Positions Vacant Procedures
Before applying for a position with Central Darling Shire Council, it is suggested you read the following information.
Guide to applying for a position with Central Darling Shire Council
Thank you for your interest in employment opportunities with Central Darling Shire Council. We would like to encourage you to apply for our vacant position.
Central Darling Shire's Mission Statement states we aim to "Promote the Central Darling Shire area by encouraging development through effective leadership, community involvement and facilitation of services".
The purpose of this guide is to provide you with practical assistance in preparing your application for employment. Please read these notes carefully as they are designed to help you understand Central Darling Shire Council's selection process and to put forward your best case for appointment.
Position description
Before a position is advertised, the requirements of the role are analysed and a position description developed. It is important that you obtain this document as it outlines the key responsibilities and skills required for the position as well as the required essential and desirable selection criteria.
The position description and further information about living and working in Central Darling Shire is available upon request to the contact officer, by telephone on (08) 8083 8900 or email council@centraldarling.nsw.gov.au. Please ensure you leave your name, address, and the position title, we will then post or email you a copy of the position description.
The advertisement
The media advertisement is a brief summary of the position designed to gain your initial attention.
If you would like to discuss any of the information contained within the advertisement you are welcome to telephone the contact officer.
Making an application
To maximise your chance of obtaining an interview for the position you must submit:
- A brief covering letter, (preferably typed).
- A statement addressing the listed essential and desirable criteria, (read further for more information on addressing selection criteria).
- A resume detailing your relevant employment, education and training history.
- Copies of any relevant qualifications (such as certificates and licences).
Please do not attach original documents.
Selection criteria
Be sure you read the advertisement, position description and selection criteria thoroughly. Addressing the selection criteria is your responsibility and an important part of your application. To maximise your chance of obtaining an interview you must explain and demonstrate how you meet each of the essential and desirable selection criteria.
The best way to set out your 'Statement of Criteria' is to make a separate heading for each selection criteria and then clearly describe how you meet them through your qualifications, knowledge, skills, abilities and relevant work experience by providing demonstrated examples. Do not simply state that you meet the selection criteria.
Our selection process is based on an assessment of merit, so when you put your application together, remember that all applications are assessed against the selection criteria using only the information supplied by you. Please try to keep your responses to no more than half a page per criteria.
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 essential and desirable criteria for each position will be different. Additionally, Council does not retain your application for future position vacancies.
- Proof read your application prior to submitting; make sure all criteria is addressed.
- Include the position title on your covering letter.
- Ensure your referees have a good knowledge of your work performance and that you have current contact numbers for your referees. It is a good idea to let them know you have included them on your application.
- Ensure your contact details are correct and it is best to supply two telephone numbers.
- Sign and date your covering letter.
- Send the application so it will reach Council before 4:00 pm on the specified closing date.
- Do not submit your application in any form of plastic cover or folder, staple your documents in the top left hand corner.
- Please ensure you only include copies of certificates or references - no originals.
Submitting your application
Applications can be posted to:
The General Manager
Central Darling Shire Council
PO Box 165
Wilcannia, NSW, 2836
e-mailed: hr@centraldarling.nsw.gov.au
Please ensure all relevant attachments are sent with your e-mail.
Late applications
Applicants are responsible for ensuring they meet the closing date. The closing date appears in each position vacant advertisement. Applications received after the closing date will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances and the onus of proof regarding reasons why the closing date was not met will be on the applicant.
Receipt of applications
We will acknowledge your application by letter or e-mail within two working days of the closing date.
Selection and interview
Central Darling Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer and uses merit-based selection techniques. Our aim is to complete shortlisting of applications within two weeks of the closing date of the advertisement. You will be contacted by telephone or email if you are to attend an interview.
Should you have any special requirement(s) to attend the interview, (ie disabled access or communication assistance), please inform Council by telephoning (08) 8083 8900.
Our selection processes are based on an assessment of the relative merit of each candidate. We do this by examining how well your knowledge, skills and abilities meet each of the selection criteria.
A panel of a minimum of three people conduct the selection and interviewing process. The panel usually includes the Manager or Team Leader from the appropriate section, an independent (usually a Human Resource representative) and another person who can possibly contribute to the selection process based on their knowledge of the work area.
We suggest you give some thought to the type of questions you might expect to be asked at the interview and also to your answers. Please bring originals of relevant licences and qualifications to the interview so that they can be sighted.
All interviewees will be asked the same set of questions. The selection panel will ask questions related to the job description and the selection criteria. Relax and listen to the questions. Do not rush your answers, take your time to gather your thoughts. If you are unsure of a question, do not hesitate to seek clarification from the selection panel before responding. Remember the questions directly relate to the criteria so focus your answers to the position description and the selection criteria.
Do not assume the selection panel knows what is in your mind. You are responsible for classifying the strength of your skills, knowledge and experience so that the selection panel can easily assess your claims.
If you are granted an interview and would like to organise a viewing of the workplace you are welcome to discuss this with the interview panel.
After the interview
The panel assesses the interviews based on which interviewees best meet the selection criteria in terms of their strengths and weaknesses demonstrated on both the application and during the interview. The panel will then proceed to the next stage of pre-employment selection.
Pre-employment selection methods
A number of separate selection techniques may be used to gather information in regard to your suitability for the position. The main sources used are your application, structured interview, referee reports and pre-employment medical examination.
- Reference Checking: Referee checks are carried out for the interviewees with the strongest overall performances at interview. The selection panel will obtain this information from your nominated referees.
- Pre-employment Medical: Applicants must be prepared to undergo a pre-employment medical in accordance with Council's Occupational Health and Safety Policy. All preferred applicants will be contacted to attend a pre-employment medical at Council's expense. An appointment date and time will be given for you to preferably attend an appointment at the Wilcannia Hospital.
- The pre-employment health assessment measures your ability to perform the required tasks of the role and for base line information for future reference. Preferred applicants for some selected positions must be willing to undertake audiometric testing and complete a course of vaccinations or demonstrate immunity.
- Working with Children Check: Commission for Children and Young People Act 1998 and the Child Protection (Offenders Registration) Act 2000, requires people working in, or seeking to work in, child-related employment to complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration stating whether they are a prohibited person.
The Working with Children Check is conducted confidentially with the NSW Commission for Children and Young People. Further information can be obtained from the NSW Commission for Children and Young People website.
Finally, thank you for your interest in our organisation. We hope you have found this information package helpful and look forward to reading your application.
Contact:
Phone: 08 8083 8900
Fax: 08 8091 5994
Email: council@centraldarling.nsw.gov.au
