​We’ve all had those moments at work when we’ve wondered, “Is it time for a change?” If you’re feeling that way more often than not, it might be time to consider a new path. Here are five signs that it’s time to leave your job, with a focus on local government careers. And remember, if you’re thinking about making a change, Leading Roles is here to help you find your next g...

​When it comes to landing that dream job, the interview and your resume are just part of the picture. Increasingly, employers are turning to psychometric testing to gain deeper insights into candidates’ abilities and personalities. At Leading Roles, we use SHL psychometric tests to help employers make informed hiring decisions. If you’re new to psychometric testing or they ...

​In the recruitment process, references play a crucial role in providing insights into a candidate’s past performance, work ethic, and interpersonal skills. While resumes and interviews offer a snapshot of a candidate’s qualifications and personality, references can provide a more comprehensive picture of how they have functioned in real-world settings. However, to effective...

​In today’s competitive job market, local government entities are increasingly facing the challenge of finding qualified candidates to fill critical roles. With a candidate short market, it’s more important than ever for local governments to broaden their search and consider candidates from the private sector. This article will explore why local government clients should con...

​In our recent LinkedIn poll, we asked, "What is your biggest hiring challenge?" The responses were enlightening, with 59% of participants highlighting the difficulty of finding qualified candidates as their primary concern. At Leading Roles, we understand this challenge deeply and are dedicated to providing effective solutions. Here’s how we address the issue to help our cl...

​The job market in Australia is undergoing a significant shift, and if you’re a job seeker, this is excellent news for you. We’re in what’s known as a “candidate short” market, meaning there are more job openings than there are qualified candidates to fill them. This imbalance has tilted the scales in favour of job seekers, giving you more power and choice than ever before. ...

​As we draw the curtain on 2024, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on the past year and acknowledge the enduring partnerships that make our work in local government recruitment so meaningful. To our valued clients, thank you for your unwavering trust and collaboration. It has been a dynamic and transformative year, and we are proud to have played a role in strengthening leade...

​We’ve all had those moments at work when we’ve wondered, “Is it time for a change?” If you’re feeling that way more often than not, it might be time to consider a new path. Here are five signs that it’s time to leave your job, with a focus on local government careers. And remember, if you’re thinking about making a change, Leading Roles is here to help you find your next gr...

​Performance reviews can be a great opportunity to receive valuable feedback, celebrate achievements, and set new goals. But sometimes, the conversation takes a turn—or worse, your manager’s behaviour makes you wonder if there’s more going on under the surface. Spotting warning signs in your review can help you decode what’s really being communicated (or avoided). Here are ...

​When searching for your next opportunity in local government, you might think scanning job ads is the best way to find open positions. But many top roles are filled before they’re ever advertised—often through recruiters who know exactly what their clients are looking for. At Leading Roles, we’ve seen the advantages of working with a recruiter firsthand, and there’s good re...

​If you’re eyeing a fresh start in local government in the new year, now is the perfect time to get prepared. Whether it’s fine-tuning your resume, optimising your LinkedIn profile, or polishing your interview skills, these steps can make a big difference in standing out to potential employers. At Leading Roles, we’ve helped many candidates succeed in transitioning to new ro...

​In today’s evolving world, leadership is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Leading in local government requires a unique blend of skills that differs significantly from those in the private sector, and even from other levels of government. As an executive in local government, you know that your role is one of constant balancing acts: juggling public expectations, navigating...

​Effective performance management is one of the most challenging aspects of leadership, particularly in local government, where accountability to both the public and your team is paramount. Unlike in the private sector, local government leaders face unique dynamics that require a delicate balance of empathy, transparency, and firmness. At Leading Roles, we’ve seen firsthand ...

​Dear Clients,Greetings to all our valued local government partners. I hope this message finds you well and thriving as your councils ramp up into post-election budgeting time. At Leading Roles, we have been incredibly busy working alongside many of you, creating clear alignment of organisations, teams and individuals to the vision, mission and goals of your community and el...

Performance reviews are a crucial aspect of career development, providing an opportunity to reflect on your achievements, receive constructive feedback, and set future goals. However, many employees fail to prepare adequately for these evaluations, which can undermine their effectiveness. This article outlines the essential dos and don'ts to help you prepare thoroughly and m...

​Effective onboarding is crucial for the success of a new leader, particularly within local government, where the nuances of public administration demand a seamless transition. At Leading Roles, we have guided councils through impeccable recruitment processes, matching skills using capability frameworks, and maintaining thorough communication with candidates. However, the r...

In today's competitive job market, leveraging technology to enhance your application can make a significant difference. One such technology is artificial intelligence. However, candidates often grapple with questions about the ethics, effectiveness, and proper use of AI in crafting responses to selection criteria. This article aims to demystify these concerns and provide pra...

Are Cover Letters a thing of the past? Cover letters are NOT obsolete! While opinions may differ, they remain a valuable tool for job seekers. They provide a unique opportunity for candidates to showcase their personality, enthusiasm, and specific qualifications for the role. Unlike CVs, which often follow a standard format and focus on listing skills and experiences, cover ...

At Leading Roles, with over 2 decades of experience in CEO recruitment for local government, we have distilled invaluable insights into what separates the good from the great in this critical role. Here's what we have learned:Visionary Leadership: Great CEOs in local government possess a clear vision for their community's future. They inspire and mobilise teams toward shared...

The 5 Types of Local Government CEOsIn local government, the CEO plays a key role in managing the complexities of public service administration and serving the community. With many Queensland Mayors and Councillors currently contemplating a leadership change in their council organisation, understanding different leadership styles can help align your council’s goals with the ...