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How to Become An Employment Consultant

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What is a Employment Consultant

An Employment Consultant helps people find jobs and build their careers. They work with clients who are out of work, returning after a break, or ready for a change. Every day brings new people and new challenges.

Employment Consultants check each client’s skills and goals, then create a plan to get them job-ready. They coach clients on resumes, interview skills, and how to network. They also reach out to employers to find the right openings and make the match happen.

Workshops are a big part of the role too. Employment Consultants run sessions on job search skills, workplace rules, and career planning. They follow up with both clients and employers to make sure each placement sticks.

This career is perfect if you love helping people and enjoy a fast-paced, people-focused job. No day is the same. The reward of seeing a client land a great job is what makes this role so satisfying.

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Career Outlook for Employment Consultant

Employment Consultants work in a stable and growing field. Around 33,000 Recruitment Consultants are employed in Australia. Of these, 83% work full-time (Jobs and Skills Australia, based on ABS Census 2021). The median age of workers in this field is 36, and most are women (69% female share). Average working hours are 41 per week.

Job growth in this sector is positive. SEEK data from 2025 shows 14.2% job growth over the next five years. Key employers include employment services providers, recruitment firms, and not-for-profit groups. Specialist roles in disability employment services are in demand. The government is adding more support for people with disability in the workforce.

Pay for Employment Consultants averages around $73,000 per year in Australia (SEEK, 2025). Those in Human Resources and Recruitment roles earn around $68,973. Senior consultants with a strong client network and specialist skills can earn more. Growth can lead to senior consultant, team leader, or manager roles in employment services.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become an Employment Consultant

Step 1: Build Customer-Facing Work Experience

Start by getting experience in a role where you support and talk to people every day. Customer service, retail, admin, or community support are all solid starting points. Employment Consultants need strong people skills. Real client work is the best way to build them. Aim for at least 6 to 12 months in a customer-facing role before applying for consultant positions.

Step 2: Complete the Certificate IV in Employment Services (CHC41115)

Enrol in the Certificate IV in Employment Services (CHC41115) at a registered training organisation (RTO). This is the key qualification for people working in employment services. It covers how to check client needs, plan careers, match jobs, engage employers, and support new hires. The course takes around 12 months full-time or longer part-time. It is open to study through RTOs across Australia. Confirm current providers at training.gov.au.

Step 3: Advance Your Career with a Bachelor Degree

For senior roles, complete a bachelor degree in Human Resources, Business, or Community Services. Full-time study takes 3 years and covers employment law, workplace culture, and workforce strategy. Many universities also offer these courses online. This step is optional for entry-level roles but gives you an edge for team leader or specialist positions.

Step 4: Apply for Entry-Level Employment Consultant Roles

Once you have a qualification, apply for entry-level roles. Target employment services providers, disability employment services (DES) groups, and recruitment firms. Show your client-facing experience, Cert IV, and sector knowledge in your resume. Tailor each application to show you know the client group the employer works with.

Step 5: Join a Professional Association and Keep Learning

Join the Recruitment, Consulting and Staffing Association (RCSA) or the Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA). Both offer training, industry events, and networking for members. Employment law, government policies, and workforce conditions change often. Stay current by going to training, reading industry news, and talking to senior peers.

What does an Employment Consultant do?

An Employment Consultant’s day moves fast. You start by meeting clients to learn about their skills, goals, and job readiness. You source vacancies from employers, match candidates to roles, and coach people on their resumes and interview skills. You might run a group workshop in the afternoon. Then you follow up on a recent placement before the day ends. Every task is about helping people move forward. Seeing a client land the right job is what makes this role so rewarding.

Tasks

Employment Consultants connect job seekers with employers and support people at every step of their career journey. They navigate the job market on behalf of their clients. They match skills to openings and follow up to make sure each placement sticks.

  • Running Client Meetings: Meets with job seekers to check their skills, work history, and career goals.
  • Sourcing Vacancies: Contacts employers to find out about open roles and what they need in a candidate.
  • Advertising Roles: Coordinates job ads to attract suitable applicants for open vacancies.
  • Interviewing Applicants: Talks to job seekers to check their fit and readiness for specific roles.
  • Coaching on Resumes and Interviews: Helps clients prepare strong resumes and feel confident going into interviews.
  • Negotiating Employment Terms: Discusses and agrees on pay, hours, and conditions between clients and employers.
  • Running Workshops: Delivers group sessions on job search skills, workplace rules, and career planning.
  • Post-placement Follow-up: Checks in with both clients and employers after a placement to support long-term success.

Skills for Success

Employment Consultants need great people skills above all else. You will talk to clients, employers, and colleagues all day, so clear and confident communication is a must. Empathy also matters. Many clients are in tough spots, and understanding them leads to better support.

Organisation and time management are also key. Employment Consultants often manage many clients at once, so staying on top of tasks and deadlines is vital. A basic grasp of employment law and the job market helps you give informed advice. The more you know about different industries, the better you can match clients to roles.

Skills & Attributes

  • Clear verbal and written communication
  • Active listening
  • Empathy and patience
  • Negotiation skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Strong organisational skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Knowledge of employment law and workplace rights
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Networking and relationship-building
  • Sales and marketing ability
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Team collaboration
  • Data analysis and report writing
  • Proficiency in recruitment and case management software

Average Salaries

The average salary for an Employment Consultant in Australia is around $73,000 per year (SEEK, 2025). Entry-level roles typically start from $55,000. Senior consultants can earn up to $95,000 or more.

min $55 K

max $95 K

av $73 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.