The right person for the right job
First of all, you need to want the job. If you feel excited reading the job advertisement and can see yourself working for Sunshine Coast Council doing the role, then this could be the job for you.
Secondly, the knowledge, skills, behaviours and qualifications expected of a successful candidate are detailed on the key requirements on the Position Profile. Please self-assess your experience and level of skills in line with this, and if you fit the criteria, please apply!
You must have the right to work in Australia to be eligible to work at Sunshine Coast Council. If you are not an Australian Citizen, you will be required to present evidence of your right to work in Australia should you be successful.
Preparing your application
Read the last page of the Position Profile or the How to apply section of the job advertisement to see what you need to include in your cover letter. It might be helpful to go through the Position Profile with a highlighter pen or use the comments function on the PDF to help determine key points you will address your cover letter response. Use the CAR or STAR method details in the Our Recruitment Process fact sheet to use real life examples to demonstrate your ability to perform the role.
Lastly, always have someone proofread your application before submitting, and always submit on time. Applications close 11:59pm AEST.
I need an adjustment for a disability
If you have a disability that requires adjustment for the interview process, you will have the opportunity to specify the assistance required on the online application form.
You can also have a chat to the Recruitment Team on (07) 5441 8682 or joinusnow@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
Shortlisting and interviewing
The time it takes to shortlist can vary. It depends on how many applicants there are, as well as the business priorities at council that the panel is trying to balance the recruitment process with. You might also be phone screened, which is a quick question and answer conversation over the phone.
Once you have been shortlisted, the Hiring Manager will contact you by phone or email to provide details on your interview.
On the interview day, we recommend leaving more than enough time to find a park and find the office. If you need some tips on where to park, feel free to ask the Hiring Manager or the Recruitment Team on (07) 5441 8682.
Post-interview checks
If you move to the next stage of the recruitment process, you can expect to be referenced checked. It’s a good idea to let your referees know you have been interviewed at council. Other post-interview checks might also be applicable:
- Pre-employment medical assessment
- Criminal history check
- VEVO check (passport supplied)
- Second Interview / Coffee
- Psychometric Testing
Job offer
After your interview and post-interview checks, there is an internal approval process that can take approximately two weeks.
If you are successful, you will be given a phone call upon approval to give you a verbal offer and will confirm your start date.
If you verbally accept, you will receive a formal letter of offer within two working days. Once you review your letter of offer and accept online, the employment contract is complete.
Onboarding and induction
After you accept your offer, keep an eye on your emails (including your junk mail) for emails regarding your onboarding.
You’ll complete your onboarding online, which includes your bank details, super and providing copies of required documents (e.g. drivers licence, relevant qualifications).
From your first day at council, you’ll undertake activities to embed you in our organisation. This includes onboarding, induction, training and getting to know your new team.
Unsuccessful applicants
If you have not been shortlisted for an interview, you’ll be notified via email.
You might receive this email as close to one week after submitting, or up to a couple of months after – it just depends how long it takes the panel to shortlist.
Please don’t let this discourage you from applying for council jobs in the future. If you would like feedback on your application, you can reply to your unsuccessful email and request this. The Recruitment team will then facilitate getting feedback for you with the Hiring Manager.
More information
If you need more in-depth information on each step of the recruitment process, we have detailed information outlined in the Our Recruitment Process fact sheet [PDF 197KB].
It could be a good idea to download this document and save it somewhere so you can refer to it over each stage of the recruitment process.