JobSeeker – Change Is Afoot!

Posted On 30 Sep 2020

JobSeeker – Change Is Afoot!

30 Sep 2020
JobSeeker - Change Is Afoot!

Candidate Resource, News & Events

JobSeeker - Change Is Afoot!

JobSeeker has been a hot topic of late. We thought with the recent changes coming through for both JobSeeker and JobKeeper payments; it is a perfect time to share our observations and perhaps pass on some of our EST10 sage advice as well!

Whilst payments have been a lifeline to some; the media has also showcased the fallout of these benefits as well. Here are some of our observations, and it may surprise you:

  • If receiving JobSeeker payments, approximately 70% of the people we speak with, in the $50,000 – $60,000 bracket say no to being put forward for roles.
  • If receiving JobSeeker payments, candidates are reluctant to take on contract roles paying less than $40 per hour.
  • The general feedback we receive is they would rather see the year out and then seek a job in 2021.

We understand and appreciate everyone has different circumstances, reasoning and needs. However, our concern is that some of these decisions maybe be based on overly optimistic assumptions. So, if you are on JobSeeker and contemplating not taking job opportunities, we would love for you to hear us out (and Hiring Managers – we also have some thoughts for you) ?.

It’s not just about the money

Do not dismiss the intangible benefits having a job can bring. The connection with people, the small interactions with a colleague asking about your day and the sense of achievement when you complete a task – all so important to your sense of self-worth and self-esteem.

Your future employability might be at risk

Consider also the impacts on your future employability – remember back to that time when you would go on holiday, return to work and have to refamiliarize yourself with the processes and routine. How easy or hard will it be now, returning after an even longer break?

Also, do not underestimate the new ways of working that are rapidly being introduced. Changes are being implemented almost daily, and these ‘disruptions’ will continue – all without your participation. Not all companies will allow for or provide training for these adjustments.

Keep on top of your skills – take courses, explore your interests, keep your mind active! When an interviewer asks you what have you been doing for the last six months, what will your response be?

Change is coming

Ok, this is possibly your most significant consideration. The changes to JobSeeker and JobKeeper from 28th September and further reductions planned for January will further increase the competition for jobs. To provide a glimpse at what this might look like:

  • 2.1 million people to come off JobKeeper in the months up until December
  • It is anticipated that 345,000 more people will be accessing Jobseeker
  • That is a total of almost 2 million people across Australia who will be ‘job seeking’
Competition for roles will get tougher

What does that mean for you? More people competing for the same job! In one of our previous blogs, we spoke about 15 being the average amount of interviews to secure a role. What will this look like now? 30 interviews over a longer period of time or even worse, fewer interviews as there are reduced job vacancies?

Our advice – if you are offered a role, please consider taking it. The role might not be perfect, but it might point you in the right direction and be a step forward, leading you to that dream role!

Hiring Managers – Do not worry!

If you are seeing a shortage of talent or are struggling to fill roles in that $50,000 – $60,000 bracket right now, do not worry! You may need to look a little bit harder, but when you find that great candidate, you will know they are the right person because they want your job!

We understand most agencies would find this subject sensitive and would not consider writing about it, but we are not most agencies, and we take our responsibilities to you seriously. We also love seeing and then, letting you know when there is a ‘blue elephant in the room’…!

“The future depends on what you do today.” – Mohatma Gandhi

About the author
Roxanne Calder
Managing Director

As Founder and Managing Director at EST10, Roxanne has an all-encompassing role that includes building and growing the business, as well as actively recruiting and consulting.

After completing a Bachelor’s Degree at Monash University, Roxanne began her recruitment career with renowned recruiter Julia Ross. From there, Roxanne worked in HR and recruitment with a number of global players and boutique businesses throughout Australia, the UK, Singapore and Hong Kong for over 20 years. She has been responsible for managing large teams and projects, implementing RPO models, managing and assisting businesses to an IPO and assisting companies in setting up their recruitment teams and processes.

Following completion of her MBA at the Australian Graduate School of Management, Roxanne launched EST10 in July 2010. In doing so, she hoped to combine the flexibility and high touch service levels of boutique agencies with the structure and strategy afforded to larger firms. Roxanne believes in high-touch, high-care consulting and is always on the lookout for consultants that share this vision of recruitment.