Report: How Australian Employers recruit

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The “How Employers Recruit” report offer insights about what Australian employers look for in applicants at the application and interview stages of the recruitment process.

If you have recently arrived in Australia and you are a civil engineer or a construction professional, understanding how Australian employers recruit and what they are looking for in successful applicants is crucial. Navigating the job market can be challenging, but knowing the key factors that make candidates stand out will significantly improve your chances of securing a rewarding position in this industry.

Recruitment approach

Around two-thirds of respondents preferred a ‘conventional’ recruitment process, where candidates submit an initial application and are then subsequently interviewed. Interestingly, 22% of respondents used only an ‘informal’ chat and/or interview.

For example, this often included recruitment rounds where the employer hired using word of mouth or where they informally interviewed job seekers that contacted them directly looking for work.

The in-person face to face meeting, whether formal or informal, were still the most preferred approach. There was relatively low usage of formal online interviews (9%) and informal online interviews (14%) amongst the surveyed employers.

References continue to be important in the job search journey, with 44% of employers requiring a reference.

At the application stage, employers are screening potential candidates and around 50% said they looked for evidence that applicants possessed the relevant experience and skills for the position. 28% of employers looked for the right qualifications and/or licences in applications.

18% were looking for the staff that were available to work the days/hours they required. The research revealed that employers are looking for a broad range of qualities and skills when deciding which applicants will progress to the next stage.

At interview, the focus shifts to an applicant’s interpersonal and employability skills, with 49% of employers saying that approach and/or attitude to work was important to them, closely followed by cultural fit including personality and look.

Regional employers were most likely to seek someone with the right cultural fit, while those in capital cities were most focussed on an applicant’s approach and attitude to work.

Large businesses (100+ employees) were far more likely to use formal and traditional recruitment processes, while small businesses (5-20 employees) were more likely to undertake informal recruitment steps.

Important steps for job seekers

Regardless of the type of job, employers were overwhelmingly seeking applicants with relevant work experience and skills for the job and the right blend of personal attributes for their team or business. While these findings are not surprising, the research confirms a few important steps that job seekers should consider:

  • Undertake appropriate education and training and complete a qualification. Jobs and Skills Australia research indicates that 9 out of every 10 jobs in the future will require an advanced post-school (Certificate III and above) qualification.
  • Obtain and build a work experience profile. This can be challenging for newer entrants to the labour market, but can involve a stepping-stone approach, including short term, casual, part-time or contract jobs, or even volunteering.
  • Demonstrate personal and transferable skills – employers want workers that will fit into their business and contribute positively. A good work ethic, communication skills, personal presentation, reliability, and availability are essential.
  • Demonstrate all the above in job applications and interviews. Tailor applications to the vacant position, ensure references and tickets/licences are up to date, and be prepared to demonstrate how skills are relevant and transferable to the position.

Jobs and Skills Australia conducts the Recruitment Experiences and Outlook Survey
(REOS). The REOS is an ongoing recruitment survey of employers across Australia with
approximately 1,000 employers surveyed each month and data published on the Jobs and
Skills Australia website.

Source: “How Employers recruit,” Australian Government

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