In the last 2.5 years, I've recruited 17 FTE's to my team

In the last 2.5 years, I’ve recruited 17 Parks & Recreation professionals to my team.

Here are the 6 common denominators for those who received job offers.

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.