in the Advertisement. A panel of people (usually 3) selects the successful applicant. As the first stage of the selection process is based on your written application, it is important that you provide the panel with information that shows how you satisfy the selection criteria.
Your Application
Although there is no right or wrong way to set out your written application, it's very important that you address EACH SELECTION CRITERION.
To be considered for the position, you must meet ALL essential criteria.
Whether you are invited for an interview will depend on how well your knowledge, skills and abilities meet the selection criteria. Write your application so that the selection panel can clearly see how you fulfill each of these criteria.
Make sure you include the following :
- Statements that fully describe how you consider yourself suitable against each of the selection criterion. Don't simply state that you meet the selection criteria, but give examples or evidence that demonstrates how you have met them, Maybe you have skills, ability or knowledge in areas relevant to the selection criteria but these have been developed outside the workplace. If so, you should include evidence of your capacity to meet the criteria, eg leadership, organising, coordinating role in a community group etc.
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume containing contact information (full name address and telephone contact number) and a summary of your work experience. The summary should include where you have worked, position held, period of employment and brief details of duties performed.
- The names, position titles, addresses and telephone numbers of at least two referees who could provide comments against the selection criteria.
- Any other relevant information.
In your application you should :
- Give complete information. Remember your application is a tool to sell yourself and is the first step in gaining an interview. Supply as much detail as you need to fully explain your capabilities.
- Be clear and concise;
- Be positive in the language you use. If you have been responsible for something, use active language (eg I implemented...) rather than passive language (eg A system was implemented...) or plural (eg We implemented...)
- Supply examples and figures to support your case (eg numbers of staff supervised; examples of suggestions that have been implemented, etc).
Please don't :
- Be long winded or 'pad' your application with irrelevant information.
- Overstate your case. As part of the selection process, the panel may contact your referees to follow up on your information.
- Include original documents, eg references/certificates, etc.
Above all, remember that the selection process is competitive. Ensure that your application addresses the selection criteria, is well presented and clear. Please ensure that your application and attachments are securely held together.
Address your application to:
The General Manager
Shellharbour City Council
PO Box 155
SHELLHARBOUR CITY CENTRE 2529
Or e-mail your application to:
jobs@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au
(E-mail attachments should only be in Microsoft Word or Adobe)
Please note :
- You must clearly identify the Position Title as quoted in the advertisement.
- We will send you an acknowledgement letter to confirm we have received your application.
- Applications will only be excluded for reasons, which directly relate to the selection criteria.
Late Applications
You are responsible for ensuring you meet the closing date. The closing date appears in each position vacant advertisement.
Applications postmarked or e-mailed prior to the closing date will be accepted within two working days of the closing date. Applications received after this time will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. In any case, late applications will only be considered up to the close of short listing and the selection panel will assess each late application on its merits and the panel's decision will be final.
The Interview
The selection panel will try to meet any special requirements you may have to be able to attend the interview. Examples of special requirements may include access or communication assistance. Please inform the Human Resources Manager telephone 02 4221 6037.
All interviewees will be asked the same set of questions. These questions will have been developed by the selection panel to assess how well you match the selection criteria. Mostly you will be asked behavioural questions. These require you to give examples of how you have handled certain situations in the past. We suggest that you might be asked and also to specify examples of situations that directly reflect your capabilities.
In some circumstances, you may be asked to provide examples of previous work. Appropriate tests, structured group and individual exercises may also be elements of the selection process.
Reference Checks
These are carried out only for the interviewee(s) with the strongest overall performances at interview. Where possible, the selection panel will obtain this information from either your present or most recent referees.
Working With Children Check
Where a position has been identified as child-related, relevant criminal history, Apprehended Violence Orders and prior employment checks, including relevant disciplinary proceedings, will be conducted on recommended applicants.
Pre Employment Medical
Short listed applicants will be contacted by telephone and requested to attend a pre employment medical at Council's expense.
Notification of Appointment
If you're successful, you'll be notified as soon as the final selection decision is made. All other interviewed candidates will be advised of the decision within 14 working days of the selection decision.
Conclusion
We hope you find this information useful in preparing your application. However, if you need more information or clarification on any part of this information, please phone the contact listed in the advertisement.
Good luck with your application!
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