Let’s set the scene.
- According to ABS labour force data, an estimated 64,800 jobs were created between November and December – of these, the bulk were in IT and HR.
- Of the 15 fastest-growing job titles in Australia, three fall under HR (according to LinkedIn).
- The past two years has firmly established HR as a key enabler for delivering critical government services.
Make no mistake – the time is ripe for HR professionals to embark on a career advancement journey, whether by trying new HR roles or through gaining professional accreditation. So what opportunities could you explore?
- If you’re interested in a different role or agency, check out the Stream’s mobility opportunities channel on GovTEAMS and the fortnightly mobility bulletin (all Stream members are automatically subscribed).
- For a short yet worthwhile experience, you can register for the APS Surge Reserve which provides the APS with the capacity to quickly mobilise volunteers in response to a crisis. The deployments typically only last around 6 to 8 weeks.
- If you’re unsure exactly of what to do but are open to new experiences, let your manager and networks know you’re ready for a change. They can then put your name forward or let you know if they hear of any opportunities.
- Temporary state-level opportunities can be another good source of cross-skilling, with many states creating a raft of new, critical roles to manage their COVID response. Try checking your state’s health department website.
- Not after a new job? Consider professional accreditation with Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) certification which can build and professionalise your HR expertise. Listen to this podcast we made in partnership with AHRI that showcases people who recently completed their certification.
Whatever your preference, it’s a good idea keep your resume up to date and note down examples of your work as they happen, so you’re ready when an opportunity grabs your eye.
Good luck!