Job ads on rise across region
THE number of jobs advertised in Townsville and the North Queensland region has ballooned by 47.9 per cent in the past 12 months despite the unemployment rate remaining about 10 per cent or higher.
Jobs advertisements for the trades and services sector have increased by 74 per cent since June last year, according to seek. com. au figures, with manufacturing and transport logistics up by 91 per cent.
However, chief executive officer of Townsville job agency U2E People Rabieh Krayem said there was still an issue of matching skill sets to roles.
“We’re coming off a very low base but there’s no doubt that there are jobs out there,” Mr Krayem said.
“But there are some people who don’t necessarily have the skill set or some people don’t want to work for those sorts of hourly wages.”
Mr Krayem said there was a group of people who “no doubt” were “quite comfortable” living off benefits.
“There are genuinely people out there who are seeking work and haven’t been able to address it,” he said.
“Employers don’t necessarily go through ( resumés), it really depends on how quickly you apply for them.
“People need to look at the jobs advertised and carefully JOBS COUNTER Jobs advertised in Townsville yesterday read the application and ensure that they are addressing very clearly of what’s being required. A consultant will only look at a resumé for no more than six seconds, so don’t give a 30- page resumé.”
Site operations manager of employment services company NQ Employment Lesley Rasmussen said “it was hard out there” for jobseekers.
“Working one- on- one ( with jobseekers) to becoming job ready is hard enough with the applications and the rejections is a barrier within itself,” Ms Rasmussen said.
“Applying online, you find the majority ( of positions) have been filled or the job hasn’t been taken down.”
The Bulletin yesterday revealed the hardships Townsville jobseekers were facing during what has been a tough 12 months in the jobs market.
Mayor Jenny Hill said she did not believe anyone stayed comfortable while accessing the dole.
“What we need is to actually start bringing jobs to the city,” she said. “That’s where our focus is – economic activation – to try and do whatever we can to smooth the way for investment to come.”