career tips

​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 ...

​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...

​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. ...

​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...

​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...

​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...

​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...

​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 ...

​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 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...

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 ...

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...

In the competitive landscape of today’s job market, standing out from the crowd is essential. At Leading Roles, we understand the challenges individuals face when seeking career opportunities that align with their skills and ambitions. That's why we've created Leading Talent – a curated talent pool designed to connect exceptional candidates with extraordinary opportunities. ...

As you near the final stages of securing a new role in local government, one often overlooked but crucial aspect is prepping your referees. These individuals play a pivotal role in influencing hiring decisions, so it's essential to ensure they are equipped to represent you effectively. Here's how to prep your referees for success:​Choose Wisely: Select referees who know your...

​In the realm of job interviews, behavioural questions have become a standard method for employers to gauge candidates' suitability for a role. Unlike traditional interview questions that focus on hypothetical scenarios or technical skills, behavioural questions delve into your past experiences and actions to predict future behaviour. While they may seem daunting, with the r...

​As you might imagine, recruiters sift through thousands of cover letters—some impressively crafted, some lacking in substance, and others uniquely quirky. With advancing technology, it's becoming increasingly evident when a cover letter has been generated by AI. While this isn't necessarily a bad thing, there are specific guidelines you should follow to increase your chance...

​It's common to feel tempted to stick to what we know and stay within familiar environments as we progress in our careers. If you've always pursued permanent roles, the prospect of entering the world of contract work might seem uncertain and even risky. However, we're here to share some good news: far from hindering your career advancement, embracing contracting and broadeni...

​In the fast-paced world of local government leadership, making a stellar first impression in a job interview is crucial. As you embark on your career change journey in 2024, nailing the initial moments can set the tone for a successful transition. Let's delve into the key elements of the first 5 minutes of a job interview that can leave a lasting positive impression.1. Entr...

​The Myth of the "One-Size-Fits-All" Cover Letter: Picture this: You're a dedicated executive with a bustling schedule, aiming to tailor your cover letter for every application. Reality check: It's a demanding task. Enter AI, your trusty sidekick. AI-powered tools can help generate a solid base for your cover letter, ensuring you don't miss those key achievements and skills ...

​In the list of the dos and don’ts for presenting yourself in the best possible light to a prospective employer; having “moved on too quickly” from job to job would be the number one ‘don’t’. Preparing for an interview and crafting your answer to any interrogation around that 2 year period where you had 4 jobs can be terrifying but is it really deal breaker? ​We have all had...