On 15^th April 2026, Kenny Ko and Noelle Murphy from TOM’s HR desk attended the Australian HR Institute (AHRI)’s Career Job Market Networking Event, aimed at supporting HR professionals network and find their next work opportunity.

The common theme among all the attendees, no matter what stage they were in their careers, was the desire to be in roles where they could truly add value partnering with a  business rather than purely transacting in their role.

And whilst AI is already transforming how the HR function operates, it will never replace the value of human interaction, where the ability to connect in person makes all the difference.

Our top 3 tips for HR job seekers in this challenging market are to:

1. Network relentlessly
The number of opportunities that come from reconnecting with former colleagues and managers is significant. Consistent, genuine outreach works.

2. Broaden your experience
Say yes to projects, system implementations, and stretch opportunities. The more diverse your skillset, the more differentiated you become.

3. Master your story
Be clear on your career narrative, your achievements, what you’re proud of, and most importantly, the impact and outcomes you’ve delivered.

If you want to know more, please feel free to connect with TOM’s HR team who are always happy to support HR professionals on their career journeys and share what they’re seeing in the market.