A survey conducted by Hays in June 2020 revealed that 35 percent of Australian businesses are hiring while only 19 percent reported a hiring freeze.
The top area of focus among those hiring is IT, with companies looking particularly for infrastructure professionals, software developers and engineers, and cloud architects and engineers.
The fourth area of priority listed is accountancy and finance, for which businesses are looking to hire data analysts.
Hays surveyed 1,100 Australian employers and also found that IT will remain the top priority for the next 12 months, with a focus again in infrastructure but also help desk and support professionals and professionals in cyber and data security and in governance, risk and compliance.
Also, the life sciences area will also be looking for IT professionals and data analysts will continue to be sought by financial institutions.
The survey found that 49 percent of employers have increased their adoption of agile working practices, 38 percent have increased their focus on digital engagement with customers, 35 percent have invested in infrastructure or applications to facilitate remote working, and 21 percent have increased their use of data to analyse business performance.
“While the coronavirus changed the job market almost overnight, there is now an increasing number of opportunities available. For those looking for their next opportunity, targeting jobs in these areas is a sensible strategy,” said Nick Deligiannis, managing director of Hays A/NZ. Hays’s survey showed data and digital engagement as areas of growth since the COVID-19 pandemic first reached Australian shores, which was followed by a partial lockdown.
On top of technical skills, Deligiannis said, employers are searching for candidates with soft skills including communication (45 percent), adaptability (40 percent) and teamwork (39 percent). “When applying for these jobs, it’s important to highlight your relevant skills and experience. If you need to, take some time to upskill. There are a number of ways you can upskill that won’t break the bank, such as following industry leaders on social media, attending webinars, listening to relevant online content like TED Talks and podcasts, joining an industry or professional association and asking for stretch opportunities in your current role.”
Separately, on 1 July, Microsoft announced it was providing low-cost certifications for as many as 500,000 Australians, via existing and new resources available from LinkedIn, GitHub and Microsoft. Microsoft Australia will also collaborate with the Adecco Group to provide free learning resources and career advice services to more than 300,000 job seekers.