How to Apply

Member of the Water and Sewer team in 2023. Photo by V Watson.
 
1. Apply online

The first step in Council's recruitment process is to complete an online application.

Your online application should provide information about your professional and educational background to demonstrate that you meet the requirements for the role.

It is important that applicants take the time to read the position description carefully and are able to demonstrate their experience and skills match what is required for the role.

Applicants must submit a current resume and responses to the Essential and Desirable Criteria – more information about these documents can be found below.

2. We create an applicant shortlist after assessing all applications

Once your application is received, our selection panel will assess all applications against the selection criteria and decide who will progress through to interview. 

3. Interview

If you are selected for interview, Council will advise you by phone of the date, time and location of the interview. You will be informed if you need to provide documentation or evidence of your work and if additional practical exercises will be conducted. Please advise us if you have any special requirements (e.g. accessible parking space, wheelchair access) so we can make appropriate arrangements.

Our selection panels will include a convenor, a subject matter expert, and other staff members that work as a team to recommend the most suitable person for the position.

Interview questions are based on the selection criteria advertised for the position. During the interview, the panel will seek to identify your strengths and weaknesses for the role.

There will always be an interview panel.

There are some key elements to understand when preparing for an interview with Council.

Our interviews are generally formal in structure and process. 

We use the Situation, Action, Outcome (SAO) method when asking interview questions.

  • Situation: example, or problem the candidate experienced
  • Action the candidate took in response to the event or situation
  • Outcome (outcome or effect) of the actions the candidate took
4. Reference checks

Your referees will be asked questions based on the selection criteria to confirm your application and interview responses. 

5. Pre-Employment checks

In line with Council policy, preferred candidates will be required to complete an Applicant Medical Declaration or or participate in a medical assessment.

Depending on the essential requirements of the role you apply for, you may also be required to provide a valid Working with Children Check.

6. Recommendation

The selection panel will carefully evaluate the applications, responses provided at interviews, reference checks and any practical exercises undertaken to makea recommendation to the decision maker.

Council will then contact the successful candidate to arrange a starting date.

How to write a resume

Your resume provides additional information for the selection panel.

Remember to include details about your education and recent employment. Applicants are required to attach copies of education credentials or licenses as part of their application.

If a qualification has been obtained overseas, a copy of an assessment of the qualifications by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR). This assessment advises on the educational level of an overseas qualification compared to the educational level of an Australian qualification on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Applications may not be considered without this assessment.

Employment history

Your application should include your work history (including period of employment, position and organisation) in chronological order, starting with your most recent position.

Referees

Include at least two recent, work-related referees listing their names, position titles, daytime contact telephone numbers and email addresses.

We recommend notifying your referees of the position you are seeking to prepare them to speak on your behalf.

Referees will be contacted if the panel determine to progress your application to the next stage after interview.

Cover letter

This should include a brief overview of your interest in the position. Include your contact details with a daytime phone number and the position title for the role you are applying for.

Selection criteria

Applications must address how applicants demonstrate abilities to meet the Essential Criteria detailed within the position description.

1. Essential Criteria

These are the qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience an applicant must possess in order to do the job.

An applicant will need to clearly demonstrate how they meet each of the Essential Criteria in order for their application to progress.

It is not necessary to meet all of the desirable criteria in order to apply for a position or for your application to progress.

People with disability

Should I identify as having a disability in my application?

It is your choice as to whether you make the decision to disclose your disability at this point of the application process. If you decide to, you may wish to discuss possibilities for work-related adjustments in your covering letter.

Can I make a request for adjustments for the interview?

Yes, you can make requests for adjustments for the interview.

Council will ensure that people with a disability have equal access and opportunity in the recruitment process. Requests for adjustments are subject to meeting inherent requirements and where the request does not place an unjustifiable hardship on the employer.

If you are chosen for an interview, you may be contacted by phone or email. This is the time to say whether you need anything to assist you at the interview, for example if you need:

  • wheelchair access into or around the building
  • an Auslan interpreter
  • to review pre-interview information and questions on a digital device

Can I make requests for workplace adjustments once I've been offered a position?

Yes. You can make requests for workplace adjustments once you have been offered a position. Your request may include adjusting the work environment and/or adjusting the job tasks.

You do not have to disclose your disability during the application process. However, you could discuss your disability at the interview. For example, you may give examples of how in previous workplaces your disability was not a factor in achieving outcomes within your role/ Or, you may want to briefly discuss how the job could be adjusted to allow for your disability.

Examples are:

  • equipment which will allow you to perform the job with greater efficiency
  • modification of tasks that are not inherently required of the position
  • altering the physical layout of the work area

These matters cannot be finalised at the interview. They will be negotiated in detail with you if you are the successful applicant.

If you have any questions, or would like to discuss any adjustments, please contact Council’s People & Culture team on  02 4868 0888.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our recruitment process

What is the standard recruitment process for positions at Wingecarribee Shire Council? 

Our recruitment process will vary for each role. Typically, the recruitment officer will review your resume and responses to the criteria for the role. If you meet these criteria, you may be asked to complete a phone interview and/or an online assessment if applicable to the position.

From there, you will either attend an interview to assess your knowledge and cultural value add. If you a preferred applicant, you may need to complete background checks before receiving an offer.

 

How long will the recruitment process take?

The recruitment process can vary; however we’ll keep you informed about your progress as much as possible.

 

How long after submitting my application will I hear from you?

We aim to respond to all applicants as quickly as possible.

Once you’ve applied for a role you will receive an automated response confirming that we have received your application. You should receive a response from the recruitment officer within 10 working days of the position closing.

 
Submitting your application

How do I apply for a position I have seen advertised?

All candidates must submit their application online.

An application must be completed with relevant personal details, education and employment history with a copy of their current resume, qualifications/licence and responses to the selection criteria as detailed in the position description associated with the advertisement.

Applicants who have applied for a position with Council before, can use the login details they created to access their profile.

What do I do if I have forgotten my password?

Enter in your valid email address and click 'forgot password'.

An email with a link and code will be automatically generated so you can reset your password

How do I know that my application has been received?

Within 24 to 48 hours of applying for a role, you will receive an automated system generated email confirming receipt of your application. Please check your junk mail if an email hasn’t been received within 48 hours.

I am having trouble uploading my application. What do I do?

Call our People & Culture team on 02 4868 0888 who can assist you with the online application system.  

 

I have submitted an application online. What happens next?

The interview panel chairperson and selection panel will carefully review your application and will be in contact with you in due course regarding your suitability for the role that you have applied for.

Should I write a cover letter or is my resume enough?

If you feel that you would like to give some additional information to what is on your resume, you are welcome to submit a covering letter, however, it’s not mandatory.

Will I need to provide my university transcript, copies of any qualifications or licences at any point?

If this is detailed as an essential criteria, applicants must provide evidence of qualifications or licences.

How long will my personal details and application be kept on file?

In accordance with the privacy declaration that you signed prior to registering, your details will be kept on file indefinitely. 

I am interested in more than one position, should I apply for them all?

Applicants are encouraged to apply for positions that appeal to their skill and qualifications. It is important that applicants check that they can demonstrate their ability to meet the eligibility criteria for each position being applied for.

 
Interviews

Is there parking available when I come for interview?

It depends on where you are being interviewed. The Civic Centre  has timed parking in front of the main building. Alternative parking is available directly across the road, and also at the local shops.

Other sites across council have limited visitor parking spaces, it is important to check where to park when confirming an interview date/time.

I am coming in for an interview. What should I wear?

It is recommended that you wear appropriate clothing suitable to the position being applied for. For example, business attire for office-based roles.

How many interviews can I expect?

Generally, Council convenes one interview per position, however for senior roles within the organisation there may be a requirement for additional interviews or formal meetings with key personnel.

What type of interview should I prepare for?

The recruitment officer will provide information on what to expect at interview and provide applicants the necessary time to prepare before an interview.

Most interviews involve meeting with a panel of Council staff and answering a range of questions related to the position's selection criteria.

If I am running late or cannot attend an interview who do I notify and how?

Call or email the recruitment officer you have been dealing with.

If you cannot get hold of them, please call Council’s Human Resources team on 02 4868 0888.

I have been asked to attend a Teams or phone interview. What should I do to prepare?

We recommend you do a run-through of all of your technology – make sure you can access your Microsoft Teams account, your internet connection is working, and all of your devices are charged.

Make sure you are also able to access your emails as you may receive interview questions to review prior to your interview starting.

I was unsuccessful at interview or assessment centre stage. How long until I can re-apply for another role?

You can apply immediately. Generally, we recommend that you consider the feedback you received before you re-apply.

 
Background checks

Who are the ideal referees I should provide?

We ask that all applicants provide two (2) professional references – it is preferable that they are managers or supervisors that you have worked for. 

I need to obtain a Working with Children Check as part of my application. What's involved in this process?

All information about obtaining a NSW Working with Children Check can be found on the website of the Office of Children’s Guardian - www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au

Please check with the recruitment officer if you require an Employee or Volunteer Check.

 
Other questions

I'm going on leave shortly after I apply. Can I note this somewhere?

If you are going away on leave, we encourage you to provide this information as part of your application.

You can also provide alternate contact details to the interview panel chairperson at the time of your interview.

How do you treat my personal information and is it safe?

Any personal information submitted to Wingecarribee Shire Council will be dealt with according to the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act (1998), Government Information Public Access Act (2009) and the Local Government Act (1993).

Council will not use personal information for a purpose other than that for which it is collected.

What is the fastest way I can contact you?

Call or email the hiring manager or Council’s People & Culture team on 02 4868 0888.

 

Do you offer sponsorship for overseas candidates?

Wingecarribee Shire Council does not offer sponsorship to overseas candidates.

I have a question that isn’t listed here – who can I talk to?

Contact our People & Culture team by phone on 02 4868 0888 or by email at careers@wsc.nsw.gov.au.