Hawkesbury City Council > Council > Positions Vacant > A Guide to Applying for Jobs at Hawkesbury City Council

A Guide to Applying for Jobs at Hawkesbury City Council

A guide to applying for jobs at Hawkesbury City Council

The information made available in this brochure is designed to assist you in applying for a job vacancy with Council. As there are a number of steps involved in preparing your application, this brochure will step you through the procedure while also providing you with an overview about our selection process.

We look forward to receiving your application.

How to Apply

Positions vacant are advertised through various media. They include the local press (Hawkesbury Courier), Sydney Morning Herald and electronic job websites (SEEK etc).  Positions vacant are also advertised on Council website.

Your Application

So that you give yourself the best possible opportunity with your application, it is recommended that you include the following components:-

Job Application

If applying by mail

You will need to complete the Job Application Form.

If applying online

By choosing apply now from the bottom of the position advertised, you will be taken to an online form which you need to complete and upload relevant files including your resume, covering letter, statement against the selection criteria and any other relevant information.

Covering Letter

A covering letter should also be included which concisely highlights your qualifications, skills and experience and why you believe you are the best applicant for the position.

Resume

A resume containing a list of your academic qualifications and training certificates/licences together with a summary of your previous employment, including positions held, period of employment. A brief description of duties performed should also be included.

Statement Against the Selection Criteria

As an applicant it is your responsibility to demonstrate to the selection panel how you meet the selection criteria. The selection criteria is outlined in the Person Specification section of the Position Specification and Performance Agreement (position description).

As your application may be one of many the panel has to review, make your responses clear, concise and relevant to the criteria identified. Unless directly relevant to the person specification criteria it is not usually necessary to include samples of work or lengthy descriptions of projects you have undertaken with your application. These may however, be taken to the interview if you believe they would enhance your application.  Applicants who do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position.

Overseas qualifications

If you have qualifications from overseas you are encouraged to attach a copy of an assessment of your qualifications by the Australian Education International - National Office of Oversees Skills Recognition (AFI-NOOSR) to your application. This assessment provides advice on the educational level of an overseas qualification compared to the educational level of an Australian qualification on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). You can obtain more information about this assessment service by checking the website at www.aei.dest.gov.au or by phoning 1300 363 079.

Referees

You will need to provide the names, position titles and contact details of at least two referees who have direct knowledge of your capacity to perform the duties outlined in the position description.

Please do not

  • Be long winded or pad your application with irrelevant information.

  • Overstate your case

  • Include original documents, eg references certificates etc

  • Forward your application in presentation folders, other bound folders or plastic sleeves

Recruitment Process

Applications will be acknowledged on receipt. If you are short-listed for an interview you will be contacted by telephone to arrange an interview. If you have not been contacted within 6-8 weeks of the closing date please assume that your application has not been successful as no further correspondence will be sent.

Short-listing Applications

After the closing date, a selection panel will consider all applications in accordance with the selection criteria as outlined in the Position Specification and Performance Agreement. Based on written applications, all applicants will be ranked in order against the selection criteria and a short-list of applicants compiled.

Interview

We aim to give all applicants called for an interview approximately three days notice. You will be contacted by telephone regarding an interview date, time and location of the interview. You will also be advised if you are required to provide any documentation to support evidence of your work and of any additional practical skills and knowledge based exercises (eg computer skills testing).

If you have any special requirements that we will need to accommodate for the interview, please advise us at this stage so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Pre-Employment Medical Assessment

Council requires pre-employment medical assessments for all prospective employees for the purpose of ascertaining whether they are physically fit for and suitable to carry out the function of the proposed position. If you are asked to attend a pre-employment medical, it does not necessarily ensure that you will be offered the job. Council's nominated Doctor will conduct the medical at Council's expense.

Working with Children Check

Where a position has been identified as a child-related position, employment screening will be conducted to ensure the suitability of the recommended applicant to work with children.

When will I be notified of the Outcome

Once the interviews have been completed, all interviewed applicants will be advised by telephone of the outcome. This would usually occur within 7-14 days of the interview.

Internal Applicants

Please ensure that you follow the guidelines outlined in this brochure.

Multiple Applications

If you are applying for more than one position with Council you will need to submit a separate application for each position. This is because the selection criteria for each position will be different.

Additionally, Council does not retain your application for future positions vacant. If a vacancy is advertised again in the future it is necessary that you reapply for the position.

Equal Opportunity (EEO) and the Merit Principle

Council is an equal opportunity employer. The principles of EEO will ensure that all present or potential employees are treated equitably and fairly, regardless of their race; age; sex; marital status; religion; political beliefs; homosexuality or disability.

When determining who has the greatest merit for appointment to a position, the following factors are considered:-

  • The nature of the duties of the position;

  • Your skills, qualifications, experience and personal qualities that are relevant to the performance of those duties.

Applications should be addressed to:-

The General Manager
Hawkesbury City Council
PO Box 146
WINDSOR NSW 2756

Applications may also be forwarded by fax or email:-
Fax: 02 4560 4400
Email: council@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au

Late Applications

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their application is received by the closing date shown in the advertisement. Applications received after this date, whether by fax, email, post or hand delivered, will not be considered.

Enquiries

Should you have any enquiries about a vacancy or the status of the selection process please, contact Jane Nolan, Human Resources Officer on 4560 4499 or Kerrie Watterson, Human Resources Manager on 4560 4412.

Thank you for your interest in working with Hawkesbury City Council.

© Hawkesbury City Council 2009