Recruitment FAQ’s

Where or whom can I contact to get more information about a position?
Visit our vacant positions page. It will provide you with the full advertisement, selection criteria, job description and contract person for each advertised position. The contact person nominated for each advertised position can be contacted to answer any queries relating to position not covered in the information package.

Do I need to submit my application on Council’s Employment Form or in writing? 
The job advertisement will tell you how to submit your application. Generally speaking, operational positions usually request the ‘Application for employment form’ to be completed while salaried positions request applications be made in writing. The only difference is the format in which your application is submitted. The ‘Application for employment form’ clearly spells out what information you need to provide in various sections, however the information you submit in either application should essentially be the same.

What do I need to include in my job application?
Our ‘Guide to applying for a position’, outlines what information you should include in your application.  It is very important that you clearly explain and demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria for the position. You should also provide your personal contact details, resume/curriculum vitae and other information relevant to the position.

Do I need to include evidence of my qualifications, certificates, licenses and tickets?
If these are required as listed in the selection criteria for the position, then you should submit copies as part of your written job application to demonstrate you meet that criterion. If you are selected for an interview, you must bring original documents to the interview for verification by the Appointments Committee.

What does ‘child related’ mean?
As per the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection Act 1998), Council is committed to ensuring a safe and friendly environment for children and young people by minimizing the risk of harm occurring. 

Several Council positions, have been identified as ‘child related’ in accordance with criteria specified by the Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP). Persons applying for child related positions will be required to complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration and may be also be to the Working with Children background checks carried out by the CCYP to ensure they are not a prohibited person (known offender) who could pose a risk to children.

How can I submit my application to Council?
Applications can be submitted four ways: post, fax, email or delivered personally. Contact details can be found on the right

What if my application is late?
Please make sure you email, mail or deliver your application (see above) to Council’s Human Resources so that it is received by 5pm on the nominated closing date. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Can I refer to previous applications instead of submitting a new application?
Due to the large number of applications received by Council and that Appointments Committees may comprise of different members for each position advertised, a separate application is required for each position that you wish to apply for and must state position title and recruitment number as per the advertisement.

What happens to my application once I submit it?
All applications received are sent an acknowledgement letter or email within a week of receipt. An Appointments Committee will then consider all applications received and develop a shortlist of applicants who will advance to the next stage of the selection process - usually interview. Applicants, who have not demonstrated they possess the essential criteria of the position, or who are clearly not as competitive as other applicants, will not receive an interview. All applicants whether successful or unsuccessful in progressing to the next stage should receive notification of outcome of their application within four weeks of closing date. 

How long does the recruitment process take?
Generally, the selection process should take four weeks from closing date. Applicants can contact the coordinator of the Appointments Committee or Human Resources to check on the progress of their application if they have not received any notification within this time. Sometimes there can be delays due to extenuating circumstances, however if there are significant delays applicants will be notified.

How long do interviews take?
Interviews can vary in duration depending on position requirements. In some instances, you may also be required to complete additional activities, such as presentations, task testing or psychometric testing, before or after the interview or on an alternate day. Applicants will be notified when this is the case. 

Whom should I nominate as a referee and when will they be contacted?
Recent work referees, specifically supervisor and/or manager from your current or previous employer, who are familiar with your work history and performance, are preferred. Please provide contact details of at least two referees and make sure their contact numbers are current and you notify them that their name has been put forward. Referees are contacted verbally after the interview. Should you have concerns regarding your current supervisor being contacted, please discuss this with the Appointments Committee at the interview.

How many people are on an Appointments Committee?
The composition of a committee can vary depending on the position.  However there will be at least 2 people on the panel – the Divisional representative (and Coordinator of the Appointments Committee) and an Independent representative.

What if I require special support during the interview process?
Special services at interviews can be arranged to support applicants with specials needs for example, the use of interpreters for NESB applicants, the National Relay Service and access to Auslan Interpreters for deaf hearing/speech impaired, conference telephone links etc. If you require any such support for the interview, please advise the coordinator of the Appointments Committee (contact details are provided in correspondence sent to you) for prior arrangement of these services.

Where can I park if I am required to attend an interview?
Most interviews are conducted in the Council Administration Building and free two hour parking is available in the Council’s Stewart Street car park (entrance is across from Aldi supermarket). Alternatively, free 4 hour parking is available further down Stewart Street with access to the car park located across from the Greek Orthodox Church.

How long after the interview will I be notified of decision?
The Appointments Committee will advise you at the end of interview the expected timeframe for notifying applicants of the outcome. There are a number of final checks that are carried out post interview but applicants are generally informed within one to two weeks of the interview. 

Can I get feedback about my application?
Due to the large volume of applications received and processed, Council regrets that detailed feedback on applications and interviews is not provided to applicants.

Can I submit my resume without applying for a specific position?
No. Only applications in response to an advertised vacant positions will be accepted. Every position advertised has specific selection criteria that need to be addressed by applicants.

Does Council keep a register of persons interested in part-time or casual work?
No we do not keep a register for such positions. Persons sought to fill such vacancies are sourced by each division within Council as the need arises and may or may not be advertised.

Where can I get information regarding Council’s terms and conditions of employment?
Council’s employees are covered by the Wollongong City Council Enterprise Agreement 2005–08.

When are cadetships with Council advertised?
Council’s annual recruitment drive for cadetships commences in August each year when positions offered are advertised in all local papers including the Advertiser. Careers Advisors at local high schools are also sent information packages. The selection process includes aptitude testing as well as interviews. Successful applicants usually commence their cadetship in January/February the following year. 

When are apprenticeships and traineeships advertised?
For information regarding apprenticeships and traineeships on offer, please contact Illawarra Group Training on 4271 7051 who recruit and manage apprentices and trainees hosted by Council.

When are seasonal beach and pool positions advertised?
Positions for seasonal Beach and Pool staff (September to April employment) are generally advertised in July/August each year. Employment available during the summer school holidays (December/January) may also be advertised during October.

Are there any employment opportunities for people with disabilities?
We have adopted a long term strategy to remove barriers to employment for people with disabilities and providing long term employment through merit based appointments. To achieve this, we provide opportunities for work trial programs, maintain a healthy communication network with disability agencies and constantly review our recruitment procedures for barriers. We also utilise the resources of the National Relay Service to communicate effectively with the deaf and hearing/speech impaired community, provide audio recording of all job advertisements by the Royal Blind Society and have offered designated disability apprenticeships.

Can I do work experience with the Council?
We do provide opportunities for work experience, however availability will depend on the commitments of specific work area’s. School/TAFE work experience coordinators should contact Human Resources to arrange such placements on behalf of students. When requests are received and evidence of appropriate insurance coverage is provided, we will try to organise an appropriate placement in relevant area wherever possible. All work experience at Council is unpaid.

What is canvassing?
Canvassing is prohibited. You cannot attempt to influence Council officers to favourably consider your application, or have someone do this on your behalf. If this does occur you may be disqualified from further consideration of employment with Council.