Cary Makes Job Search Greener and Easier

January 13, 2010 | Story by: Matt Young | Categories: Environment, News

Screen shot of the Town's VIP tool for developers.

CARY, NC –  The Town of Cary has unveiled two new online tools. One helps people apply for jobs. They other is designed to simplify the development process.  Both have the side benefit of reducing paper usage.

APPLY FOR TOWN JOBS ONLINE

The online employment application tool, powered by NeoGov, provides applicants with an enhanced level of customer service by making all aspects of the employment process easily accessible. Job opportunities, job descriptions, and other employment information are kept in one central location. The employment application is designed to be filled out online and sent electronically; beginning today, the Town will accept applications for employment through its online employment application tool only.

“Moving to an online application process will enable us to better reach out to a global audience and potentially double the pool of qualified applicants seeking to become a part of the Town of Cary team,” said Town of Cary Human Resources Consultant Renee Poole. “Online-only applications also support the Town’s commitment to preserving and protecting the environment by using less fuel and paper.”

In the last fiscal year, more than 4,500 paper applications were received and processed by the Town.

Applicants who do not have a computer can use one of the two self-assisted computer kiosks available in the Town of Cary’s Human Resources Department to complete their application. Other options for accessing a computer include local libraries, local Employment Security Commission offices or assistance from friends or relatives. Appropriate accommodations will be made for people with disabilities who are unable to apply on-line.

VIP – The Virtual Interactive Planner

The Town’s second new online tool — Virtual Interactive Planner — is designed to help reduce the confusion and intimidation sometimes associated with complex, comprehensive processes like land development. By clicking on VIP from the Town’s Web site – visit vip.townofcary.org – and entering an address, users are given a guided tour of the Town’s planning and development process in a format that is easy to understand. Video and animation are used to break the process down in easy to follow steps.

Users also have a choice of accessing a text-only version of VIP.  Both the animated and text-only versions of the tool include a wide variety of development-related information such as downloadable applications, fee schedules, and definitions. Citizens are also made aware of the points in the process where the public is encouraged to provide input to the Town.

“We’re committed to providing the highest level of customer service and we’re continuously looking for innovative, effective ways to help those we serve be successful. VIP is the latest in a long line of tools we’ve developed or employed to help our citizens be better involved in the decision-making that impact their lives and their community,” said Town of Cary Customer Resource Planner Dan Matthys.

MORE NEW ONLINE TOOLS COMING

The new online tools are the latest additions to the Town of Cary’s revamped Web site, which launched in October 2009. Throughout the year, the Town will unveil improvements to the site, including more online tools designed to meet the needs of its citizens.

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