Parliamentary Procedure

Term from Public Administration industry explained for recruiters

Parliamentary Procedure is a set of rules and methods used to run effective meetings and make group decisions in government bodies, non-profit organizations, and professional associations. It's like having a guidebook that helps keep meetings organized and fair. The most common version in the United States is called Robert's Rules of Order. When someone knows Parliamentary Procedure, they understand how to properly conduct meetings, handle voting, make proposals, and ensure everyone gets a fair chance to participate. This is especially important in local government, school boards, and other civic organizations where formal decision-making is required.

Examples in Resumes

Certified in Parliamentary Procedure and served as meeting chair for city council sessions

Applied Robert's Rules of Order and Parliamentary Procedure to streamline board meetings

Trained staff members in Parliamentary Procedure to improve meeting efficiency

Typical job title: "Parliamentary Procedure Specialists"

Also try searching for:

Meeting Facilitator Board Secretary City Clerk Legislative Coordinator Governance Specialist Municipal Clerk Board Administrator

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a controversial motion in a heated public meeting?

Expected Answer: Should explain strategies for maintaining order, ensuring fair debate, and following proper procedures while managing emotions and time effectively.

Q: Describe your experience training others in Parliamentary Procedure.

Expected Answer: Should discuss methods for teaching others, creating training materials, and implementing procedures in different organizational settings.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the key steps in handling a main motion?

Expected Answer: Should outline the basic steps: recognition by chair, stating the motion, seconding, debate, and voting process.

Q: How do you ensure meeting minutes are properly recorded and maintained?

Expected Answer: Should explain the importance of accurate record-keeping, what details to include, and proper storage of official documents.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the basic order of business in a meeting?

Expected Answer: Should be able to list the standard meeting components: call to order, roll call, minutes approval, reports, old business, new business, adjournment.

Q: What's the difference between a majority vote and a two-thirds vote?

Expected Answer: Should explain when each type of vote is required and how to calculate the necessary numbers for each.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic meeting procedures
  • Simple motion handling
  • Minutes taking
  • Voting procedures

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced motion management
  • Meeting facilitation
  • Bylaws interpretation
  • Committee coordination

Senior (5+ years)

  • Complex procedural situations
  • Training and development
  • Bylaws creation and revision
  • Strategic meeting management

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Lack of knowledge about basic meeting procedures
  • No experience with formal voting processes
  • Unable to maintain meeting order
  • Poor documentation skills
  • No understanding of bylaws and their importance