Job Vacancies Up, Applications Down
May 10, 2022
The tight employment market continues to frustrate employers and cause resourcing issues in many sectors including the property industry.
According to SEEK, In South Australia, job ads rose 16.5% in April 2022 compared with April last year and a whopping 89% when compared with April 2019. This reflects the persistently tight candidate market and shows that employers locally are still struggling to fill job vacancies.
At the same time, applications per job ad have steadily dropped in the past 2 years, falling 47% in March 2022 compared with March 2019.
The effectiveness of job ads has also decreased. Pre pandemic, employers were sourcing their candidates from job ads 95% of the time, globally. This has dropped back to 88% now, showing that employers have started to adopt other strategies such as using their networks and connections but still rely heavily on job ads to find new recruits.
In comparison, recruitment agencies have adapted to this environment more quickly and are using job boards to source candidates only about 50% of the time.
To add to the problem, more than ever, employers are competing with a wider range of industries outside of their own for talent.
So, in this highly dynamic hiring environment, how can employers compete?
- Expand sourcing channels beyond job boards
Are you posting jobs on job boards and hoping for the best? In this highly dynamic hiring environment, employers need to find new ways to attract talent. Other candidate sources could include your networks and connections, LinkedIn and other social media channels.
- Better management of candidates
Move quickly and decisively through the recruitment cycle to secure a candidate. Taking a long time to interview a designated set number of candidates is not a good strategy to secure top talent. Ensure you start the process with clarity on exactly what the role is and what skills and experience are required.
- Update your employee value proposition
Candidates are increasingly looking for benefits such as flexible work hours, the option to work from home, pay rises and more. Smart employers will sharpen up your employee value proposition to include some or all these options in their offer of employment.

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The end of the financial year is a busy time across South Australia’s property and real estate industry — not just for accountants and agencies reviewing the books, but also for professionals reassessing their career direction. Whether you’re in sales, property management, leasing, or support, July often marks a fresh start . And if you've been considering a career move, there are some compelling reasons why right now might be the best time to take action . 1. New Budgets Mean New Hires At the start of a new financial year, most property and real estate businesses reset their annual budgets. That means: New headcount is approved Growth targets are locked in Teams that were stretched thin during the past year are finally given the green light to hire For job seekers, this creates a surge in demand for talent — particularly for roles in sales, business development, and property management where revenue growth is key. Agencies are also more likely to invest in onboarding, training, and marketing new staff now, rather than mid-year or during the Christmas slowdown. 2. Performance Reviews Are a Catalyst for Change EOFY is traditionally when many employees receive formal performance reviews and commission payouts. While positive reviews can lead to promotions or salary increases, for others, this period can shine a spotlight on: Unmet expectations Lack of progression opportunities Underappreciation or under-compensation If you’ve walked away from your review feeling deflated, that’s a clear sign it may be time to explore new opportunities — particularly if your current role no longer aligns with your long-term goals. 3. The Spring Property Market Is Coming — Get In Early We all know that spring is one of the busiest times of year for the property market, and smart candidates position themselves well in advance. If you start your job search in July: You have time to transition into a new role You can complete onboarding and training You’ll be ready to hit the ground running when market activity spikes in September Waiting until spring often means you’ll be competing with more candidates for fewer roles, with less lead-in time to settle into your new environment. 4. Candidate Supply Is Still Tight — Leverage That Advantage Across South Australia, we’re still seeing a shortage of experienced candidates in many parts of the property and real estate industry. Sales agents, property managers, and leasing consultants with proven track records are in high demand — and employers are increasingly willing to offer: Competitive salary and commission structures Flexible working arrangements Stronger professional development pathways If you’ve got the experience and drive, now is the time to negotiate from a position of strength. 5. Clarity and Momentum Matter There’s something about July that naturally invites people to reset. The first half of the year is behind you, and there’s still time to make big career moves before the year is out. Whether you’ve outgrown your current role, want to break into a new segment of the industry, or are just feeling burnt out — making a change now can give you the clarity and momentum you need. HOT TIP: Don’t Wait for “The Perfect Time” Many people stay in roles longer than they should because they’re waiting for the “right moment.” But as with most facets of the property and real estate industry — timing is everything . With budgets resetting, hiring activity on the rise, and the spring market just around the corner, EOFY is the window of opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Ready to Make Your Move? Edge Recruitment specialises in connecting property and real estate professionals with the right roles across South Australia. Whether you're actively job hunting or just want to explore what’s out there, our team is here to help. Get in touch for a confidential chat — your next role could be just around the corner.
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