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I swear, job market updates are coming at me faster than the latest Netflix releases—blink, and there’s a new report telling us what’s hot (and what’s not) for the next decade. This week, I joined a webinar from Jobs & Skills Australia called “The current and future state of the Australian labour market.” Absolute goldmine if you’re a parent of a teenager. Fancy a rewatch? Give me a shout; I’ve got the backdoor link. Now, the freshest scoop? Australia’s labour market is still piping hot, though maybe not quite at “freshly charred steak” levels like last year. Sectors like healthcare, construction, and professional services are screaming out for talent. But here’s the plot twist: managers aren’t on the official shortage list, so if you’re gunning for that big management title, prepare to hustle. Competition is tighter than those jeans fresh out of the dryer. Still, skills and adaptability are the best currency going around. If the government, the World Economic Forum, and Hays are all singing the same tune, you know it’s serious.
Translation: while AI munches on certain tasks, being unabashedly human is the real superpower. Wondering where the jobs actually are? It’ll shock no one that capital cities remain the hubs. But some regional areas—like parts of Queensland or the Riverina/Shepparton region—are flexing some surprising muscle. So, if you’re craving change (or even if you’re just bored of your local café’s avocado toast), consider relocating or seeking remote roles in these expanding spots. As for industries? It’s more or less the usual suspects:
And let’s not forget the newbies: sustainability and AI. Net-zero consultants, data wizards, and ethical AI specialists are springing up everywhere, so if you’ve got tech chops or a passion for saving the planet, now’s your moment. But whether you pivot into a booming sector or are doubling down where you are, having a blend of “hard” and “human” skills is the magic formula. Some quick pointers:
And don’t rule out lesser-known regions or remote gigs—it might just be the fresh start you’ve been craving. ~Lisa Your Q&AIs the Job Market Broken? Hi Lisa, I have a feeling you’re probably hearing this from some of your clients, too. I am a highly qualified mid-level management candidate in the tech space and feel shocked it’s taking me this long to find a new position. It’s been about 6 months now. But, it seems like it’s a really weird time in the market. I know I am doing everything right. I’m getting interviews (ING, Telstra, SAS), I’m personable, I network etc. However, I have not been able to land anything, despite going several rounds into the process with multiple companies. It’s been insane how many rounds these companies are having too. It’s like a never ending process. There are 4 things I keep hearing in terms of feedback. (1) They picked an Internal candidate, (2) They are not filling the role / hiring on hold, (3) Another candidate made it further in the process, (4) Nothing – they ghost. I managed to convert one opportunity to a short-term 3 month contract. But I’m starting to get quite exhausted. I had felt fairly optimistic heading into January, but that optimism is fading. At this point, what does someone do? I know far too many people in this same position. What are you hearing?” Thanks Aiden Hi Aiden, I can practically hear your frustration crackling through my screen. If this were a 90s rom-com, you’d be the plucky protagonist stuck in an endless montage of awkward first dates… except the ‘dates’ are interviews, and the happy ending is nowhere in sight. Let me tell you upfront: You’re not alone, and no, you’re not going crazy. Here’s the lowdown: Management roles = intense competition. With so many qualified people jostling for the same fancy job titles, companies can—and will—drag out the hiring process. More candidates in the ring means more hoops to jump through. Yes, you really do have to kiss a lot of frogs. I’m talking amphibian city. You’ve noticed how every company seems to have 12 rounds of interviews. It’s not you—it’s them. But here’s the upside: when you finally do find a match, it tends to be a relationship that lasts. (Fewer regrets when you’ve hopped through a million application hoops.) Misery loves company—so let’s normalise it. The timeline for management job hunts has stretched from that breezy 6-week fling to a grueling 6-month (or more) marathon. Cue the pit-stops for pep talks and ice cream. It’s not what you’re used to, but it’s the current lay of the land. Mindset shift: from ‘fast find’ to ‘intentional search.’ Tech people especially get whiplash here. You’re used to skipping around from job to job every couple of years. Right now, though, patience is your new BFF. Lean in to that longer, more deliberate hiring slog. Keep doing what you’re doing—but adjust your expectations. The truth is, you’re ticking all the right boxes. The only real ‘fix’ might be to accept that the hiring scene is doing a painfully slow cha-cha. Focus on showing up as your best self in every round of interviews—no matter how many rounds they invent—and trust that the right opportunity will finally pick you. So yes, it’s tough and maybe borderline insane. But it will pay off, and it’ll be worth that extra drama when you land a gig that truly fits. In the meantime, hang in there, Aiden. Thanks for reading ~Lisa |
