If you’re a skilled worker looking for global job opportunities, Australia just sent a promising signal your way.
According to the latest February 2025 Recruitment Insights Report by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), hiring activity across the country has surged back to pre-2024 levels. This is fantastic news for skilled professionals worldwide eyeing a move Down Under.
So, what does this really mean for you as a skilled worker from overseas? Let’s unpack the key findings and what they mean for your job prospects.
Strong Hiring Activity Returns
After a seasonal dip in January, recruitment activity rebounded sharply to 49% in February 2025, aligning with the same period last year. This marks a clear sign that Australia’s labour market is picking up speed again—especially in regional (Rest of State) areas, where the hiring rate hit 55%.
Good to know: Regional employers are hiring more than those in big cities, meaning rural and suburban Australia may offer quicker job opportunities and potential migration advantages, especially under regional visa streams.
Employers Are Finding It Easier to Hire (And That’s Good News)
For the first time since February 2021, employers are finding it significantly easier to fill job roles. The recruitment difficulty rate dropped to 43%, a steep fall from previous years.
Why this matters:
Lower hiring difficulty often means less intense competition, faster processing, and greater willingness to consider overseas candidates, particularly if you bring in-demand skills.
Vacancies Are Being Filled Faster Than Ever
Only 36% of employers reported that they couldn’t fill a vacancy within a month—a record low. This is down from 54% just a year ago, reflecting shorter recruitment cycles and more efficient hiring processes.
For skilled workers, especially those planning to move to Australia on employer-sponsored visas, this is an excellent time to apply as companies are ready to hire—and quickly.
Most Hires Due to Staff Turnover, Not Expansion
About 60% of hiring was due to replacing former employees, while 28% of employers recruited for newly created roles.
➡️ This means that while workforce expansion is happening, the bulk of opportunities lie in filling essential roles, many of which remain on Australia’s Skill Shortage Lists.
Fewer Employers Expecting to Hire in Coming Months
Interestingly, only 20% of employers expect to grow their workforce over the next three months—down from 26% a year ago.
Don’t be discouraged:
This doesn’t mean opportunities are drying up—it simply reflects a stable labour market, where current job openings are mostly aimed at replacing staff or addressing ongoing skill shortages rather than rapid expansion.
Australian Capital Cities vs Regional Areas: Where Are the Jobs?
| Indicator | Capital Cities | Rest of State |
|---|---|---|
| Recruitment Rate | 46% | 55% |
| Recruitment Difficulty | 38% | 52% |
| Expect to Increase Staff | 20% | 19% |
As the table above shows, Rest of State areas are hiring more but also struggling more to fill roles, making them hotspots for skilled migrants who are open to relocating beyond urban centers.
What This Means for International Skilled Workers?
Here’s your opportunity summary if you’re an overseas worker in search of Australian employment:
- More jobs are available now than at the start of the year.
- Hiring cycles are faster, making now a strategic time to apply.
- Regional Australia is leading the way, so aim for roles outside the big cities for better chances.
- Demand is still high for trades, healthcare, engineering, IT, and construction roles listed on the government’s Skilled Occupation Lists.
- Employer-sponsored visas (subclass 482, 186) and regional migration pathways remain relevant options for global talent.
Thinking of Migrating to Australia?
This report strengthens the case for skilled workers to:
- Search for Australian employers actively hiring on platforms like Seek, Workforce Australia, and LinkedIn.
- Tailor your resume for Australian standards.
- Consider applying to jobs in regional locations, where employers are facing more recruitment difficulty.
- Explore employer-sponsored visa pathways and regional skilled migration visas like subclass 491.
What’s Next?
The March 2025 Recruitment Insights Report is expected to be released on April 15, 2025, and will provide more updated trends to help skilled workers make informed career decisions.
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