Frequently asked questions

Are you thinking of applying for a job at Mosman Council? This information should help, but if you have any questions after you have read it, please contact the person whose name appears on the position’s advertisement.

Must I apply in writing?

Yes. You should send a letter and a copy of your resume. Your letter should explain why you are interested in the job and must provide information about how you meet each of the Selection Criteria. These are listed in the Position Description.

What do you mean by ‘addressing Selection Criteria’?

The purpose of selection criteria is to show what skills and knowledge are necessary to the job. Your response to each of the selection criteria must reflect the level of knowledge and skill you have, so that the person reading your application can clearly see whether you can do the job successfully.

Your response must include sufficient detail to allow a full assessment of what you are claiming. You should read the criteria carefully, identify the specific factors in each criterion and then write how or why you meet it.

Just saying you have done something or you know about it is not enough. You might start your answer that way, but you must then provide examples. For example, you might say something like: “In my role of …, I have…”. Expand on this by describing step by step what was involved. Use positive and specific language, for example write: “I formatted and edited the newsletter” rather than: “I produced a newsletter”.

If you have achieved something special provide support for what you are claiming, such as: “the attached statement from….”.

If you don’t meet the selection criterion from experience at work, try to find examples from your life outside work. For example, you might be a member of a sporting club, or a volunteer.

Don’t put unnecessary information in your application. You want to get the message across clearly. Make sure you don’t undersell or oversell yourself.

If you have any questions about what the Selection Criteria mean, or how they might apply to the job, phone the contact person and talk to them about it.

Will you consider applications that don’t address the Selection Criteria?

Yes, but we usually find that applicants who tailor their applications to the Selection Criteria provide more relevant information, and this will give you an advantage. Looking carefully at the Selection Criteria also gives you an opportunity to decide whether it is the right job for you.

How do you decide who to choose for an interview?

We match the information given in the applications with the Selection Criteria that have been set for the job. To be selected for an interview, you should meet all the essential criteria. The desirable criteria identify the skills and/or experience that would be helpful in doing the job, but are not essential. If you have some of these, they will be an advantage, but will not rank you higher than those people who meet the essential criteria.

Do you ever interview people who don’t meet all the essential criteria?

Sometimes. There are times when none or very few of the applicants meets all of the criteria. In this case a decision will be made by the Manager in conjunction with at least one other member of the interview panel.

Do you always interview everyone who meets all the essential criteria?

No. If there are a lot of people who meet the essential criteria, the interview panel will give preference to those who meet the desirable criteria as well.

How can I get a copy of the Position Description and Selection Criteria?

You can download them from this page, or phone the person named in the advertisement and ask for them to be sent out.

Do you keep applications that are sent on spec?

No. Instead of sending us a spec application, it’s better to keep an eye on this website. All our jobs are advertised here.

How can I get my application to you?

You can post it to Mosman Council, PO Box 211, Spit Junction NSW 2088, or email it to council@mosman.nsw.gov.au. If you are sending an email, please make sure your application can be read. If you are sending hard copies, please send certified copies of documents such as certificates, not originals.

Do you accept late applications?

Generally no. If there is a good reason that you can’t get your application in on time, speak to the Manager whose name is in the advertisement before the closing date. In exceptional circumstances, they might be willing to accept it.

Do you have to be entitled to work in Australia to get a job with Mosman Council?

Yes. You will be asked to provide proof that you can work here if you are invited to an interview.

Does Mosman Council have a Code of Conduct?

Yes and all staff are bound by it. If you are offered a job, you will be sent a copy so you can read it before you accept. Our Code of Conduct is available here.

Does Mosman Council have a policy about employing friends and relatives of staff?

Yes. This is in our Code of Conduct. If you are a relative or friend of someone who works here, you need to tell them to advise the General Manager. You will not be treated any differently, but we need to know so that your friend or relative is not involved with the recruitment process.

Is Mosman Council an EEO Employer?

Yes. We also actively support carers who need to negotiate hours of work from time to time. Our EEO Policy can be viewed here.

Does Mosman Council make written offers of employment?

Always. Shortlisted applicants might be contacted by phone or email to discuss details, but offers of employment will always be made in writing.

What happens if you don’t fill a vacancy?

We might re-advertise, or we might change the job to attract more appropriate applicants. If you applied in the first round and weren’t successful, you can re-apply.

Do you require people who will be working with children to take Working With Children Checks?

Yes.

Is Mosman Council a good place to work?

Mosman Council is a great place to work. We:

  • regularly win Awards for our work, such as Keep Australia Beautiful and the Sustainable Water Challenge,
  • were the first Sydney metropolitan Council to conduct an Ecological Footprinting Project
  • have an active Social Club
  • encourage staff to participate in activities that interest them, such as the Sydney Spring Cycle
  • are a small organisation, so staff have the chance to get involved in areas outside their specialization
  • are surrounded by bushland and Sydney Harbour, within walking distance of Taronga Zoo
  • have a Public Art Gallery that is recognized as a NSW Regional Art Gallery and provides a rich and varied programme of high quality exhibitions, education activities and special events
  • have online access to 5 libraries

…in fact, something for everyone.