Job hunting in 2025 is not for the faint-hearted. With 41 applicants per role (according to Job Adder’s State of the Recruitment Market Report), slower hiring cycles, and a record one million Australians juggling multiple jobs, landing a role takes more than just refreshing your CV. Employers are more selective, expectations are shifting, and AI is filtering out applications before a human even sees them.

The unemployment rate has stabilised at 4.0%, with employment increasing by approximately 444,400 people over the past year. However, labour productivity has declined, returning to levels seen seven years ago. This decline poses concerns for sustainable economic growth and highlights the need for efficiency improvements.

So, how do you get ahead in a market like this? Instead of the usual ‘tailor your resume’ advice, let’s talk about what actually moves the needle in today’s hiring landscape.

Find Your Edge and Own It

With competition this high, blending in is the fastest way to be ignored. Instead of listing the same generic skills as everyone else, make it painfully obvious why an employer should pick you.

1. Identify what makes you different: Maybe it’s a niche skill, a unique industry background, or an unusual combination of experiences. Play up what sets you apart.
2. Get specific with impact: Instead of saying ‘managed projects,’ say “‘delivered a $1.2M transformation project 3 months ahead of schedule.’ Numbers get noticed.
3. Turn weaknesses into selling points: If you’re changing industries or lack certain experience, flip the script. “Coming from X industry means I bring a fresh perspective to solving Y problems.”

Ways to Hack the Hiring Process 

1. Hiring managers are drowning in applications, and AI is doing the first round of cuts. If your CV isn’t optimised for these filters, you’re out before a human even sees it.
2. Beat the bots: Use exact job description keywords in your CV if a posting asks for ‘stakeholder engagement,’ don’t write ‘relationship management.’ AI won’t make the connection.
3. Email hiring managers directly: Don’t just apply and hope for the best. Find the decision-maker on LinkedIn and send a short, punchy message about why you’re the right fit.
4. If the job is listed through a recruiter, call them and by-pass the competition.  Discuss  the role advertised and any other opportunities the recruiter may have on their books – many roles never make it to job boards.  

Play the Long Game – Start Before You Need a Job

The worst time to build a professional network is when you’re unemployed. The best time? Six months before you need it.

1. Be visible before you’re looking: Engage with industry discussions on LinkedIn. Comment on posts. Share insights. Hiring managers are always watching, even if they’re not advertising roles.
2. Use ‘informational interviews’ to plant seeds: Reach out to people in roles you’re interested in – not to ask for a job, but to ask for advice. It builds relationships that can lead to job offers down the track.
3. Keep doors open even when you land a job: This market is unpredictable. If you get hired, don’t stop networking. Future you will thank you.

Think Flexibly

Gone are the days of staying in one company for 10 years. Employers aren’t guaranteeing job security, so consider different ways of working.

1. Multiple streams of income: If full-time work isn’t delivering financial security, don’t be afraid to mix things up – consulting, part-time, side hustles. Many Australians are already working multiple jobs.
2. Job-hop strategically: If a company isn’t promoting you or increasing your pay, move on. The best salary jumps come from external offers, not internal raises.
3. Negotiate everything: Employers expect pushback on salary and benefits. If you don’t ask, you’re leaving money on the table.

The job market in 2025 is tough, but smart jobseekers are finding ways to stand out. It’s not just about applying – it’s about hacking the system, being strategic, and treating your career like a long-term investment.If you need a real-world strategy (not just generic advice), Flexi Personnel is here to help. Reach out to our team and let’s get you in front of the right opportunities.