Applying for a role with Scottish Councils

Category: Tips and Advice Publish date: 29/11/2017

The local authorities in Scotland employ a total of 242,000 people in Scotland and in some areas of the country are the main employer in that region.

There are a wide range of employment opportunities with the councils ranging from teachers, support functions, housing, building services, mechanical and leadership roles.

To apply for a role with the Local Authorities in Scotland you can use www.myjobscotland.gov.uk and create a profile. Once you’ve created the profile you can search and apply for jobs. Alternatively, there are also plenty of roles available on CTP RightJob.

Mechanics vacancy example

To give an illustration of how to apply for a Local Authority role, we have used the below vacancy as an example:

North Ayrshire council are currently looking for Mechanics (RightJob reference N183133). As a Mechanic, based out at Kilwinning, you’ll join a team which already has a number of Service leavers. You’ll be responsible for maintaining a wide range of vehicles such as road sweepers, snow ploughs, gritters, compact and HGV plant and power engine units. The Mechanic role pays between £12.30 and £13.77 per hour.

During the application process you will be asked to complete your work history (we suggest copying and pasting from your CV), qualifications and references. When applying for roles with the Local Authorities it is key that you look carefully at the job descriptions essential criteria and ensure you clearly demonstrate that skill/experience in your work history. For example in the Mechanic job description – Diagnostic analysis of vehicle faults - give examples of the types of vehicle you used this skill on and equipment or diagnostic tools you may have used

In some applications you might be asked to answer some competency based questions. Think carefully about what they’re asking and then of a relevant example. Remember to use the CAR model;

Challenge – Briefly describe what the issue was and what the challenge presented was

Action – what steps did YOU take to resolve the challenge, do remember if you were working as part of a team make it clear what role you played

Result – what was the outcome? For extra points it can be useful to include what you learned from the situation

Don't forget!

The application form can take time to complete. If you have any questions about how to apply for these roles your Career Consultant is there to support you.