Hiring in Australia and New Zealand has bounced back and showed “extraordinary recovery”, with newly-created jobs rising and job placements booming in Q1, according to JobAdder’s 2021 Agency Trends report.

Between Q4 2020 and the end of Q1 2021, Australia saw a 29.3% increase in new jobs while New Zealand’s new job market grew by a significant 47.1%. The data shows an optimistic and accelerated economic recovery, revealing that both Australia and New Zealand saw a YoY (year-over-year) jump in new jobs created in Q1—20.9%and 39%, respectively.

The rise in new jobs created in Australia and New Zealand is exhibiting a positive flow-on effect with more jobseekers being hired and placement volumes soaring. Between Q4 2020 and the end of Q1 2021, permanent placements rose by 22% in Australia and 14.3% in New Zealand. YoY Q1 comparisons further reveal increases in permanent placements—up by 16.5%in Australia and 36.9% in New Zealand.

YoY Q1 comparisons show temporary and contract placements grew by 33.7% in Australia and 20.3%in New Zealand, whilst a YoY analysis of the month of March shows temporary and contract placements rose by a huge 47.4% in Australia, and 64.1% in New Zealand. Additionally, YoY Q1 comparisons show temporary and contract placements in Australia are up by 33.7% and in New Zealand have risen by 20.3%.

Martin Herbst, JobAdder CEO, says: “While we see data daily in our platform that suggests activity has been picking up, even we were surprised at the significant positive jump across key metrics. We started this report to offer a quarterly pulse on the job market and to hopefully shine a light on recovery as we come through the other side of the global pandemic.

Herbst was shocked how the job market bounced back. “None of us, however, expected such a quick turnaround. We are delighted to be able to share this data and some good news at last.”

Greg Savage, recruitment industry expert and advisor to JobAdder, says: “Jobseekers are confident in light of the findings of this report. Evidently, we are not out of the woods yet and there are always large sector variations to consider. However, it’s clear that companies’ hiring confidence has certainly returned and we’re in a markedly better position than we were at this time last year.”

However, Savage warns that the job growth can cause an “overheated market.”

“A job-hunting frenzy is occurring, with employee confidence sitting at a five-year high. There is a mix of people in the market who are desperate to get hired while, on the other end of the spectrum, there are others who have begrudgingly remained in unfulfilling roles for the security and stability that it has offered them through the pandemic. There are others who now have the confidence to move and look at the next step up in their career”, he says.

“With an overheated market, there is a lot more competition for certain jobs but it’s a good time to ramp up your job search if your current role is missing something important. Changing jobs is always an opportunity and a risk, but there is plenty you can do to enhance your chances for success”, Savage adds.

Savage’s advice to jobseekers is to “approach with caution.”

“When Covid-19 hit, many employers over-pruned their proverbial tree and let too many of their staff go. Now demand has returned in an urgent way; they can’t service their customers and need to hire before they miss out on top talent”, he says.

He gives a sage recommendation: “Research and consider employers’ performance during Covid-19. Think: if borders were to be locked down again, would your job be safe? Yes, opportunities are flourishing, but keep your eyes wide open and don’t forget to always evaluate your prospective employer.”

He explains: “Think about why a job and a company is right for you. Is it time for you to change jobs from a long-term, career point of view? Assess each role on its merits and its potential. Money is important but shouldn’t be your focus, make sure you have a career plan, not a job search plan. Is your next role a step up or is it a dead end with more money? A greater salary isn’t always the best option. Changing jobs could harm your career if it’s the wrong move, so be wary of jumping ship prematurely. Approach a job change strategically, don’t change for the sake of making a change.”

“Make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete, detailed, clearly showcases your niche expertise, has a strong headline, and your ‘About’ section should outline your employee value proposition. Even if you have a stellar CV, recruiters will often head immediately to your LinkedIn profile as their first stop. Some might argue a headline on your LinkedIn is a superficial play, but competition is heating and a singular point of difference could mean securing that all-important interview for yourself over another candidate.”

Savage suggests how to engage online on LinkedIn. “Clean up your personal brand online. Post content to show engagement. Connect with the right people. Be aware people are looking at you online and assessing you based purely on what comes to their attention. Similar to what we do when we’re weighing up whether to go on a date with someone new.

“Get help to achieve a strong CV. Think about design, length, layout, and keywords and always give time to customising and writing a strong cover letter.”

He also adds that self-preparation is important.

“Practice your interview skills, role play interviews, ask for a recruiter’s help, think about likely questions. Practice telling your story, never tell a lie but put your best foot forward by painting a compelling picture about your area of expertise. Prepare for what you’re going to be asked—you don’t want to be caught floundering. Brief your referees and make sure they are ready to speak on your behalf. Be overly protective of your reputation.”

Savage concluded: “There is more flexibility in the hiring market right now, but it’s not a case of timing the market, it’s a case of timing your individual trajectory. Typically, the criteria employers have focused on are jobseekers’ qualifications and experience. Increasingly, employers are looking at key outcomes, skills and transferable skills—rather than type of experience—and they are also starting to hire on potential.”

JobAdder says it has generated 230,000 jobs in 2020 and boasts a 40% market share in ANZ recruitment agencies.