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ANZ Recruitment Is Entering Its Most Competitive Era
Australia's recruitment market was valued at AUD 44 billion in 2024, according to Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), making it the sixth-largest staffing market globally. SIA projects a gradual recovery through 2026, with temporary recruitment demand underpinning growth. Yet the market remains highly fragmented: the ten largest firms account for only 29% of total industry revenue, leaving thousands of mid-tier and specialist agencies to compete fiercely for placements.
This fragmentation is driving relentless focus on improving the candidate and client experience. According to Jobs and Skills Australia's Recruitment Insights Report, almost half of employers (48%) were actively recruiting in October 2025, up 6% year-on-year, while simultaneously, applications per role have surged.
In this environment, how you present your candidates matters just as much as who you present.
Why Presentation Matters in 2026
The Jobs and Skills Australia Recruitment Insights Report (October 2025) shows that applications per role have reached approximately 41, up 44% year-on-year, while job advertisements and vacancies have fallen. This means hiring managers are reviewing more CVs than ever, and competition for attention is intense.
Research from Ladders Inc. shows hiring managers spend just 7 to 9 seconds on an initial CV scan. That's barely enough time to scan a name and job title—which is why visual hierarchy and clear formatting do the heavy lifting. A poorly formatted document can suggest a lack of care, while a clean, branded CV communicates professionalism, attention to detail, and respect for the client's time.
Presentation isn't just about aesthetics. It's about making it easy for clients to quickly see the value your candidate brings.
How Leading Agencies Stand Out
Top agencies across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland are focusing on three key areas:
- Consistent style across every document: Clean layouts and clear headings make it easy for clients to find key details quickly.
- Branding in candidate documents: Incorporating your logo, colour palette, and visual style reinforces trust and credibility.
- Automation to reduce manual effort: Leveraging AI to eliminate formatting tasks and maintain consistency at scale.
In a fragmented and competitive market, agencies that deliver a premium client experience will earn repeat placements, referrals, and a stronger reputation.
Technology Is Becoming Essential
The Recruitment, Consulting and Staffing Association (RCSA) Industry Census 2025 shows 38.7% of ANZ agencies already use AI for automation, and another 21.9% plan to adopt it within a year. That means more than 60% of agencies are embracing technology to improve efficiency and the client experience.
This aligns with findings from SIA's Australia/NZ Staffing Executive Outlook 2025, which found that 75% of executives expect to increase investment in technology and automation over the next 12 months. The message is clear: agencies that adapt now will stay ahead.
Real Results: Spencer Ogden Case Study
Spencer Ogden, a global recruitment consultancy, faced a common challenge: inconsistent CVs and time-consuming edits. By introducing branded, standardised candidate documents powered by AI, they cut formatting time by 80% and saved around £14,000 ($28,000 AUD) annually.
The result? Faster submissions, stronger client confidence, and more time for consultants to build relationships. Read the full Case Study
Three Quick Wins for Agencies
- Define your submission standard: Agree on layout, headings, styling, and tone, and apply it across every document.
- Automate the repetitive work: Use AI tools to clean formatting, enforce brand elements, and generate client-ready one-pagers.
- Offer premium packaging: For critical searches, include branded summaries, skills matrices, and role-specific microsites.
Your Path Forward
If you're ready to deliver branded, consistent candidate submissions without slowing your team, tools like HireAra can help you standardise templates, automate formatting, and produce client-ready packs and microsites, keeping the focus on relationships and fit while ensuring every submission looks premium.
Book a demo to see how a better presentation can help you win more shortlists and build lasting client trust.
Candidate Branding: Your Questions Answered
Why does CV presentation matter more now than before?
With 41 applications per job (up 44% year-on-year according to Jobs and Skills Australia), hiring managers have less time per CV. Research shows they spend just 7-9 seconds on initial scans, making professional presentation critical to getting shortlisted.
How much time does poor CV formatting cost recruitment agencies?
Agencies report spending significant hours manually formatting CVs. Spencer Ogden reduced formatting time by 80% through automation, saving approximately $28,000 AUD annually.
What's the difference between a branded CV and a regular CV?
A branded CV incorporates your agency's logo, colour palette, and consistent styling across all candidate submissions. This reinforces professionalism and makes your agency memorable to clients.
Is AI adoption really becoming standard in ANZ recruitment?
Yes. The RCSA Industry Census 2025 shows 38.7% of agencies already use AI, with another 21.9% planning adoption within a year. SIA's Executive Outlook confirms 75% of ANZ staffing executives plan to increase tech investment. Over 60% of ANZ agencies are embracing automation for competitive advantage.
How can small agencies compete with larger firms on presentation?
Technology has levelled the playing field. AI-powered tools like HireAra allow agencies of any size to produce enterprise-quality branded documents without hiring dedicated design staff.