Australia's most and least applied for jobs on SEEK

Looking for a job can be challenging, and while you are in control of how you are presenting yourself to potential employers what you can’t control is what other job seekers are doing. But knowing what your competition looks like can influence when, how and what roles you apply for. 

That’s why we’re taking a look at the roles and industries attracting the most and least applications across Australia. 

Top 10 most applied for jobs on SEEK

Top 10 least applied for jobs on SEEK

Explore the lists below to see if competition is currently hot in your industry or if it could be the perfect time to apply. Plus, hear from industry experts on what’s driving the latest application trends. 

Australia’s most applied for jobs

Competition heats up in hospitality

Hospitality & Tourism is a popular industry among job seekers. Roles such as Waiting Staff, Kitchen & Sandwich Hands and Housekeeping are among the top 10 most applied for roles on SEEK.

John Terry, Managing Director of specialist hospitality and travel recruitment firm TMS Talent, says these roles are often considered entry level and are particularly attractive to people looking to join the industry with minimal or no experience.

“These roles often provide training, equipping employees with many transferrable skills,” he says.

To stand out, Terry says candidates should emphasise their flexible approach to working hours and show an understanding of the employer brand.

“Put any relevant experience up front in your resume and customise your cover letter to explain why you are passionate about working for that employer,” he says. “If you do secure an interview, ensure you arrive on time and are well presented. In this industry first impressions definitely matter

A race for admin roles

Admin roles such as Receptionists, Data Entry & Word Processing and Administrative Assistants are also among the most applied for on SEEK. The Hays Job Report notes that automation is continuing to play a greater role in the industry, particularly when it comes to repetitive tasks such as data entry. Employers are looking for people who can demonstrate data fluency and strategic thinking, so these may be skills to highlight or develop.

Australia’s least applied for jobs

Healthy outlook for healthcare

Healthcare & Medical is a dominant industry in the top 10 list of least applied for roles, with Nursing - Midwifery, Neo-Natal, SCN & NICU roles attracting the lowest number of applications per role of all jobs advertised on SEEK. 

Dan Hobson Director of Hobson Health Recruitment, says that while the aging population is creating greater demand for a range of healthcare professionals, people with specialist skills such as midwifery are “always in demand”.

“The ratio of qualified midwifes to registered nurses is low,” he says. “It’s a very specialised area of nursing.”

If you currently work in the healthcare industry, it may be worth considering reskilling to become eligible for these sought-after specialist roles. Hobson says you’ll have greater negotiating power with employers.

“Candidates for specialist roles can demand opportunities such as career development and can also negotiate for perks such as relocation fees,” he says. 

Lawyers in demand

Roles such as Tax Law, Insurance & Superannuation Law and Construction Law are among those least applied for on SEEK.

The 2018 Hays Job Report notes that construction law is among the hot spots of demand due to the recent influx of infrastructure projects in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne.

The good news for candidates in these roles is that employers are willing to work a little harder to attract the best legal talent. In addition to a competitive salary, Hays notes that law firms are beginning to offer flexible working options where possible.

Want to know more? Explore the most and least applied for jobs in your state or territory here. 

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Source: SEEK Employment Report 2018 vs 2017