1 in 3 Australians use professional networks to land jobs, reports LinkedIn

One in three Australians are turning to professional connections to find job opportunities, as competition intensifies and applicants per role nearly double from 2022 levels.

The Australian job market is becoming increasingly competitive, prompting job seekers to look beyond traditional applications and tap into their professional networks to get ahead.

New research from LinkedIn found that 32% of Australian professionals have leveraged an inside connection at a company to find out about a job or opportunity. Meanwhile, 33% have referred someone from their own network for an open role at their organisation.

The findings come as competition for jobs continues to intensify. Nearly seven in 10 Australians, or 69%, say finding a job has become harder over the past year, primarily because of increased competition.

Applicants per open role have also risen 1.9 times since the market turned in early 2022. At the same time, LinkedIn's hiring rate in Australia is down 21% from pre-pandemic levels, as layoffs and cautious hiring reduce worker movement and increase competition for available roles.

Inside connections offer a hiring advantage

In an increasingly crowded recruitment market, having someone on the inside can significantly improve a candidate's chances.

LinkedIn data shows Australian applicants with an inside connection at a company are 4.5 times more likely to be hired than those without one. Yet only around one in five applications are submitted to companies where candidates already have someone in their professional network.

The advantage is not limited to candidates. Recruiters are also facing a more challenging hiring environment, with 77% saying it is harder to find qualified talent than it was a year ago, compared with 68% the previous year.

Brendan Wong, LinkedIn Career Expert, said, “The Australian job market is the most competitive it has been in years, with applicants per role nearly doubling since 2022. In this crowded environment, a polished CV isn't always enough to cut through the noise.

“Our data shows Australians who applied to a company where they already have a connection are 4.5 times more likely to be hired, yet only about one in five applications go to those companies. It is a huge advantage most job seekers aren't using right now.

“Leveraging a professional network for opportunities is less dramatic than people expect. It's about staying in touch with former colleagues, following the companies you want to work for, and leaving the odd thoughtful comment. That's what makes you the person who comes to mind when something opens up,” he said.

Alumni networks emerge as a career advantage

Professional networking is also extending beyond former colleagues and current workplaces, with Australians increasingly turning to school and university connections to support their careers.

LinkedIn found that 59% of Australians actively leverage their school network for career purposes. More than one in five, or 21%, have secured a job or interview through such a connection, while 20% have used a school or university contact to gain access to a client or company.

Career advice is another key use of alumni networks, with 19% deliberately reaching out to someone from the same school or university for guidance.

The value of these networks also extends to hiring. Around 17% of professionals say they have hired or recommended someone for a role based on shared schooling.

Gen Z faces a networking confidence gap

Despite being among the most digitally connected generations, Australia's Gen Z workforce appears less confident when it comes to using those connections professionally.

LinkedIn's research found that 61% of Australian Gen Z are held back from engaging with their professional community by a lack of confidence.

For many, the barrier is not a lack of access to people, but hesitation over how to approach them. Around 41% fear they may bother someone, while 37% worry about being judged. A further 30% are concerned about sounding inauthentic.

The findings suggest that as competition for jobs rises, professional networking is becoming less of an optional career-building activity and more of a practical route into the labour market.

For job seekers, the opportunity may already exist within their network. The challenge is knowing when to make the connection.