Recruitment Process

How to join the team

The Whyalla City Council uses an online recruitment portal and all applications are to be lodged via this portal to be considered. It is also important that an applicant complete questions provided on the portal as part of the application process.

Once you apply for a position with us all correspondence regarding your application, including progress updates are sent via email. It is important to always remember to include your preferred email address on your resume. If you haven’t heard from us, be sure to check your spam/junk mail messages just in case your email system has automatically blocked or moved our message/s.

If you have any questions or require assistance with our recruitment process, please email human.resources@whyalla.sa.gov.au or call to speak to a member of our People and Culture team on (08) 8640 3444.

Click here to browse our current job vacancies

What to include in your application

As part of your online application process, it is recommended that you attach the following:

A current resume, showing your relevant experience
A cover letter stating your interest in the position and how your skills, qualifications and experiences match the key requirements of the position in no more than three pages
Any relevant supporting documentation such as your right to work in Australia, vaccination documentation and any qualifications/licences/tickets that are listed in the job ad

Selection process

Council is committed to recruiting the best possible candidates to join the City of Whyalla. Accordingly, our selection processes are based on merit principles. Your application will be assessed against the requirements of the position, based on your relevant qualifications and experience as outlined in your application documents.

Depending on the type of position, the selection process may differ. Some of the selection processes may include:

Pre-screening interview via phone or face to face
Formal panel interview
Practical competency assessments
Video submissions
Reference Checks
Fit for work medical assessment which includes drug and alcohol and audiometric screening (Mandatory for preferred applicants)
Psychometric assessments
Working with Children Check
National Police Clearance

We aim to update applicants on any recruitment outcomes as quickly as possible as we appreciate the time you have invested in your application, and that you are keen to start your career with the City of Whyalla.

Applying for a position

Step 1: Read it

Read the Position Description and advertisement thoroughly. Does your skillset, experience and personality match the job? Great, time to apply!

If you have any questions about the position now is the time to give us a call so you can ace your application! The contact person for enquiries is always listed in the advertisement.

Step 2: Introduce yourself

Write a brief cover letter to introduce yourself. Sell your skills, experience and the values you will bring to the Whyalla City Council. Update your CV to include relevant experience and qualifications for the role you are applying for.

Step 3: Submit an application online

For each position you wish to apply for, you must complete the online application and respond to each question that is asked. Once you have answered each question, you will then be prompted to upload and attach your CV and any other supporting documentation.

It is recommended that you upload the following with your application:

A current resume, showing your relevant experience, including the name and telephone number of two work referees
A cover letter stating your interest in the position and how your skills, qualifications and experiences match the key requirements of the position in no more than three pages
Any relevant supporting documentation such as your right to work in Australia, vaccination documentation and any qualifications/licences/tickets that are listed in the job ad

Once you have successfully submitted your application, you’ll automatically receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application, so you know that it has been successfully submitted.

Step 4: Shortlisting

The selection panel will assess all applications against the requirements of the position to decide who will be interviewed.

If you progress through the shortlisting process, you will be contacted for an interview.

If your application is unsuccessful, you will be notified via email.

Step 5: Interviews

If you are successful in obtaining an interview, we will contact you with the interview details.

We recommend you take time to learn about the vision of the City of Whyalla and the great work being done by the Council. You will find the City of Whyalla’s Strategic Plan, the organisational structure, and more information about the Council on this website.

Please bring any supporting documentation (i.e. evidence of qualifications, identification, vaccination certificates) and any relevant examples of work that may support your interview.

The selection panel may use a number of methods to assess your ability to do the job, including work samples or tests. If the panel intends to use additional selection techniques you will be advised at the time you are notified of your interview so you can prepare.

When answering interview questions remember:

Take your time before you answer
If the question is unclear, ask for it to be repeated or explained
Try to give examples from your work experience and accompishments with each answer
Wherever possible use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method in your response
Use confident, positive body language, smile and use eye contact when your speaking

Respond truthfully to the questions, keeping your answers focused on the question asked. At the end of the interview, ask any questions you have about the job. You may wish to restate your major strengths, adding anything that has been left out. This is your time to self-promote to the panel why you are the right person for the job. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Step 6: Next steps

If your application is unsuccessful following an interview, you will be advised by phone.

If you are one of the preferred applicants for the job, we will conduct reference checks. You should advise your referees that you have applied for the position and provide them with an understanding of what the position entails in order that they may respond appropriately to the questions the selection panel may ask them.

The conduct of a pre-employment medical is part of the selection process. If you are required to undertake a medical, you will be contacted after the interview has been conducted.

If you are the successful applicant for a position you will be contacted with a job offer. This offer will then be confirmed in writing. To accept the position, you will need to accept the offer in writing.

Please note some positions are subject to pre-employment screenings (i.e. working with children checks and police checks). These details will be contained within the employment contract.