How to land the job the next time you apply:
1.) Even if the job doesn’t require a cover letter, you include one and tailor it to the department/position you’re applying for.
- A wall of text will not get read.
- The hiring manager, overwhelmed with 150+ applications, doesn’t have time for overly long submissions, especially for higher-level positions.
- Say a lot more with a lot less.
- The format of the cover letter typically looks something like this this:
2.) Come with a minimum of 3-4 questions ready to ask the panel. Ensure you have fresh questions for each subsequent round you progress to.
- Write them down, keep them in a notebook, save it to your phone. No one cares that you look down at your notes when it comes time for you to ask questions.
- Read the room. Pick the most important question you can ask the panel to let them know you’ve done your research.
- “Tell me what success would look like in the first 30/60/90 days, and how is that measured?”
- “I read your “X” Plan and am curious about “Y”?
- “What is the biggest pain point that this position will alleviate within the first 6 months?”
3.) View the profile of the hiring manger on LinkedIn, if known.
- There will be 3-5 people who view the hiring managers profile during a recruitment. Your name will stick out.
- “But how do I find their e-mail”?
- View the staff directory on the city/county website.
- Dig into past city council agenda meetings.
- Search “Hiring Managers Name” + “City they work at” on Google.
- Don’t be lazy.
4.) Following the interview, send a personalized thank-you email to every member of the panel separately.
- Sending it directly to each panelist increases the likelihood of a response, rather than addressing the entire group in one email.
- Don't be disheartened if they don't reply. It's not unusual.
- The panelists are likely to discuss your emails when they convene to reach a consensus.
5.) Craft your interview responses in the S.T.A.R format
- Don’t know what the S.T.A.R format is? View an example of how to craft your response with a mock Parks Director interview process here: https://www.parksandrecipes.com/recipes/interview-questions-for-parks-director-role
- You need to practice this format. Put in the work. Practice audibly saying it out loud.
- It helps limit the dreaded long-winded answer, especially when you're nervous.
6.) Prepare to speak about your experience with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
- For local governments, prioritizing DEI is essential and a key area of focus (and for good reason!)
- Formulate a thoughtful and detailed answer to this question.
- Gain additional points by questioning the hiring panel about their department's actions towards DEI in their community.
- It raises a serious concern if they are unable to provide a clear answer.
