by Optimum

Share

by Optimum

Share

As I write this, we are waiting (and hoping) to see if tomorrow the Reserve Bank will announce the first rate cut since holding the cash rate at 4.35% since November 2023. With so many headlines around a stagnant economy and the cost-of-living crisis, are we really basing all optimism on this announcement?

What’s been refreshing since the start of the year is the movement we’ve seen in the job market. Coming back into the office in the hiatus between Christmas and New Year, historically a quiet time in the world of recruitment, I started to hear an inkling of positivity which, as January progressed, became a trend. People had moved into new roles or been offered new roles in December, and then January, and now it’s continuing into February.

This isn’t linked to a specific industry as I work across several verticals. It’s not a specific discipline as our team works across different functions. It’s across the board. One common theme however is that a higher number of people are finding roles via their personal networks. This trend is one I’m sure will continue for the rest of the year as organisations look more closely at effectively managing discretionary spend.

If you’re currently job hunting, make sure you utilize your networks effectively. Make time to catch up with people you know in organisations you’d like to work for. If you see a business advertising, see if you have a connection who can introduce you. Connections in consulting firms can also be invaluable.

My 25+ years in the recruitment industry tells me that 2025 feels more optimistic than 2024. 2024 had to happen for us to again understand what a ‘normal’ job market feels like.

 

Maidlin Mistry

Divisional Manager

Maidlin has worked in the recruitment industry for over 20 years with both boutique firms and listed multi-nationals. She has recently returned home to Melbourne after spending 4 years in Singapore where she partnered with global investment banks, hedge funds and growing technology firms focusing on HR and strategy roles…

 

Related Posts

  • I spent my birthday weekend doing what I love most, riding my motorcycle through the mountains around Brisbane. And there’s nothing that clears your head like a motorbike can. The sound of the engine, the cool air as you climb higher, the sharp focus it takes to read every bend and curve… it’s a mix […]

  • Teamwork is when people work together towards common goals. Defining teamwork is straightforward, but understanding how to work well as a team can be complicated. Becoming an effective, high-performing team takes a lot of practice. Great teamwork is about working together and collaborating to come up with better approaches. You know that you have the […]

  • It seems to be that 2025 has been a year of ups and downs globally and locally. Businesses are realigning themselves which in some cases means cutting of staff costs. Soo you’ve been made redundant, and you find yourself back in the market – it can be quite scary, but, you can embrace the opportunity […]

  • In the world of business, leadership is often associated with vision, strategy, and decision-making.  While these qualities are undeniably important, one critical aspect is frequently underestimated: the ability to recruit the right team.  No matter how compelling a leader’s vision may be, success ultimately depends on the people who bring it to life.  Building a […]