Recruitment activity across Australia remained strong in the March quarter 2026, despite employers facing increasing hiring challenges. The latest REOS Spotlight shows the national recruitment rate was higher than a year earlier, even though recruitment difficulty increased and expectations to increase staffing levels decreased.
These results align with trends highlighted in our recent Recruitment Insights Report, including some easing in hiring activity over the month to March, following a strengthening since late 2025, alongside tighter labour conditions and softening employer confidence.
Across the states, Tasmania recorded the highest recruitment rate (57%), while Queensland employers were most likely to report hiring difficulty (50%). The Northern Territory led nationally, with the highest recruitment rate, recruitment difficulty rate and strongest future staffing optimism.
Accommodation and Food Services industries had the highest recruitment rate (67%). Construction and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services faced the greatest hiring difficulty (both 58%), while staffing optimism improved the most in Health Care and Social Assistance.
Technicians and Trades Workers occupations experienced the highest recruitment difficulty (63%). This occupation group, along with Machinery Operators and Drivers, were most likely to have vacancies remain unfilled for more than a month.
For more insights, read the spotlight.
