Career & Workplace Insights

Now that 2026 is well under way, our first Public Holiday has come and gone its time to focus on the year ahead and what that may bring for both job seekers and businesses.

How to tailor your Resume for Success

When you’re on the hunt for a new job, your resume is often your first chance to make a solid impression. In today’s competitive job market, a generic resume just won’t cut it. Here are some practical tips for tailoring your resume to stand out from the crowd:

• Target the Job Description: Carefully read the job ad and highlight the key skills and experiences the employer is after. Make sure these keywords feature in your resume, especially in your summary and job history sections.
• Showcase Relevant Experience: Prioritise work experience, skills, and achievements that directly relate to the role you’re applying for. Don’t be afraid to trim unrelated details—quality over quantity is key.
• Use Action Words: Start your bullet points with strong verbs like “managed”, “developed”, or “streamlined”. This helps convey your contributions clearly.
• Highlight Results: Where possible, use numbers to show impact, such as “increased sales by 15%” or “reduced processing time by 2 days per week”.
• Format for Clarity: Use headings, bullet points, and consistent formatting. Make your resume easy to scan—hiring managers often skim-read in the first round.
• Keep it Local: Use Australian English spelling and include your right to work in Australia if applicable. If you have local references, mention them.

Remember, each application deserves its own tailored resume. It’s extra effort, but it can make all the difference in landing that interview.

Closing Loopholes: What Employers Need to Know About Recent Fair Work Act Changes

Recent amendments to the Fair Work Act have introduced significant changes aimed at closing loopholes and strengthening protections for Australian workers. As an employer, staying compliant is essential to avoid penalties and maintain a positive workplace culture.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you should be aware of:

• Labour Hire “Same Job, Same Pay”: Employers must ensure that workers hired through labour hire arrangements receive the same pay and conditions as direct employees doing the same work. This aims to prevent undercutting of wages and conditions.
• Sham Contracting: The Act has tightened definitions and increased penalties for sham contracting. Make sure all independent contractor agreements are genuine and not used to avoid employment obligations.
• Casual Employment Clarification: There are new rules clarifying when an employee can be classified as casual, with an emphasis on the ‘real substance’ of the employment relationship over what’s written in the contract.
• Criminalization of Wage Theft: Deliberate underpayment of wages and entitlements is now a criminal offence. Employers must double-check that all payments are correct and up to date.
• Strengthened Rights for Unions and Employees: There are expanded rights for union delegates and stronger protections against discrimination and unfair treatment in the workplace.

Employers should review their current practices, contracts, and payroll systems to ensure full compliance with the updated Fair Work Act. Consulting with an HR specialist or employment lawyer is highly recommended to navigate these changes and avoid unintended breaches. #employmentlaw#fairwork