CourseFinder logo – Australia’s leading course comparison site

How to Become an Employment Consultant: Australian Careers in Human Resources

0 Course


On this page

What is a Employment Consultant?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Employment Consultant?

An Employment Consultant helps people find and keep work. They work with job seekers, people re-entering the workforce, and those facing barriers to work. They match clients with suitable roles and guide them through the job search process.

Employment Consultants meet clients to learn about their skills, work history, and goals. They check job readiness and create a plan to help each person move towards work. They also work with employers to understand their needs and match candidates to open roles.

Daily tasks include preparing resumes, coaching clients for interviews, and advertising job roles. Employment Consultants often run workshops on job search skills, interview tips, and workplace rules. They also negotiate pay and conditions between clients and employers.

This career suits people who enjoy working with others and want to make a real difference. Strong communication, empathy, and a good feel for the job market are key. Employment Consultants work in recruitment agencies, employment services providers, and government programs.

Icon

Career snapshots For Employment Consultants

Employment Consultants are part of a large and growing workforce. Around 33,000 Recruitment Consultants work in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025, based on ABS Census 2021). Of these, 83% work full-time and average 41 hours per week.

The median age is 36. Women make up 69% of the workforce in this role (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The field spans Admin and Support Services, Professional Services, and Health Care. NSW has the largest share of jobs at 35.4%.

The average yearly salary is around $73,000 (SEEK, 2025). Job growth is positive, with a 14.2% rise projected over five years (SEEK, 2025). Demand is driven by employment services programs and ongoing growth in the labour market.

What will I do?

An Employment Consultant connects job seekers with employers. They help people find work that fits their skills and goals. They also help businesses fill roles with the right people. Their work covers the full hiring and support process.

  • Advertising Roles: Puts out job ads to attract suitable people for open roles.
  • Client Interviews: Runs interviews to check each person’s skills, work history, and job readiness.
  • Role Management: Takes in and records job details from employers, including duties, pay, and hours.
  • Job Market Advice: Shares info on current vacancies and labour market trends with clients and employers.
  • Terms Negotiation: Agrees on pay and working conditions between candidates and employers.
  • Resume and Interview Coaching: Helps clients write strong resumes and prepare for job interviews.
  • Career Guidance: Advises clients on suitable career paths and work options.
  • Employer Relations: Builds and keeps ties with employers to understand staffing needs and promote job seekers.
  • Post-placement Support: Checks in with clients and employers after each placement to fix issues and support ongoing work.

What skills do I need?

Good communication is the key to success as an Employment Consultant. They must listen well, ask the right questions, and explain complex ideas clearly. They work with people from all walks of life, so empathy and patience matter too.

They also need solid skills for thinking through problems. They check if candidates are a good fit, match skills to job needs, and track labour market changes. Being organised helps them manage many clients and roles at once. Knowing how to use recruitment tools and case software is an advantage.

Skills/attributes

  • Clear verbal and written communication
  • Active listening
  • Empathy and patience
  • Negotiation skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Strong organisational skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Knowledge of employment law and workplace rights
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Networking and relationship-building
  • Sales and marketing ability
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Team collaboration
  • Data analysis and report writing
  • Proficiency in recruitment and case management software

CourseFinder makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!

About the author

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.