How to apply

Greater Shepparton City Council uses a recruitment and selection process based on merit. This ensures the person selected for the job has the skills, knowledge, personal qualities and experience to meet the job requirements, regardless of their race, age, gender or sexual preference.

These guidelines will assist you in submitting your application for any advertised positions with Council. Please ensure that you read the instructions carefully, prior to submitting your application. Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted.

Step 1: Review the Position Description

When considering applying for a position with Greater Shepparton City Council it is important to read the Position Description relevant to the position you wish to apply for to determine whether you have the qualifications, skills and experience required for the position. A copy of the position description is attached to all the position vacancy descriptions.

Step 2: Register with our recruitment system

Using our online recruitment system you will be able to submit your application electronically. If you don’t already have an account simply follow the prompts, otherwise sign in if you are an existing user.

Step 3: Apply for the job

Click on the job you wish to apply for and enter your login and password. A copy of the advertisement and details of the position you are interested in will appear. A copy of the position description can be downloaded as a PDF at the bottom of the advertisement. Pay particular attention to the selection criteria in the position description. You need to demonstrate how your experience meets the criteria.

To begin submitting your application, click the ‘Apply Now’ link and follow the prompts.

Step 4: Attach documents

Your application should include:

  1. Cover letter
  2. Resume
  3. Responses to the key selection criteria

Documents can be attached as Word or PDF files. The best way to upload your documents to the system is to make sure you save them to your computer before starting the application process. There are cover letter and resume tabs for you to load these documents. Use the questionnaire tab to load your responses to the key selection criteria. 

1. Cover letter

Your cover letter should include reasons why you are applying for the position and an overall summary regarding your skills and experience that meets the criteria of the position.

2. Resume

Your resume provides additional information for the selection panel such as qualifications, employment history, other training or professional development, community engagement, and professional memberships. Highlight your major achievements and only include information which is relevant to the position applied for. You may elect to add your referees to your resume or indicate that they will be provided upon request.

3. Key selection criteria

It is imperative that you answer each selection criteria with a response which demonstrates how your qualifications, experience, skills and knowledge will enable you to meet the requirements of the position. Simply Answering "yes" to each selection criteria will result in your application not proceeding through the shortlisting phase.  Where possible, provide examples. 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.

Step 5: Application confirmation

If your application has been successfully uploaded to our online system you will receive an email notification confirming we have received your application. If this does not appear in your email inbox check your junk email folder.

If you do not receive a confirmation email after submitting your application or you are experiencing other issues when applying, please contact the recruitment team to confirm we have received your application:

Email: recruitment@shepparton.vic.gov.au        
Phone: 03 5832 9700

Selection process

Following the application close date, all applications will be reviewed for short listing. No late applications will be accepted. Successful applicants will be invited for an interview, usually within a few weeks of the closing date. 

The interview

Applicants will be interviewed by a panel of three people, usually Council employees however external panel members may also be present depending on the position. The panel usually includes the manager or supervisor, a member of the team in a similar or senior role to the vacant position and a representative from the People & Development team. Interviews take approximately 45 minutes to an hour and may include a practical component. Applicants will be advised in advance if there is to be a practical component.

Pre-employment checks

If you are our preferred candidate you will be required to provide or complete the following:

Police check

All new employees at Council are required to complete a satisfactory police check prior to commencement of their position. Council will conduct the check on your behalf. The results of your criminal history check will be kept confidential by the recruitment team. At interview you will be asked if have you been a citizen or permanent resident of a country/countries other than Australia?

If yes, you will be asked to provide a statutory declaration stating whether or not you have been convicted of an offence in Australia or another country. 

Pre-employment screening

A satisfactory pre-employment screening is required by the preferred candidate to ensure they are able to meet the inherent physical requirements of the role. The pre-employment screening includes a urine drug screen. There is no fee associated with the pre-employment screening and the results will be kept confidential by the recruitment panel.

Reference checks

Two professional references must be provided if requested by the interview panel. The referees should be people who have supervised you or have a working knowledge of your previous roles. We will not contact your referees until we have your permission.

Working with children checks

Some positions at Council require the incumbent to hold a current Working With Children (WWC) Check card. This card must be Employee Status. Volunteer status is not sufficient.

Proof of qualifications

The Position Description will list any required qualifications, checks or certificates. You will be asked to bring these to your interview. Offers of employment are on the condition that the successful applicant provides original or certified copies of all relevant qualifications. A photocopy of these qualifications will be made and kept on the employee's personnel file. Council may at times check the validity of qualifications with the relevant institution.

Proof of eligibility

In some circumstances we may ask you to provide proof of eligibility to work in Australia, either in the form of a passport or birth certificate identifying Australian citizenship, or a valid work visa.