Frequently asked employment questions

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Frequently asked questions

How can I get a copy of the Position Description and Selection Criteria?

You can download them from our Positions Vacant section.

How do I apply for temporary or casual work at Council?

Some casual/temporary positions are advertised, others are sourced via an employment agency. You may apply for any advertised casual/temporary positions which appear on our website.

Will you consider applications that don't address the Selection Criteria?

Yes, however applicants who address the Selection Criteria often provide information which is more relevant to the role and can help them in demonstrating their suitability for the position. Viewing the Selection Criteria will also help you determine if the role is suitable for you.

How do you decide who to choose for an interview?

The selection panel will assess each application against the selection criteria outlined in the advertisement. Candidates who respond to and meet the essential criteria are more likely to be selected for interview. Where the candidates are difficult to shortlist, the panel will look at how well candidates have met the desirable criteria to help them to make a decision.

Do you ever interview people who don't meet all the essential criteria?

Yes. There will be times when none or very few of the applicants meet all the essential criteria. In this case, it will depend on which essential criteria are not met.

Do you always interview everyone who meets all the essential criteria?

No. If there are a lot of people who meet the essential criteria, those shortlisting will give preference to those who meet the desirable criteria as well, or those who meet the essential criteria more strongly than others.

I live interstate. Can I still apply?

Yes. If you are selected for an interview, Council can conduct a phone interview with you in the first instance.

It's been over two weeks since the closing date and I haven't heard from anybody at Council. What has happened?

It can take between 1-4 weeks for the applications to be shortlisted and applicants called for an interview. Generally if you have not been contacted after 4 weeks, you have been unsuccessful. Candidates who have been unsuccessful for the role are notified after the recruitment process has been completed and the position filled.

It has been over a week since my interview, and I haven't heard from anybody at Council. What has happened?

Reference checks are conducted after an interview for the preferred applicants, as well as a pre-employment medical. Council will not contact unsuccessful applicants until these have been undertaken and the successful applicant has accepted the role. This can take 1-2 weeks.

Can I receive feedback if my application is unsuccessful?

Yes you may. You can contact Human Resources on 9391 7036 if you seek feedback.

Are internal candidates given more preference for vacancies?

No. Council makes merit based employment decisions, which means that the most suitable candidates are chosen on the basis of the skills and experience they demonstrate throughout the recruitment process. There have been many instances where external candidates have been successful in roles where internal employees have applied.

Do you accept unsolicited applications?

No, we do not accept unsolicited applications. Applications must be for a specific position that we are currently advertising.

Do you accept late applications?

Generally, no. If there is an exceptional reason why you cannot get your application in on time, contact Human Resources before the closing date. We may be able to make an allowance for you, depending on the circumstances.

Do you have to be entitled to work in Australia to get a job at Council?

Yes. Those applying for employment must be legally entitled to work in Australia. You will be asked to provide proof of this when you commence employment.

Does Council have a policy about employing friends and relatives of staff?

Yes. If you are a relative or friend of someone who works here, you need to tell them to advise Human Resources. You will not be treated any differently; however we need to know to ensure that your friend or relative is not involved with the recruitment process.

What happens if you don't fill a vacancy?

The position may be re-advertised, or it may be changed to attract more applications. If a position has not been filled after a few rounds of advertising, an employment agency may be used.

I was unsuccessful. Can I re-apply if the position is advertised again?

If you applied in the first round and were not successful, you can re-apply. However, occasionally when we re-advertise we will state that "previous applicants need not re-apply". In these cases, the applicants from the first round were deemed unsuitable, and not enough time has passed since the first round of advertising for those applicants to have gained the required skills or experience.