How to apply

Application Process

Stage 1. Online Application

The first step in our recruitment process is your 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 you take the time to read the position description carefully and make sure that you are able to demonstrate that your experience and skills match what is required for the role.

You will need to submit a resume, and responses to the Essential and Desirable Criteria as part of your application – more information about these documents can be found below.

Stage 2. Short listing

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

You may be contacted during this stage to participate in a phone screening, where you will be asked a number of questions to assess your suitability for the role you have applied for.

Stage 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 Panel Chairperson and other staff members that work as a team to recommend the most suitable person for the job.

Interview questions are based on selection criteria advertised for the position.

Stage 4. Reference checks

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

Stage 5. Medical Declaration and Working with Children Checks

In line with Council policy, preferred candidates will be required to complete an Applicant Medical Declaration. You will also need to complete a Working with Children Check if the position is child-related.

Stage 6. Final decision

The Panel will carefully evaluate your application, interview, reference checks and any practical exercises to make its final decision. We will then contact the preferred candidate to arrange your starting date at Council.

Resume

Your resume provides additional information for the selection panel.

Remember to include:

Education credentials

You can attach copies of your education credentials as part of your application.

If you hold a qualification from overseas, please include a copy of an assessment of your 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). Your application may not be considered without this assessment.

Employment history

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

Referees

Include at least 2 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 you are shortlisted.

Cover Letter

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

Selection Criteria

Our selection criteria comprise two important elements:

Essential Criteria

These are the qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience you must possess in order to do the job. You will need to clearly demonstrate that you meet each of the essential criteria in order for your application to progress.

Desirable Criteria

You should also demonstrate the ways in which you meet any desirable criteria. It is not necessary to meet all of the desirable criteria in order to apply for a position or for your application to progress.

Persons with a 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 Human Resources Team on 4732 7777.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Process

Q. What is the standard recruitment process for positions at Penrith City Council? 
A. Our recruitment process will vary for each role. Typically, the Panel Chairperson 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 a series of interviews or an assessment centre to assess your knowledge and cultural fit. If you a preferred applicant, you may need to complete background checks before receiving an offer.

Timeframes and Feedback

Q. How long will the recruitment process take? 
A. The recruitment process can vary; however we’ll keep you informed about your progress as much as possible.

Q. How long after submitting my application will I hear from you? 
A. 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 Panel Chairperson within 10 working days of the position closing.

Submitting your application

Q. How do I apply for a position I have seen advertised? 
A. All candidates must submit their application online.

You will need to create a profile by entering your email address and creating a password – this will become your login for your candidate profile. You will then need to provide us your personal details, submit your claim for the positions, and answer a few questions about why you want to work for us.

If you have applied for a position with us before, use the login details you set up to access your profile.

Q. What do I do if I have forgotten my password? 
A. Click “Applicant Login” on the top right hand side of the menu bar, select 'Don't know your password?' then enter your email address. We will send you an email with a link and code so you can reset your password.

Q. The advertised role is part time, however I am really interested in a full time position. Should I still apply for the part time role? 
A. We regularly have both full time and part time opportunities available. If this is not the exact role you are looking for, you can set up a job alert for roles that match your criteria. 

Q. I can't find anything I am interested in at the moment. Can I send my resume somewhere so that I can be considered for future roles when they come up? 
A. If you can't find a job you are interested in at the moment, we recommend setting up a job alert. When an opportunity arises that suits your skill set you will receive an email notifying you. 

Q. How do I know that my application has been received? 
A. 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 you cannot find it.

Q. I am having trouble uploading my application. What do I do? 
A. Call our Human Resources Team on 4732 7777 to assist you with system.  

Q. I have submitted an application online. What happens next? 
A. The 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.

Q. How do I check the status of my application? 
A. You can check the status of your application at any time - select the 'Already applied? Log In' button on the top right hand side of the page.

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

Q. Will I need to provide my university transcript, copies of any qualifications or licences at any point? 
A. Depending on the role you are applying for, you may need to provide a university transcript, or copies of any additional qualifications or licences. If this is the case, you will be advised of this during the process.

Q. How long will my details/application be kept on file? 
A. In accordance with the privacy declaration that you signed prior to registering, your details will be kept on file indefinitely. Should a suitable position arise, the Recruitment Specialist or a member of Councils Human Resources team may contact you to discuss the opportunity further. 

Q. I am interested in more than one position, should I apply for them all? 
A. You are welcome to apply for more than one position. We advise that you check that you meet the eligibility criteria for each job you are applying for.

Q. I have changed my mind and would like to withdraw my application. How do I do this, and will this go against me in future? 
A. You can withdraw your application by logging into your candidate profile, and selecting withdraw application on the relevant position. Your profile will show that you have withdrawn your application, however it will not affect any future applications that you submit to us

Interviews and Assessment Centres

Q. Is there parking available when I come for interview? 
A. It depends on where you are being interviewed. The Civic Centre in Penrith has timed parking in front of the main building. Alternative parking is available directly across the road, and also at Westfield Penrith.

Please contact the Panel Chairperson for more details on parking at other locations.

Q. I am coming in for an interview. What should I wear? 
A. It is recommended that you wear business attire for any interviews that you attend. If there is a different dress code, the Panel Chairperson will make you aware of this when they contact you for an interview

Q. How many interviews can I expect? 
A. The number of interviews that you are invited to will depend on the role you are applying for. The Panel Chairperson will provide you with more details throughout the recruitment process.

Q. What type of interview should I prepare for? 
A. The Panel Chairperson will give you some information on what to expect in your interview before you come in so that you have time to prepare. Most interviews involve meeting with a panel of Council staff and answering a range of questions related to the positions selection criteria.   

Q. I have been invited to an assessment centre, what does this mean? 
A. An assessment centre will involve a number of activities across a period of roughly 1- 2 hours, such as aptitude testing, group exercises and interviews. We use assessment centres to look for evidence of the behavioural traits required for the position, including teamwork, communication and customer service skills.

Q. If I am running late or cannot attend an interview who do I notify and how? 
A. Call or email the Panel Chairperson you have been dealing with. If you cannot get hold of them, please call Council’s Human Resources Team on 4732 7777.

Q. I have been asked to attend a Skype or phone interview. What should I do to prepare? 
A. We recommend you do a run through of all of your technology – make sure you can access your Skype 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.

Q. I was unsuccessful at interview/assessment centre stage. How long until I can re-apply for another role? 
A. You can apply immediately. Generally, we recommend that you consider the feedback you received before you re-apply.

Background checks

Q. Who are the ideal referees I should provide? 
A. We ask that all applicants provide 2 professional references – it is preferable that one is a current supervisor or manager. This will be completed once the Panel Chairperson has obtained your consent. If we require additional background checks, we will be in contact to obtain your consent and advise you of details.

Q. I don’t want my current manager to know I am looking for a job. Can I provide someone else as a reference? 
A. It is preferable that the referee details supplied are at manager/supervisor level. A previous manager should suffice, however if you are still unsure please discuss this with the Panel Chairperson at your interview.

We will not contact your referee’s until you have progressed past the initial interview stage. Please advise the Panel Chairperson at this point if you would like to be notified prior to contacting your referees.

Q. I am required to obtain a Working with Children Check as part of my application, and I am unsure of the process. 
A. 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 Panel Chairperson if you require an Employee or Volunteer Check

Offer and On boarding

Q. I have received a letter of offer from a hiring manager. How do I accept the offer? 
A. You will need to log in to your candidate profile, and follow the prompts on the job you are accepting an offer for.

If you have any questions regarding you offer, please contact the Human Resources Team on 4732 7777.

Q. I am having issues with the on boarding portal. Who can I contact? 
A. Please contact the Human Resources Team on 4732 7777.

General Information

Q. I am going on leave shortly after I apply. Can I note this somewhere? 
A. 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 your Panel Chairperson at the time of interview.

Q. How do you treat my personal information and is it safe? 
A. Any personal information submitted to Penrith City 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.

Q. How can I remove job alerts that are not suitable for me? 
A. In your job alerts email you will find an unsubscribe button that you can click on to change your job alerts.

Q. What is the quickest way I can contact you? 
A. Call or email the Panel Chairperson you have been dealing with. If you cannot get hold of them please call Council’s Human Resources Team on 4732 7777.

Q. Do you offer sponsorship for overseas candidates? 
A. Penrith City Council does not offer sponsorship to overseas candidates. 

Q. I have a question that isn’t listed here – who can I talk to? 
A. Contact our Human Resources Team on 4732 7777 or alternatively, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..