As Australia’s labour market becomes more competitive, jobseekers may need to rethink how they present their experience and demonstrate their value to prospective employers.
Australia’s employment market is showing signs of cooling, creating a more challenging environment for jobseekers in some industries.
The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show unemployment reached 4.7 per cent in September 2026, with employment falling by 39,300 people over the month.
While opportunities remain, employers in some sectors have a wider pool of applicants to choose from. For jobseekers, meeting the requirements listed in a job advertisement may no longer be enough to secure an interview.
The challenge is increasingly about demonstrating what sets them apart.
A changing employment landscape
According to Jobs and Skills Australia’s 2026 Jobs and Skills Report, the proportion of occupations experiencing skills shortages fell from 36 per cent in 2023 to 29 per cent in 2025.
Although shortages persist in almost three in ten occupations, the figures highlight an employment market in which competition varies considerably between industries.
For jobseekers, understanding these differences is important. Experience that attracted immediate interest two years ago may not generate the same response today, particularly in occupations where employers now have more candidates to consider.
Show results, not just responsibilities
One of the most effective ways jobseekers can strengthen an application is by demonstrating the impact of their previous work.
A CV that lists responsibilities tells an employer what someone was expected to do. A CV that highlights achievements shows what they actually accomplished.
Rather than simply stating that they managed projects, supported clients or improved processes, jobseekers should provide specific examples of their contributions.
These might include delivering projects ahead of schedule, reducing costs, improving customer satisfaction or introducing more efficient ways of working.
Where possible, measurable results can help employers understand the value a candidate could bring to their organisation.
Transferable skills deserve greater attention
Jobseekers should also consider whether their experience could be relevant beyond their current industry or job title.
Jobs and Skills Australia’s latest report highlights the importance of making better use of existing workforce capabilities, finding that 33 per cent of women and 27 per cent of men work in occupations below their skill potential.
This suggests there is considerable untapped capability within Australia’s workforce.
Communication, problem-solving, stakeholder management and leadership skills can be valuable across multiple industries.
Rather than limiting their search to familiar job titles, jobseekers may benefit from exploring opportunities where their existing experience could be applied in a different setting.
Look beyond advertised vacancies
Online job advertisements remain an important part of the recruitment process, but they should not be the only avenue jobseekers explore.
Building relationships with specialist recruiters, reconnecting with professional contacts and researching organisations of interest can provide valuable insight into potential opportunities.
Recruiters can also help jobseekers understand how their experience compares with current employer expectations, which skills are attracting interest and where their background might be particularly relevant.
This market knowledge can help candidates approach their search more strategically rather than submitting large numbers of applications without a clear direction.
A more targeted approach
For jobseekers navigating today’s employment market, the priority should be quality rather than quantity.
Tailoring applications to relevant opportunities, providing evidence of achievements and remaining open to different career pathways can all help strengthen their position.
Australia’s labour market continues to offer opportunities, but the conditions are not the same across every industry or occupation. For candidates, the strongest approach is to understand where their skills are needed and communicate clearly why those skills matter.
Being qualified gets a candidate into consideration. Demonstrating their value can help move them closer to securing the role.
