Various skills are in high demand on the Australian job market, and knowing what skills are in demand can help you plan your future career and learning plans, as well as ensure you remain employed in the future. Having an understanding of the skills in demand can be helpful in planning your workforce and developing your internal training and development programs, enabling employers to upskill employees to overcome skills gaps.
You will find below a list of the most in demand skills in today’s market. We update this list on a regular basis to ensure you remain competitive in your search – whether you are looking to hire or add staff.
Factors influencing demand
The recruitment trends and top skills in demand change naturally over time, whether they are influenced by technological change or unexpected disruptions such as COVID-19.
As of right now, there is a shortage of qualified candidates in so many industries that we have never seen before. It is predicted that it will take two years for internal and external migration to curb the domestic skills shortages in certain fields despite the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions and the opening of borders. A skills shortage will be further exacerbated in 2023 when young Australians depart to obtain overseas work experience.
Many people were prompted to reevaluate their work-life priorities during the pandemic and lockdowns, resulting in a trend dubbed ‘The Great Resignation’ in which record numbers plan to resign from their jobs. There is a resultant shortage of qualified candidates, as demand exceeds supply, resulting in a long list of skills in high demand. The resulting momentum is fueling a long list of skills in demand.
The five most in-demand skills
Below are the top five most in-demand skills that companies nationwide need based on an analysis of job market trends across each of the industries and sectors we recruit in. Identifies the specific hard and technical skills that are at the apex of the supply and demand imbalance based on job titles. These are the skills that are in greatest demand relative to supply. To help you understand the top soft skills in demand, we have compiled seven job-ready soft skills.
IT Project Managers
In today’s technology-driven world, IT Project Managers are in high demand as they lead digital transformation programs. Businesses of all sizes require experienced Project Managers to scope and deliver complex projects. Candidates who are successful will work within agile frameworks, possess exceptional communication skills, and bridge the gap between technical experts and non-technical stakeholders.
Civil Project Engineers
The recruitment activity within civil construction is high for Project Engineers with a civil engineering degree and prior experience constructing construction projects of the required specifications. In a market already experiencing skill shortages – especially for individuals with experience in the public sector and subdivisions – there is an increasing demand for candidates across the country due to a strong pipeline of projects and investment from both state and federal governments.
Talent Acquisition Specialists
Our recruiters indicate that Talent Acquisition professionals are in extremely short supply, with large organizations frequently looking for several employees at all levels to ensure that their teams are not overstretched. As organizations expand their headcount, suitable employees are required to be able to handle a large amount of hiring needs, to utilize several channel talent attraction strategies (including industry-specific talent pools), and to be adept at engaging stakeholders, communicating with stakeholders, and managing expectations. Due to the rapid growth of the technology industry, candidates with technology discipline experience are in high demand.
Payroll Officers
A continuous and extreme demand exists for payroll professionals. Although many accounting and finance skills are subject to seasonal fluctuations, payroll is required throughout the year. Due to a shortage of suitable candidates, this job has been ranked among the top five skills in demand nationally. When recruiting, employers are seeking Payroll Officers who are familiar with the systems and have experience managing implementations and improvements. Furthermore, they look for candidates who have experience working with a similar number of employees and have knowledge of the relevant industry awards.
HD Fitters
Due to high exploration activity, new mining areas, increased production, and competition between the mining sector and the construction industry for top talent, Australia’s mining sector is experiencing skills shortages. As a result, HD Fitters with previous experience with Caterpillar, Komatsu and Liebherr equipment are in high demand. Employers generally prefer trade-qualified heavy diesel labour, however, some employers may employ a candidate with a light vehicle qualification as long as they are experienced with heavy diesel machines. It is preferred that the candidate has experience in field service.
Software Developers
As organizations seek to improve their digital channels for customer interaction, there is a significant demand for Software Developers. It is important to note that, although the languages, frameworks, and products vary from organization to organization, proven experience in React, Node, and Kotlin is particularly desirable. Aside from technical skills,
organizations also desire candidates who possess strong problem-solving and communication abilities.
Executive and Personal Assistants
Financial services and technology, as well as change teams, are among the most in need of Executive and Personal Assistants across most industries. As gatekeepers to their partners and directors, these professionals must be able to make rapid decisions on behalf of their executives, prioritize tasks and determine who their executive spends most of his or her time with.
According to our recruiters, the greatest demand is for candidates who are able to adapt to change, think outside the box and use the latest technological advances to implement efficient processes. As part of an organization’s HR and office management functions, employers expect candidates to have experience preparing board reports, taking minutes, generating and distributing reports, formatting presentations and proposals, assisting with information technology, and providing general HR support.
Mine Engineers
A high demand exists for Mining Engineers, but they are in short supply in today’s recruitment market. Employers are seeking candidates with a degree and at least five years of previous mining experience. A strong gold price and a surge in battery mineral commodities (copper, nickel and lithium) have resulted in higher staffing requirements for underground operations than for surface operations at present.
Communications Specialists
As a result of the high demand for communication specialists, mid-level marketeers are in high demand. It is essential that candidates possess exceptional writing skills and be able to operate in a fast-paced environment, as well as expertise in public relations, media relations, and corporate affairs.
Clinical Research Associates
Our nation has become a hub for clinical research as a result of Australia’s COVID-19 response and limited impact on trial activities. Due to this, international organizations have redirected their research efforts here, resulting in a high demand for Clinical Research Associates throughout the industry. Remote monitoring candidates have limited exposure to key opinion leaders, site staff and field-based activities. Candidates with direct onsite and field experience are preferred.
As a way to attract a suitable CRA, our recruiters report employers are offering better salaries, sign-on bonuses, and flexibility, like working from home or in a regional role to reduce travel. As more small biotech trials take place, oncology experience remains highly
sought after and is a major advantage to any candidate. Phase I experience is also appealing.
Civil Designers
The demand for Civil Designers is high for structural and hydraulic engineers or residential subdivisions. The number of infrastructure projects and residential land developments has gone up in several places, so the number of candidates is up. Companies want people with experience using relevant software packages, including Civil 3D and 12D. Having a Bachelor’s degree in engineering is a plus, but not a requirement.
Digital Producers
An increased demand exists for Digital Producers with experience managing digital content, production, quality assurance, and campaign delivery. Candidates must possess excellent stakeholder management skills and be able to communicate project needs across product, marketing, sales, and web design teams. In addition to being able to navigate content management systems (CMS), teams must be able to ensure every production is checked and tested before launch and that delivery occurs within brand guidelines.
It is preferred for candidates with proven experience managing digital production across departments of medium to large organizations. Ideally, candidates must have a background in marketing, but it is even more important that candidates possess an outstanding capability as a digital designer, CMS user and manager of numerous product releases simultaneously. Experience with video editing or virtual content delivery is desirable.
Mechanical Fitters
Mechanical Fitters are in high demand at present. Employers typically require trade qualified candidates with experience working in heavy industrial, mining, or pumps, as well as maintenance. Electrical experience is highly advantageous. The tightening candidate market is leading to an increase in pay rates due to supply shortages.
Commercial Contract Administrators
There is a high demand for qualified Contract Administrators in the commercial, civil and residential construction industries. While hiring managers prefer candidates who possess both tertiary and trade qualifications, those who possess both are highly regarded as well.
Estimators
We are also seeing a high demand for Estimators with a broad range of experience in residential and civil construction. We anticipate a pickup in multi-residential construction to further increase this demand.
Legal Counsels
Across Australia, in-house legal counsels are in high demand, particularly in large organizations. The greatest recruitment demand is found in financial services, mining, construction, and technology, but there is also a significant shortage of candidates at the mid to senior levels. Especially those with private practice experience and contract expertise, there is a pronounced shortage of talent at the mid to senior levels.
Storepersons
There is a shortage of reliable and committed Storespersons for jobs that can work overtime and possess a forklift ticket as well as any other relevant tickets the hiring employer requires, including gantry cranes, working at heights, and RF scanning. It is expected that you will have experience working in warehouse environments, as well as knowledge of inventory systems, such as SAP.
Commercial Analysts
There is an extremely high demand for Business Analysts who possess business partnership skills. Employers seek candidates who are able to cooperate effectively across departments and gain the approval of non-finance colleagues. Business partnership skills are non-negotiable and valued as highly as CA/CPA qualifications.
Accounts Receivable
An Accounts Receivable professional must be capable of reducing all debtor ledgers, and must have strong communication abilities and a desire to achieve KPIs.
HV Primary Design Engineers
The high number of grid connection projects for power generation assets is driving up the demand for Primary Design Engineers. Primary Design Engineers are responsible for designing the primary components of electrical substations that connect assets to the grid. Candidates with technical knowledge of the primary design of substations in Australia and prior experience working on substation projects for a major electrical utility company are preferred by employers.
Freight Forwarders
There is a need for freight forwarders with previous experience working for freight forwarders rather than shipping companies in today’s recruitment environment. The candidate must possess specific software experience, such as Cargowise, pending job import and export experience, and experience importing or exporting air or sea freight.
National Account Managers
The demand for National Account Managers in FMCG and consumer goods companies is high. Typically, employers recruit candidates who have managed national accounts for similar sized organizations and led Coles, Woolworths, Independents, or eCommerce accounts. In contrast, the majority of candidates with such experience are seeking career progression into a National Business Manager role rather than a lateral move. Since there are only a few National Account Executives who possess the experience necessary to transition into National Account Manager positions, recruitment demand continues to far outweigh supply. As a result, National Account Managers with the appropriate experience who are open to a lateral move will receive a significant pay raise as a result.
Facilities Managers
There has been an increased demand for technical Facility Managers who possess engineering or trade qualifications, as well as an understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, in order to reduce contractor costs. In today’s increasingly strategic business environment, Facilities Managers are faced with unprecedented challenges, including ensuring a safe return to the office and implementing hybrid working effectively. Therefore, market demand continues to be high.
Urban and Town Planners
Urban and Town Planners with expertise in large-scale planning for medium to high density residential developments and public spaces are in high demand within the architecture industry. The position requires both public and private sector experience, however the demand is higher for candidates with a strong understanding of Local Government standards and requirements. Experience with Revit is preferred.
Procurement Specialists
The shortage of procurement specialists has resulted in a high demand for candidates who possess a broad range of skills and are familiar with a variety of categories. Organizations are seeking to reduce costs and increase operational efficiency, creating a high demand for generalists who can work across a broad range of subject matter and drive procurement outcomes regardless of the category of spending. As well as strong virtual stakeholder engagement skills, such niche skills are in short supply, which makes them highly sought after.
Procurement Consultants
The Federal Government is seeking Procurement Consultants who have experience leading complex, large-scale tenders, from solution design to contract award. Candidates should have experience leading complex and large-scale tenders. Typically, these roles involve the establishment of outsourced procurement contracts, new panel contracts for ICT or service-
based agreements, as well as incorporating existing panels in order to maximize efficiency. It is preferred that candidates have NV1 clearances or have experience in the defence sector.
Customer Service Representatives
Customers Service Representatives are in high demand in call centers, but very particular skills are needed. Hiring managers look for candidates who have previous customer service experience in high-volume, fast-paced environments. Candidates must also possess excellent computer skills. In addition to confidence, a professional telephone manner, the ability to work well under pressure and a genuine passion for helping others, all of these qualities are essential. Customers Service Representatives with experience in financial services, manufacturing, FMCG and medical supplies/devices are in greatest demand. Retail and hospitality experience is in short supply. Graduates are needed for entry-level financial services positions and candidates at all levels are needed for temporary assignments.
Advice for employers
Our recommendation is to review and promote your EVP first if you require recruiting candidates who are in short supply. Plan your workforce to assess your skills requirements, conduct a skills gap analysis, and determine how existing employees can be upskilled to fill the skills gaps. You can use temporary workers to alleviate the pressure while a permanent team member is being sought.
Keeping abreast of current job market trends is equally important as obtaining a competitive salary and benefits package. It has been found from the data in our Hays Salary Guide that career progression opportunities, training, and ongoing learning and development are very important to candidates, and can help you stand out from other employers when competing for top talent. The provision of over 20 days of annual leave, mental health and wellness programs, and the payment of professional membership fees are also becoming increasingly common benefits.
It is no longer considered a benefit to work remotely during lockdowns for roles that were completed remotely, but rather an expectation of the organization. Consequently, organizations that do not offer regular hybrid working now find it difficult to attract top talent. After all, candidates believe they should be able to work remotely over the long term if they were required to do so during lockdowns.
Advice for job candidates
As much as your skills may be in demand, preparation plays an important role in securing a new job today. Make sure your CV and LinkedIn profile are current, prepare concrete examples of your accomplishments for your CV and interview, and plan your job search according to your abilities.
Furthermore, you should continue to upskill regularly in order to stay up-to-date with the latest job market trends in your field. Set career goals so you have a clear path to follow to reach your development goals and career goals.
In order to be realistic with your salary expectations, it is important to understand typical salaries for your position in relation to the current job market trends. Although salaries are increasing for skills in demand, there is a gap between what professionals expect and what employers can provide. If you do not know your salary expectations or the latest recruitment trends, speak to your recruitment consultant. Consider non-financial benefits to bridge the gap.
