Blog

Appreciating your employees is an important part of being a great manager and is a great way to foster a motivated and loyal team. While traditional gestures like thank-you emails or bonuses are effective, adding a touch of creativity to your approach can make your appreciation truly memorable. Here are 10 unique ways to show […]

Applying for a job can feel daunting, especially when faced with selection criteria you haven’t had the opportunity to fulfill through traditional work experience. However, lacking specific job experience doesn’t necessarily disqualify you. Here are some strategies to help you stand out and successfully address the selection criteria that some job applications require. Highlight Transferable […]

Learn how HR professionals can build experience in change management to drive organisational success.

Crafting a meaningful executive summary for your resume is important as it’s often the first impression hiring managers get of your capabilities, and it sets the tone for the rest of your application. In this blog post, we will break down how to create a compelling executive summary that showcases your value, aligns with your […]

A millennial, also known as Generation Y, refers to individuals born roughly between 1981 and 1996. This generation has witnessed rapid technological advancements, the rise of the internet, and major societal shifts. Known for their adaptability, millennials are often characterised by their values around work-life balance, social responsibility, and digital connectivity. As they age into […]

Regardless of your work experience and career length, the qulaity of your resume can impact whether you’re likely to land even just a phone call from a potential employer. Because of this, it’s important to structure your resume to stand out and capture the attention of Hiring Managers, showing off your skills, experience and work […]

Oxygen Recruitment & HR recruits across Australia for a wide range of roles, with specialists in our team dedicated to the Financial Services sector. In this blog post, we share our team’s insights on the roles currently in demand, based on numerous conversations with employers about their hiring plans. No AI spin here! Just genuine feedback […]

Identifying and communicating your organisation’s purpose to potential employees is key to attracting the best talent. Here are some strategies to effectively communicate this during the recruitment process: Craft a Clear and Compelling Purpose Statement Concise Message: Ensure your organisation’s purpose is clearly articulated in a brief, compelling statement. This statement should be easily understood […]

A hiring manager’s role is essential in ensuring the success of the recruitment process, particularly during the interview stage. Ideally, a hiring manager should have a thorough understanding of the role they are hiring for, including the specific skills, experience, and attributes required. This involves collaborating with key stakeholders to create a detailed job description […]

Whether you are actively looking for a job or just considering your options, connecting with recruiters on LinkedIn can be beneficial. Recruiters have access to job openings that might be exclusive to their agency or shared only within their network. They can also provide valuable insights into the job market, industry trends, and what employers […]

Recruitment of new staff can be time-consuming. Whilst it’s important to not rush through the process, speeding up some stages of the recruitment cycle could assist in attracting top talent and improving overall business efficiency. Here are five proven strategies to streamline your recruitment process: Leverage Technology and Automation Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Use an […]

Your resume’s skills section demonstrates to employers that you possess the skills necessary to succeed in the job. Employers may use the skills section to help determine which candidates should proceed to the next step, so you should carefully choose the skills you include on your resume. Employers look for employees with a good combination […]

It is inveitable that in a modern workplace, there will be times where workplace conflict arises. When this reaches a point that the conflict is sustained or particularly harmful to the workplace, an external mediator can support HR activities at various stages, providing impartial facilitation and resolution strategies. Workplace conflict is a common issue addressed […]

Facing your first behavioural interview can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the format. However, with the right preparation and mindset, you can approach it confidently and showcase your skills and experiences effectively. In this guide, we’ll explore what a behavioural interview entails, how to prepare for it, and provide tips to […]

Starting a professional networking group in your area can be a rewarding endeavour, providing opportunities for career advancement, knowledge sharing, and relationship building within your industry or community. Here are some tips and tricks to for starting a professional networking group, along with insights from Australian academic articles: Identify the Purpose and Audience: Clarify the […]

In the competitive landscape of job interviews, demonstrating a commitment to staying informed about industry trends and developments is key to showcasing your professional competence and enthusiasm for your field. When faced with the common interview question, “How do you keep up to date with industry knowledge?” it’s crucial to provide a thoughtful and well-rounded […]

Amidst the ever-evolving landscape of Australian Industrial Relations (IR), a career in Human Resources (HR) stands out as a resilient and rewarding choice. Despite the challenges posed by the intricate web of regulations and reforms, HR professionals play a vital role in shaping organisational culture, fostering employee well-being, and driving strategic initiatives. In this article, […]

Innovations in recruitment and selection processes have prompted Australian companies to explore alternative methods beyond traditional interviews. These alternatives offer diverse ways to assess candidates’ skills, abilities, and fit for the role. From psychometric assessments to gamified simulations, Australian companies are adopting a range of tools to streamline their hiring processes and identify the best […]

Investing in training and development programs is crucial for fostering employee growth, enhancing skills, and driving organisational success. However, choosing the right external training provider can be a daunting task, especially with the multitude of options available. In this article, we’ll explore a strategic approach to finding and selecting external training providers tailored to your […]

Among the myriad of questions asked during job interviews, “Tell us about yourself” often stands out as both the most common and the most challenging. This seemingly simple prompt can catch job seekers off guard, leading to rambling responses or missed opportunities to make a strong impression. However, with careful preparation and strategic planning, you […]

Recruiting the right talent is a critical aspect of any organisation’s success. However, the process can be time-consuming and challenging without the right support. This is where a recruitment agency can make all the difference. But to ensure they find the perfect fit for your company, it’s essential to provide them with comprehensive information about […]

In today’s dynamic and competitive workplace environment, the desire to stand out and make a meaningful impact within your organisation is something many of us strive for. Whether you’re aiming for career advancement, recognition, or simply striving to excel in your current role, becoming invaluable to your organisation is a worthwhile pursuit. Drawing insights from […]

Working with an external leadership coach can significantly elevate your influencing skills and presence by providing tailored guidance, feedback, and strategies to enhance your effectiveness in various professional contexts. Let’s delve into how such coaching can benefit you. Personalised Feedback and Development Plans: An external leadership coach can conduct assessments and provide personalised feedback tailored […]

Creating a strategy for reengaging “boomerang employees” involves several key steps aimed at fostering positive relationships and maximising the potential of returning talent. Boomerang employees are individuals who leave an organisation but later return to work for the same employer. In Australia, several companies have successfully implemented strategies to reengage boomerang employees, contributing to their […]

In the dynamic landscape of Australian businesses, traditional performance management methods are being reimagined to adapt to the evolving needs of organisations and their employees. Australian companies are pioneering innovative approaches to assess, develop, and maximise employee performance, driving productivity and engagement to unprecedented levels. Let’s explore some of the groundbreaking performance management techniques being […]

Receiving a job offer is undoubtedly an exciting milestone in a career journey. However, there may be instances where the offered position isn’t the perfect fit, or other opportunities align more closely with your goals and aspirations. While declining a job offer can be a delicate task, handling it with professionalism and respect is paramount […]

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences, and it’s perfectly natural to feel a flutter of butterflies in your stomach as you prepare to meet potential employers. However, allowing nervousness to overshadow your confidence can hinder your performance and impact your chances of securing the role you want. In a competitive job market, where first impressions […]

In the fast-paced world of Financial Services, recruitment and talent acquisition strategies are continuously evolving to meet the demand of an ever-changing market landscape. As 2024 progresses, Australian financial institutions are adapting to emerging trends, harnessing innovative approaches to attract and retain top talent. Let’s delve into the key market trends shaping financial services recruitment […]

In an ever-evolving job market landscape, staying ahead of the curve requires a keen understanding of the skills most sought after by employers. As the second month of 2024 draws to a close, the Australian job market continues to place a premium on certain key competencies that transcend industries and sectors. Whether you’re a seasoned […]

In the dynamic landscape of today’s professional world, many individuals seek careers that offer not just stability but also fulfillment and growth opportunities. Aspiring professionals often find the sales industry enticing due to its diverse range of opportunities and the potential for making a tangible impact on a company’s trajectory. In this blog, we will […]

New Year, New Opportunities: Why February is the Ideal Time to Find Your Dream Job Are you considering a career change or eager to embark on a new professional journey? February marks an auspicious time for job seekers, presenting a myriad of advantages that make it an opportune moment to kickstart your job search. Here’s […]

If you have been thinking of a move to the country, Oxygen can assist you to understand what regional career opportunities may be suitable for you. With more affordable housing, there are plenty of benefits to relocating regionally. Oxygen have an office located in Bathurst, very close to Orange. Read our latest blog post for more detail on why moving regionally can be great for your career.

Not sure where to get started with using AI in your recruitment process? Our latest blog post will give you some handy tips on this

This blog post has some great tips on how to improve your job search and interview performance to enable you to secure your dream job

As we roll in to the 2nd month of the 2023/2024 financial year, we are seeing economic and employment conditions are fixed in what could possibly be described as a bit of a “holding pattern”. Jobs data for June 2023 saw an increase in jobs created, but SEEK figures for the same month definitely show […]

By Patrick Fisher I recently attended a SEEK webinar on the best ways to attract talent to your business. This session highlighted some key statistics on what job seekers want in a role, and the key benefits they look for. In this blog post, we will go through some of the key benefits and statistics […]

Uncertain economic times can create significant challenges for both organisations and their employees. In this post Covid time, where many employees value stability and security, it is essential for employers to demonstrate their commitment to supporting employees during such periods. This blog post explores what organisations can do to foster a supportive work environment, and […]

Written by Patrick Fisher Nedd Brockman. Who is he? Nedd ran across Australia, from Perth to Bondi Beach over the span of 47 days. I had the privilege to attend a ‘lunch and learn’ event in Orange recently, where Nedd was the keynote speaker and went through his journey and the lessons he learnt along […]

Introduction: Interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences, regardless of your level of expertise or experience. As a senior leader, the stakes are even higher, as the outcome can have a significant impact on your career trajectory and the success of the organisation you are interviewing with. To help you navigate the interview process with confidence and […]

Does Hybrid Working still work? Is it effective? I recently attended a webinar on whether Hybrid work is effective. In this blog post, I will explain the benefits surrounding Hybrid Working, and why most companies are still offering it post pandemic.

In this article I discuss the benefits of having an ongoing, “on-call” relationship with a specialist recruiter even when you are not hiring. Read on to discover how this relationship can help your business be more agile, quick to promote itself and responsive to market opportunities.

In this article, I discuss the benefits of taking on highly skilled contractors in the current market. If you have transformation projects on hold due to permanent recruitment headcount freezes then read on to see how we can help you get your business improvements over the line.  The state of the recruitment market for many […]

Recently I transitioned from a role with an international lender to working with Oxygen in a recruitment role. In my first 90 days as a recruiter, I have learnt a lot about how to be successful in landing your next role, and how to position yourself in the best way possible.

After the rush to work from home during the Covid 19 pandemic, Australians have settled back in to a “new normal” of hybrid working. But what does that actually mean, is it effective and who is offering what options?

Non-bank lenders differ from major banks in a variety of ways. In this article, I will discuss why your next finance role could be with a non-bank lender, and if you are currently working for a bank, why you might want to consider making the change today. What is a non-bank lender? In brief, a […]

Are you using the right levers to attract top talent to your business in 2022 / 2023? In this article we discuss how to ensure you are using the right tools to attract top talent to your organisation. Whilst there is talk of global recession and inflation continues to rise in Australia, employers are still […]

Regardless of your work experience and career length, a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ resume can impact whether you’re likely to land even just a phonecall from a potential employer. Because of this, it’s important to show off your skills, experience and work history in the best possible way from the get-go. Here are our best tips […]

In this article I discuss the skills that my non-bank lending clients are looking for right now. If you are a financial services professional considering changing roles, read on to discover the transferrable skills you should be highlighting to a prospective employer. In recent years, there has been enormous growth in the non-bank lending sector […]

In this article I discuss the prevalence of the counteroffer in the financial services market. Being given a counteroffer might be flattering, but should you take it? In my many years as a specialist financial services recruiter, I spend a lot of time matching job seekers with career building opportunities. I have also witnessed many […]

In this article, I discuss how businesses can attract talented risk and compliance professionals to their financial services or fintech business in 2022. This skill set has seen steady demand over recent years. Whilst this has come off slightly, risk and compliance professionals still have many roles to choose from, so it pays to be […]

As we turn the page on a new financial year and continue to deal with Covid-19’s implications on the economy, let’s take a moment to consider financial services salaries for new hires, and what they are likely to do over the next 6 months. This article discusses how the financial services sector’s outlook is impacting […]

The market for Treasury vacancies is busy busy busy at the moment. 2022 has seen an unprecedented level of growth in this area of the banking and finance sector. Why is this occurring? The residential mortgages and asset finance areas (cars, trucks and equipment) are strong asset classes in Australia and New Zealand. This is […]

It’s no secret that Australia is in the midst of a war for talent. Pre Covid 19 pandemic, finding the right people was challenging for most organisations but 2024 has proven to be a tight year in the labour market for specialist positions. Interestingly, jobs where working from home is offered have more job applicants […]

As we roll into another year of “working differently” due to Covid 19 restrictions in the workplace, video interviews and meetings have become part of the way we all do business. In fact, they are not really something we do differently now……more often than not Oxygen’s clients are choosing to conduct interviews with job applicants […]

It has been a challenging pandemic for finance professionals in public practice at Big 4 and Mid-Tier chartered firms. They have been working long hours, with less people in their teams, often because of closed state and international borders. I have heard many stories of teams working at 70-75% capacity and facing challenges replacing staff. […]

In my role as a financial services specialist recruiter, over the course of the last 18 months I have witnessed transformational changes to working arrangements. What I have noticed in this brave new world is that the only thing that is consistent is that no two arrangements are the same and each are tailored to […]

As we continue to navigate the pandemic and replace lockdowns with high levels of vaccination in our community, the financial services sector continues to evolve. Consumers are cautiously optimistic with one eye on what is happening overseas, and the economy preparing itself to shift back into a higher gear towards recovery and beyond in 2022. […]

As an experienced career coach and HR practitioner, I often have conversations with people in my network about the benefits of investing some time into your LinkedIn profile and activity. Often this is the product of a conversation that started along the lines of “Why would I bother spending time on LinkedIn? I’m not currently […]

In this article we discuss the resilience of the financial services sector as lockdowns end, and border restrictions start to ease. The strength of the market demonstrated by high profits, lending and transaction settlement records and business appetite for growth is a positive signal in unusual times. Australia has been living in pandemic times for […]

In this article we discuss the current talent (or Unicorn) drought in the Australian financial services industry and the only possible ways that we can see it being resolved. Read on to discover why paying higher salaries is the most effective way to beat the competition to land a rare and especially talented Unicorn for […]

Applying for new roles? Do you need some tips on how to maximise the impact of your LinkedIn profile? This article can assist in highlighting what hiring managers and recruiters are looking for when they view your profile

In this article, we discuss the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Australian financial services and fintech industries, and its subsequent effect on recruitment. Discover why now is a great time to be considering a new role particularly due to an overall shortage of professional candidates in the market. Australia’s quick recession and relatively […]

Growth in Risk and Compliance roles is still strong. Following the Royal Commission, roles in this space have become more interesting, and complex. Our latest blog post includes some key insights.

The world is a different place than it was a month ago! Covid 19 has brought with it change in every aspect of our lives, including economic prospects, the way we work, how we interact with our friends, how our young people are educated……..……it can feel like everything’s changed! The UN’s International Labour Organisation estimates […]