thinking about changing jobs this year? here’s how to make a smart, strategic move.

Before updating your résumé or scrolling through job boards, take a step back and reflect: Why do I want to change jobs?

• is it about salary or progression?
• are you craving more flexibility, purpose or challenge?
• do you feel stuck, underappreciated or uninspired?

1. Work-life balance
2. Attractive salary and benefits
3. Job security
4. Good training and development
5. A pleasant work atmosphere

Knowing what matters most to you will help you focus your job search on roles that deliver more than just a new title. Knowing your "why" will help you avoid jumping into a new job that leaves you feeling just as dissatisfied six months in.

TIP: Write down your top 5 must-haves in a new job - these are your non-negotiables. Then write your top 5 nice-to-haves. This will become your filter when looking at opportunities.

In a softer Australian jobs market, it’s even more important to be selective and informed. Look beyond the job title - investigate the company’s culture, leadership, and employee experiences.

• check out employee reviews online.
• look at their social media presence - what do they share about their values and people? This is something Gen Z are very comfortable with according to Randstad’s research as Gen Z are the leading users of social media in their job search.
• reach out to someone who works there (or has) and ask what it’s really like.

Think of it like buying a house: You wouldn’t just check the street-front appeal - you’d inspect the foundations, ask about the neighbourhood, and think about future growth opportunities. Your next job deserves the same due diligence.

Sending out the same CV and cover letter to 20 different digital job roles or operational roles won’t cut it. Recruiters and hiring managers can spot a generic application in seconds - and it’s a fast track to the ‘no’ pile.

To stand out:

• write a tailored cover letter for each application. This shows you’ve read the job ad, understood the company, and have a clear reason for wanting the role. Use tools like a cover letter template Australia to get started - but be sure to customise your letter every time.
• avoid copy-paste clichés. Use specific examples in the cover letter and in your CV, that show why you’re a great fit.
• mirror the language of the job ad in both the cover letter and CV.
• highlight relevant experience that speaks directly to what they’re looking for.
• show you’ve done your research on their specific organisation and that you genuinely want to work for them - not just anyone.

EXAMPLES: If the ad asks for someone “collaborative and proactive,” don’t just list that in your skills. Prove it with a short story of how you led a cross-functional project. If the role is for a customer-facing position, use your cover letter to highlight how you handled a tough client situation with a positive outcome.

TIP: Need help writing a cover letter? We’ve got a full guide - and the best cover letter template to make it easy.

Securing a job interview is a big win - but preparation is key if you want to land the job. Start by reviewing common interview questions so you can anticipate what might be asked. Questions like:

• why do you want this job?
• what are your strengths and weaknesses?
• tell me about a time you overcame a challenge at work.

Don’t just prepare your answers - practice saying them out loud. Your responses should be concise, relevant, and genuine. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

And be ready to speak about what matters to you. With training and equity ranking higher among younger jobseekers - especially Gen Z - don’t be afraid to ask about learning opportunities or how the company fosters inclusion. It’s a two-way conversation.

TOP TIP: Research the company beforehand and prepare 1-2 thoughtful questions to ask at the end. This shows you’re not only interested - you’re engaged.

In a softening market, fewer people are changing jobs, but that doesn’t mean it’s the wrong time to make a move. In fact, with many organisations working to improve employee engagement, recognition, and upskilling efforts (especially for Millennials and Gen Z), the timing could be in your favour.

It’s natural to fear change - but consider that fear can lead to stagnation. Instead, be strategic:

• make sure you’re financially prepared before resigning.
• line up multiple interviews before accepting an offer.
• if you’re nervous about leaving your current job, consider contract or project-based roles to “try before you buy.”

Remember, the best moves often come during uncertain times because they force you to be clear on what you want and calculated in how you pursue it.

TOP TIP: According to this year’s Employer Brand Research, employee engagement in Australia is up. So if you’re not feeling seen, supported, or developed, and you don’t believe it will improve where you are, that’s a good enough reason to explore your options.

Navigating the Australian jobs market isn’t easy. The job search process can feel overwhelming - but you don’t have to do it alone. Partnering with a recruiter who understands your goals can help you access the employers who genuinely invest in things like work-life balance, training, and strong leadership - the very things Australian workers say they want most.

Working with a specialist recruiter can give you access to:

• roles you won’t find advertised.
• insider insights about employers.
• guidance to polish your CV, interview skills, and salary negotiation.

Think of it like hiking a tricky trail with a local guide - they know the shortcuts, the danger zones, and the best views.