Hiring seems to be getting a little easier for employers. In October 2024, just over half (51%) of employers reported difficulties filling vacancies, a 6 point improvement compared to this time last year. Leading the way were Victoria and New South Wales, with recruitment challenges dropping by 14 and 11 points respectively over the past 12 months.
That said, some familiar challenges remain. The most common hurdle was a lack of suitable candidates (38%), followed by concerns about undesirable working conditions (24%). These have been consistent sticking points for employers over the years.
On a positive note, employers who successfully filled all their roles in October were much more likely to say recruitment had become easier (29%) than harder (8%) compared to their previous hiring round. Others reported little change in difficulty.
Interestingly, timing played a big role in the hiring experience. Employers who filled vacancies within a month found the process much easier (33%), while those who took longer than a month were more likely to report increased difficulty (30%).
While challenges haven’t disappeared, the labour market is showing clear signs of improvement, especially in states like Victoria and New South Wales. Employers can build on this momentum by acting quickly in the hiring process and ensuring job offers are competitive to attract the best talent.
For more insights, read the spotlight.
