Job application guide

Applications are to be made via Council’s recruitment system, not via email. When applying online you need to submit:

1.  A copy of your resume.
2. Attach your relevant qualifications.
3. Answer the applicable questions in the application form. Please ensure you address the essential criteria in appropriate text box or alternatively, address the criteria in a separate document (ie. Word or PDF) and upload as part of your application.

Before a position is advertised, the requirements of that position are analysed and a list of operational outputs and essential criteria (qualities required to perform the job) are developed.

The position description can be found at the bottom of the job advertisement. Click on the link in the advertisement to download a PDF version of the position description.

If you require further information on the position, please contact the Officer listed in the advertisement next to 'Like to know more?'

Each position at the Ku-ring-gai has specific criteria necessary for employees to be able to perform the role, which is contained in the essential criteria section of the position description.

The application form for the job contains 3 questions. One question will ask you to provide a response to the essential criteria. Your answer to this question will need to outline your response to each criterion, clearly demonstrating how your qualifications or experience meet the requirements of the role. Alternatively, you can address the criteria in a separate document (ie. Word or PDF) and upload as part of your application.

Addressing the selection criteria is a crucial component of your job application, so it is vital you do not rely on your resume alone to demonstrate your skills and experience.

The Selection Panel meets to assess all applications against the essential criteria and shortlists the applicants who will be interviewed.

When reviewing your application the interview panel considers your:

• resume;
• selection criteria responses;
• experience and qualifications.

You may not be shortlisted for interview if you:

• do not satisfy the selection criteria;
• do not hold the necessary formal qualifications;
• are not eligible for employment based on your residency status;
• provide false or misleading information.

Applicants who meet the criteria may not always be selected for an interview as we do receive a number of applications for each role. The panel will select applicants for interview who best address or most closely address the selection criteria.

If you are selected for an interview you will usually be given at least four days notice. Council will contact you to tell you where and when the interview will be conducted.

In general, you will be interviewed by three people who make up the Selection Panel. This is generally the supervisor or Manager as the Chairperson, an industry expert and an independent member from another Department within Council. They are responsible for selecting the most suitable person for the job.

There will be a set of formal interview questions asked based on the selection criteria. These are designed to draw out examples of your previous experience and behaviours.

Some testing may be used for some positions but if it is required you will be notified before the interview date and given sufficient time to prepare.

Reference checks

As part of the recruitment process, reference checks are carried out for the interviewee/s with the strongest overall performance at interview. Referees will be asked questions that are relevant to the essential criteria only and will validate the information provided in your application and at interview. 

Note - Referees provided must be your direct supervisor or the supervisor above and must be within the last 3.5 years.

Pre-employment health assessment

Short listed applicants are required to undergo a pre-employment health assessment at Council’s expense and with Council’s health provider.

Other checks

Some positions will require a “Working with Children Check” to be completed. This is a formal process of checks to help determine your suitability to work with children or have unsupervised access to children in your work.

Eligible work rights for Australia

To be eligible to apply for ongoing employment at Ku-ring-gai Council, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident of Australia, or have valid working rights. Council may complete a check with the Department of Home Affairs on your visa to verify that you have the correct working rights.

If you are selected as the successful applicant for the job, you will be contacted with a job offer. This verbal offer will be followed by an offer of employment in writing, detailing the terms and conditions of employment.

If your application is unsuccessful, you will be notified in writing usually within fourteen days of the interview. Applicants not successful for interview will also be advised at this time.

You can ask to have a post selection discussion with the convenor of the selection panel to discuss ways that you can improve your application or interview performance in future.