New Online Tools Guide Citizens Through Town of Cary Employment, Development Processes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2010
CARY, NC – As part of its continuing commitment to provide citizen-focused, user friendly technological solutions, the Town of Cary today launches two new online tools to guide Web visitors through the Town’s employment and development processes. With one click on the Town’s Web site, users can access both the new employment application tool and the Virtual Interactive Planner, VIP, via the Online Services section at www.townofcary.org
The online employment application tool, powered by NeoGov, a leader in workforce management systems, 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 at the Town of Cary.
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.
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 – or visiting 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.
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.
For more on Cary’s employment application tool or VIP, visit www.townofcary.org
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PRIMARY CONTACTS:
Renee Poole, Human Resources Consultant, (919) 469-4373
Dan Matthys, Customer Resource Planner, (919) 380-2774
Deanna Boone, Deputy Public Information Officer, (919) 462-3908
Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, (919) 460-4951
