Getting into local authority work - entry level
You may be interested in a long-term career in local government, or you may just have seen an attractive job advertised at your local council. However, there is a key to applying for public sector jobs, and the application process may require unusual patience.
This article explains how to find local authority jobs, how to make a successful application and what to expect at interview.
You will find local authority jobs published weekly in your local Jobcentre, and often in a list in your local library or school. Most authorities also have websites giving their current list of vacancies (most offer a separate list for teaching vacancies), or may advertise in industry-specific publications.
As with all job applications, the key is in reading the instructions you are given in the advertisement. If the advertisement says to 'write or e-mail for an application form', do not telephone. You will only irritate the staff at the other end and you have already proved that you are unable to follow simple instructions. Quite often you are asked to write in for an application form because the department concerned is not staffed well enough to take the flurry of telephone calls that come from a job advertisement.
A letter asking for an application form or application pack should simply state the name and reference number of the post and your name and address and should ask for a pack. It does not have to be a great creative work - but it should be neat, polite, legible and addressed to the correct part of the Council. Most Councils receive lorryloads of post each day - quite literally - and poorly-addressed letters will not reach their intended recipient.
If you are asked to telephone for an application form or pack, remember that you will often be speaking to a relatively junior member of staff - or to an answerphone that has been specially set up for the purpose of taking these calls. You may even be speaking to an outside recruitment or advertising agency who have been employed to take your calls. Have ready the reference number and name of the job, where it was advertised and when, and your contact details. Be prepared to spell out complex names or addresses, and be polite.
So, you've got the pack or the application form. It should come with an explanation of where to send it to (which may be a different address from the one you contacted originally); a job description and also a person specification. The job description describes the job itself and the tasks you'll perform; the person specification explains what qualifications you'll need before the Council will consider you for the job.
Once again, follow the instructions on the form or pack. Few Councils accept CVs - so don't send one unless asked. Application forms are used to standardise your application and to cover the points the Council wishes you to answer in the order they expect it - wading through unstructured CVs is not a favoured task for local authority personnel staff.
Make sure you read the application form thoroughly before you fill it in - and be truthful, especially where you're asked about criminal convictions. Many council jobs will require you to undergo a police check and omissions of this kind will cost you the job.
Use black ink if you're asked to (the form may have to be photocopied may times) and write neatly for the same reason. Most councils will accept typed application forms.
Make sure your application shows clearly how you meet the person specification for the job. Address each point in the person specification individually, if you have space to. Most councils shortlist for interview using the person specification as a checklist - the more points you meet, the more likely you are to make interview.
Put in a covering letter that briefly summarises your reasons for applying. Be polite, concise and neat - the covering letter should be typed if possible. Few, if any Councils use graphology to select for posts - legibility is the main criteria for a good letter. Resist the urge to challenge the Council to interview you, or to put some other 'clever' parting shot in the letter - it will rarely succeed.
Post the application form in an A4 envelope to avoid it being creased or crushed; put a first-class stamp on. Make sure you get it in by the deadline or it won't be considered, no matter how good you are.
So, your application was a success and you've got an interview. If you've been asked to, confirm by phone or letter as asked that you can attend on the day or time requested. If you can't make it, you may not be considered for the job.
When you call to confirm you can come, use the opportunity to let the Council know if you'll need any special help at interview: mobility assistance, signing interpreter or large print. If you have a test (typing test, written test) make sure you know what to expect in advance. Many Councils using reputable tests will send out practice papers in advance of the test itself.
Dress formally for the interview, no matter how informally you expect to be dressed for the job itself. For men, this means a suit or traditional dress, and for women this means a skirt or trouser suit, or traditional dress (sari, shalwar kameez, etc).
The interview may be with just two (less commonly one) member of staff; or it may be with a large panel. You should expect at least one of the interviewers to take extensive notes; either or both may ask you questions. Most councils use a structured interview process, with similar or identical questions being asked to all candidates.
You may have a practical test of some kind if the job requires specialist skills. Be yourself and ask if you're not sure about how to attempt the test.
There may be a second round of interviews, or a decision may be made immediately. Expect about a week before you hear the result; there may be other rounds of interviews going on for the same level of job.
Good luck!
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