COVID-19 Job Search Updates

It is still a tough environment looking for work or thinking about your career options in this economic environment. The following blog provides recent data from SEEK.COM and is directly related to previous COVID-19 job search information. According to SEEK, there has been a small rise across several occupational groups.  To inform your job search strategy, take a closer look at where the job ads are now.

Unfortunately, COVID-19’s impact on the Australian employment market has been swift and far-reaching.  As Australia begins its long road to recovery, there are promising signs that the job market is making progress.  For example, during the fortnight ending 31 May, job advertisements increased by 49.2% compared to the April 2020 average. 

It is important to note that these numbers are a long way from where they sat before COVID-19.  According to SEEK the job ad volume is half of what it was in May 2019.  Yet it seems Australia is slowing turning a corner, and with restrictions easing, job growth will return.   

The fastest changes in job ad growth are Hospitality & Tourism, Education & Training Trades & Services, Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics, and Healthcare.  All states and territories have seen an increase in job ads, and Queensland leads the charge with the largest growth in the past fortnight, up 62.5%.

The Consumer Services sector has shown the biggest growth in job ads. This ranges from administration/office support, retail assistants and, hospitality/bar attendant roles. Other sectors showing strong improvements are Construction, the Public Sector (Government) and Industrial.

Latest jobs available:

Key jobs that have been advertised and seem to be increasing include the following list:

  • Nursing (Aged Care and General Medical)
  • Physiotherapy
  • Psychology, Counselling & Social Work
  • General Practitioners
  • Mechanics
  • Labourers
  • Fitters & Turners
  • Electricians
  • Developers/Programmers & System Analysts
  • Software Engineering
  • Project Management
  • Warehouse & Distribution Officers
  • Truck Drivers
  • Assembly & Process Work
  • Machine Operators
  • Engineering & Maintenance Officers

Other important notes:

So, if any of these career options attract your interest, or you are looking for more work, be sure that you are ready to submit your application or resumé.   A client informed me recently that his application for an Administrative Support Officer in a Queensland Government department was one of 350 applications.  Competition is super fierce! While the above is good news, applying for jobs requires persistence, patience, and a high level of optimism.  My key tips are to:

  • ensure your resumé is up to date
  • keep focused on your job target
  • increase your online networking
  • conduct a thorough job search twice a week
  • remember to reach out if you require professional assistance.