​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 roles, and here are our top six tips for making your job move smooth, strategic, and successful.

1. Refresh and Target Your CV
Your CV should do more than just list past positions—it should showcase your impact in local government and highlight the skills and achievements relevant to the roles you’re targeting. Update your resume to include recent accomplishments, projects, and results that demonstrate your value. Make sure each section is focused and specific, using clear, active language. Tailoring your CV to emphasise your suitability for local government roles will help you catch the eye of hiring managers.

2. Update Your LinkedIn Profile
An optimised LinkedIn profile is crucial for being noticed by recruiters and potential employers. Start by updating your headline to reflect the roles you’re pursuing, and make sure your summary highlights your key achievements and career goals. Use industry-specific keywords to improve your visibility in searches.

Take the extra step of marking yourself as “Open to Work” to signal to recruiters that you’re available for new opportunities. In your “About” section, highlight your key skills and career interests, ensuring this section is tailored to showcase your strengths and align with the roles you’re targeting.

Don’t forget to request recommendations from colleagues or managers—they add credibility and give hiring teams a sense of your character and work ethic.

3. Highlight Your Leadership Skills and Community Impact
Local government roles place a high value on community impact and leadership. Make sure both your CV and LinkedIn profile emphasise these qualities. Include specific examples of how your work has benefited the communities you’ve served, whether through projects, policy initiatives, or innovative solutions to local challenges. Demonstrating your commitment to public service will help you stand out in the candidate pool.

4. Prepare for Behavioural Interview Questions
Local government interviews often focus on behavioural questions to assess how you handle real-world challenges. Prepare examples that illustrate your problem-solving skills, resilience, and ability to work with diverse stakeholders. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them clear, concise, and impactful. Practice your responses to feel more confident during the actual interview.

5. Research the Organisation Thoroughly
When preparing for interviews, research the local government you’re applying to. Review their recent projects, strategic priorities, and community values. Demonstrating knowledge of the organisation and aligning your experience with their goals shows hiring managers that you’re invested and proactive. This extra effort can set you apart from other candidates and make a positive impression.

6. Be Ready to Talk About the Future
Hiring managers want to know that you’re thinking about a long-term future with their organisation. Be prepared to discuss your career aspirations and how you hope to grow within the role. Expressing genuine interest in contributing to the community and aligning your goals with the organisation’s mission demonstrates commitment and vision.

Let Us Help You Take the Next Step
If you’re preparing for a new role in local government, Leading Roles is here to support you at every step of the journey. For more insights on securing the right role, reach out to us at hello@leadingroles.com.au or call 1800 088 000. Let’s make your career move a success!