At a Glance
- Tasks: Help conduct elections and ensure a smooth voting process.
- Company: Join a team dedicated to democracy and civic engagement.
- Benefits: Earn competitive pay, gain valuable experience, and receive full training.
- Other info: Flexible work opportunities during elections throughout the year.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while earning money and learning new skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18 or over; no experience needed for most roles.
The predicted salary is between 15 - 15 £ per hour.
If you are 18 and over and interested in working at an election, then we are always looking for people to help.
Most scheduled elections take place on the first Thursday in May; however, Parliamentary General Elections can be called at any time of the year. During an election, we have various jobs that you would help us with:
- Presiding Officer - £339 (plus £43.50 to attend training). Presiding Officers are responsible for the conduct of the ballot in the polling stations and they must have a good knowledge of the voting procedure.
- Poll Clerks - £216 (plus £25 to attend training). Poll Clerks assist the Presiding Officer in the conduct of the ballot in the polling stations. No previous experience needed, full training will be provided.
- Count Assistant - £15 per hour (day rate), £22.50 per hour (evening and weekend rate). Count Assistants in a team will open ballot boxes, verify to the accounts and then count the votes for each candidate in the elections. Great care must be taken to ensure that mistakes are not made. No previous experience needed, full training will be provided.
If you would be interested in joining us, have a look at our web pages, where you can read the full job description for each role and complete the expression of interest form: www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/ElectionWork.
Working at the elections employer: West-Norfolk
West-Norfolk Council offers a supportive and dynamic work environment in King's Lynn, where employees are valued for their contributions to the community. With opportunities for professional development and a commitment to work-life balance, this role as a Customer Service Advisor allows you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the benefits of a collaborative team culture. Join us in serving residents and businesses with pride and dedication.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Working at the elections
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Working at the elections
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at West-Norfolk
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from West-Norfolk.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show West-Norfolk that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
