A significant 76% of Australian professionals are contemplating a career shift in 2024, marking a 15% increase year-on-year, according to LinkedIn. The desire for new prospects come as growth, cyber and diversity hit the top 10 jobs in demand this year, the report reveals.

The B2B platform has also observed a 16% year-on-year surge in job searches, indicating a dynamic job market. The primary motivators for changing jobs are higher wages (49%) and a better work-life balance (33%). Interestingly, 52% of professionals are actively seeking opportunities outside their current industry or role. However, 33% find it challenging to match their skills to the jobs they desire.

The job search approach is also evolving, with 42% of professionals altering their strategies. Notably, half of the job seekers are now leveraging AI to assist them in their search.

The skills required for jobs have transformed by 25% since 2015 too, and are projected to change by 65% globally by 2030. Job hunting is a frustrating process for 59% of Australians, with 39% rarely hearing back from recruiters.

In response, 42% of professionals are becoming more proactive in expanding their professional network, and 32% are posting more content on the platform.

LinkedIn also looked at the top 15 hottest jobs on the rise coming into 2024. Cyber Security Analyst is currently the fastest-growing in Australia, a nod to the increase in high-profile cyber incidents and growing complexity in this space. Also on the top 10 list and of particular application to the media and marketing space are sustainability manager (4th), diversity and inclusion specialist (8th) and growth specialist (10th).

"In 2024, we are seeing professionals taking back control and moving to the driver's seat when it comes to their careers. However, with more people looking for jobs this year, competition is going to be tough," LinkedIn's Career Expert, Cayla Dengate, commented. "Standing out from the crowd is now more important than ever. Investing in building your professional profile, highlighting how your skills are relevant to your desired job and staying on top of industry trends will improve your chances of finding the right opportunity."

To support job seekers, LinkedIn is launching two new free job features, 'Job Collections' and 'Preferences', aimed at providing professionals with more control and personalisation in their job search. In addition, LinkedIn has made its Learning Courses available for free from 17 January 2024 until 1 July 2024. The platform is also rolling out an AI-powered experience to make the job search process faster, easier, and smarter for professionals.

For Premium subscribers, LinkedIn has introduced features such as 'Top Choice' to signal to recruiters their strong interest in a posted role. These developments underscore LinkedIn's commitment to empowering professionals in their career progression and job search endeavours.

LinkedIn's consumer research was conducted by Censuswide, with 1000 white collar professionals in full-time or part-time employment (excluding business owners and manual unskilled workers) across Australia between November and December 2023.