Recruiters reveal: where applicant volumes are increasing

Jobseekers are particularly active at the beginning of the year – but some sectors attract more applicants than others.

CAREERS’ panel of expert recruiters answers a reader’s question each week. Have a question? Email [e-mail]

“Have you noticed a big increase in people applying for jobs this year?”

Hays director Lisa Morris:

The new year did mark a turning point for the jobs market, with employers more confident and headcount approvals being granted.

As many organisations now return to growth and look to invest in their workforces, there are lots of opportunities for skilled and experienced job seekers.

There has certainly been a considerable lift in job applications so far in 2021.

In keeping with the normal patterns of the jobs market, there was also the annual increase in candidate mobility that occurs just after the new year period.

If you are looking to apply for jobs this year, our advice is to make sure you present a strong CV personalised for each role you apply for.

For example, streamline your skills and experience to highlight only the most relevant and quantify your successes.

If you can show a potential employer exactly how you can add value, you’ll stand out and be in a stronger position to advance your career this year.

Hays’ Lisa Morris says more people are often looking for jobs at the start of the year. Picture: AAP Image/Matt Loxton

Sullivan Consulting managing director Andrew Sullivan:

The start of a new year is often a time when people may be looking to change careers or explore new opportunities, but there’s also no doubt that the job market has been disrupted by COVID-19.

We have noticed an increase of applications for a range of positions, such as in hospitality, administration, customer service and management.

The silver lining is that with a rebounding economy there are new job opportunities opening every day, and that there are many positions in regional areas which are in need of even more applicants.

Sullivan Consulting’s Andrew Sullivan says hospitality and administration roles are attracting lots of applicants. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Hender Consulting executive consultant Justin Hinora:

In general, yes.

There are, however, certainly still skill shortages in very technical, specialist and clinical leadership roles.

The commercial and corporate services type roles are the ones that we have noticed the most significant increase.

For example, in just seven days of going to market, we received over 130 applicants for a senior finance role.

Competition is strong and clients are blessed with choice.

That is why it is so important for candidates to tailor each and every application specific to the role they are applying for in order to stand out from the crowd for all of the right reasons.

Hender Consulting’s Justin Hinora says many employers are blessed with choice. Picture: Mike Burton

Stillwell Management Consultants head of organisational psychology consulting Alexandra Rosser:

There has been a dramatic increase in job applicants in some industries while in others employers are facing a shortage of supply for the jobs that they have on offer.

Some people who may otherwise have put themselves into the job market are choosing to hold onto their current jobs due to the uncertainty of employment in a COVID-19 environment.

It is anticipated that the phasing out of JobKeeper at the end of the month and changes to JobSeeker recipients’ obligations will produce an overall increase in applications for roles

Stillwell Management Consultant’s Alexandra Rosser says applicant volumes vary from industry to industry. Picture: Mike Burton

For more Careers news, advice and reader questions answered, visit adelaidenow.com.au/careers