The Application Process
The Catholic Education Office (CEO) Diocese of Parramatta invites appropriately qualified and experienced applicants who are committed to the mission of Catholic schools to apply for advertised positions.
The CEO is committed to the principles of merit selection (i.e. selecting the best person for the job) and to the core values of the system vision statement, ‘to be open, inclusive and just’.
To assist in selecting the right person based on skills, knowledge and experience, it is important that your application provides all relevant details. Please consider the following information when preparing your application.
Please note: this information is to be read in conjunction with specific documents that apply to every advertised position. They can be found on our website with each advertised position or by calling the contact person named in the advertisement. |
Preparing your application
A selection panel decides who is to be interviewed based on the information that you present in your application.
It is very important that your application is clear and concise, and indicates how your knowledge, skills, experience and relevant work history (paid or unpaid) support your application.
So when applying for a position always include:
- a covering letter
(and a completed application form if attached to the job advertisement) - a brief resume detailing your employment history, education and qualifications, and
- details of how you meet the individual essential and desirable criteria as stated in the “Position Criteria” document. For example:
Essential Criteria:
Demonstrated ability to deal with staff at all levels of the organisation.
Response:
In my current role, I not only deal with peers providing policy and procedural advice, I also provide financial information and advice to senior staff within my division, including the general manager and director.
Lodging your application
The advertisement will state where to forward your written or electronic application, and the date by which it is to be received.
Your application will be acknowledged by email as soon as it is received.
Shortlisting
Approximately one week after the closing date a selection panel of a least three members will shortlist the applications, inviting for interview the applicants who best meet all the selection criteria.
Applicants not invited for interview will receive an email notifying them that their application has been unsuccessful.
Interview
If you are to be invited for interview you will receive a phone call advising you of the time and location. Interview questions are based on the selection criteria and the key accountabilities so be prepared to give examples of your work experience, skills and knowledge, and how these relate to the position you are applying for.
Referees
After the interviews are conducted referees will be contacted for the applicant(s) the panel deems most meritorious, so include at least three work referees – ideally from your current employer or supervisor, or the most recent ones.
Decision
Following the referee checks, the selection panel will make a final recommendation on whom to appoint based on the merit of the written application, the performance at interview and the referees’ comments.
Once approved, the successful applicant will be telephoned and a verbal offer made, with a written Letter of Appointment to follow. Unsuccessful applicants are notified by email.
Child protection - Working with Children Check
NSW Child Protection legislation requires child-related employers, such as Catholic Education Parramatta, to conduct thorough background and probity checks in relation to those who are entering into paid employment that may involve direct, unsupervised contact with children and young people.
It is therefore necessary for a potential employee of our system of schools to complete and return an Applicant Declaration and Consent form.