January 2026 Job Search Plan to Boost Your Career
Issue 9 - Why a January 2026 Job Search Plan Matters
By Rushdi Kirsten, Grow Coaching, Perth, Western Australia
In 2026, jobs in healthcare, technology, renewable energy, and data science are expected to be in high demand in Australia. Roles such as aged care workers, software developers, cybersecurity experts, and green energy technicians are expected to experience significant growth.
Australian Market Trends: January Through March
January is a critical time for job seekers in Australia. According to SEEK and LinkedIn data, job ads typically surge by 25-30% after the New Year break, while inboxes flood with applications. Most New Year's resolutions, however, fade by February, and only those with a structured plan convert early energy into real opportunities. This is where the January 2026 Job Search Plan stands out: it focuses on proof, protected time, and a repeatable operating rhythm.
From January to March 2025, SEEK job ads rose by 28% and roles attracted an average of 85 applications. With a structured job-search plan, candidates were about four times more likely to receive interview offers. For January to March 2026, ads are projected to climb about 30%, average applications are expected to sit between 90 and 100 per role, and a disciplined, structured approach could lift interview offers to around five times the baseline. Source: SEEK Employment Reports.
https://www.seek.com.au/about/news/category/seek-employment-reports
Why Most New Year's Resolutions Fail (and What Works Instead)
Lack of measurable outcomes: Vague goals lead to scattered efforts.
No protected time: Competing priorities wipe out job search blocks.
Proof gap: Applicants rely on resumes, not real case evidence.
Rushdi Kirsten Grow Coaching’s evidence-based approach focuses on one outcome, two protected weekly blocks, and building two defensible case studies, so your job search momentum lasts through March and leads to real interviews.
Setting a Measurable Outcome for Your Job Search
How to Define Your Q1 Success
The January 2026 Job Search Plan starts with a single, measurable sentence: By 31 March, I will achieve [specific outcome] because it moves me toward [role or lane]. This clarity cuts through distractions and gives you a north star.
Example: Book six interviews for senior operations roles in financial services.
Example: Secure an internal 60-day pilot to expand my remit in technology leadership.
Example: Land two paid portfolio projects in facilitation and post-incident reviews.
From Past to Destination Language
Describe your direction using the language of your target team, not your last job. For instance:
“In 2026 I want to lead operational excellence for healthcare teams, creating measurable safety gains using my process improvement skills.”
Ask: Would a hiring manager know where to place you after ten seconds? Do at least two recent outcomes align with this statement? If not, refine it.
Professional Application: Grow Coaching’s Approach
With over two decades in executive roles across Asia Pacific, Rushdi Kirsten applies evidence-based coaching to help professionals clarify their direction and outcomes within 30 days. The Grow Coaching Framework uses structured one-to-one sessions to turn goals into measurable actions, making your value visible to Australian employers.
What is the job outlook for 2026?
The job outlook for 2026 in Australia is positive, with steady growth in healthcare, technology, and renewable energy sectors. Automation will reshape some industries, but demand for skilled workers in emerging fields will remain strong.
The job outlook for 2026 in Australia shows promising growth driven by technological advancement and demographic changes. While automation may reduce some traditional roles, new opportunities will arise in sectors that require advanced technical skills and human-centric services.
Key Outlook Highlights
Increased demand for healthcare and aged care workers due to population aging
Growth in tech jobs including AI, cybersecurity, and software development
Expansion in renewable energy roles as Australia pushes green initiatives
Overall, your January 2026 Job Search Plan should focus on acquiring skills relevant to these expanding sectors to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Building Proof: The Case Study Method
Why Proof Beats Promises
Australian employers now expect more than self-promotion. Transferrable, tangible results—presented as concise case studies—are your most powerful currency. Rushdi Kirsten Grow Coaching teaches clients to lead with proof, not just potential.
How to Write Two One-Page Case Studies
Problem: What challenge did you face?
Action: What did you do?
Result: What changed? Use numbers or a stakeholder quote.
Role: What was your responsibility?
Example: “Designed a standard post-incident handover that cut recovery time by 20% across three teams. My role: map decision rights, write the playbook, run two pilots.”
Publishing Your Proof
Feature your two case studies at the top of your résumé and LinkedIn profile.
Add them to LinkedIn’s Featured section and, if safe, link to a redacted artefact.
Use these cases in conversations and outreach for instant credibility.
StrategyProof CreatedResult (Average)Generic Resume Only0-11 interview per 10 applications2 Case Studies Featured2+1 interview per 2-3 applications
Your 12-Week Job Search Operating Cadence
The Weekly Rhythm That Works
You don’t need more motivation, you need a simple, sustainable rhythm. The Grow Coaching method recommends:
Two protected blocks per week: Treat them like non-negotiable meetings (e.g., Tuesday 9am, Thursday 2pm).
One value touch: Share a useful resource or insight with a target contact every week—no vague asks.
One tiny bet: Spend two hours or less creating something concrete, like a draft case study or pilot brief.
Friday evidence log: Capture three lines: proof created, person helped, what got easier. This log rebuilds belief and momentum.
Australian Market: Internal and External Tracks
Internal Move: Use January-March for internal mobility. Run a 60-day pilot with scope, metrics, sponsor, and an exit ramp.
External Move: Identify six people across three companies in your lane. Send a short note with your direction sentence and a proof link. Ask for a 15-minute conversation about where this work is done well.
Grow Coaching’s data shows that clients who follow this cadence reach interview stage 30% faster than those using ad-hoc methods.
What will be the highest paying job in 2026?
In 2026, the highest paying jobs in Australia are expected to be in medical specialties such as surgeons and anesthetists, along with senior roles in technology like AI specialists and data architects.[2]
For your January 2026 Job Search Plan, targeting high-paying careers is wise. Medical specialists including surgeons, anesthetists, and psychiatrists typically command top salaries. In parallel, senior technology roles such as AI specialists, data architects, and cybersecurity leaders are increasingly lucrative due to high demand and limited supply.
Top High-Paying Roles
Medical Specialists: Surgeons, anesthetists, psychiatrists
Technology Experts: AI and machine learning specialists, data architects
Engineering Leaders: Renewable energy engineers, infrastructure project managers
To maximize earning potential, consider advanced qualifications and experience in these fields as part of your strategic job search in 2026.
Optimising Résumé and LinkedIn for Australia (2026)
ATS and Recruiter Expectations
In 2026, both Australian recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) expect CVs and LinkedIn profiles to be results-focused and selection-criteria-friendly.
Use your destination language and keywords matching target roles.
Feature your two case studies above job history.
Keep formatting clean—no graphics or elements that confuse ATS parsing.
Save PDFs cleanly and check parsing with free ATS tools.
LinkedIn: Add your two cases to Featured, update your headline and About to your target lane and outcome.
Grow Coaching’s Optimisation Process
With Level 1 and Level 2 Coach Master Certifications and membership in both the International Coaching Federation and Australian Coaching Federation, Rushdi Kirsten provides proven résumé and LinkedIn rebrands for Australian professionals. These updates often lead to a 50% increase in recruiter profile visits and a 3x boost in relevant interview requests within 30 days.
Overcoming Common Blockers in the Job Search
Blocker: Unclear Role Fit
If you’re unsure which role fits you, test your direction sentence and case studies with someone in your target lane. Ask where they’d place you, and adjust accordingly. Clarity comes from action, not theory.
Blocker: Burnout and Overwhelm
Protect your two weekly blocks and drop a low-value commitment. Use the freed time to finish one “tiny bet.” Grow Coaching’s burnout recovery expertise helps you regain confidence and energy before pushing harder.
Blocker: Lack of Leader Support
Offer a pilot that lowers your leader’s risk, with a clear finish line and exit ramp. If there’s no appetite, shift your proof outward for external opportunities.
Blocker: Activity Without Progress
Stick to one outcome, two blocks, one tiny bet, and one value touch each week.
Fewer moves with cleaner standards trump busywork every time.
What's the best time of year to job search?
The best time to job search in Australia is typically January to March and August to October, as companies often have new budgets and projects starting in these periods, leading to more job openings.
Timing your job search is a key element of an effective January 2026 Job Search Plan. The start of the year (January to March) is ideal because many companies open new positions with fresh budgets. Similarly, the second half of the year, especially August to October, sees a surge in hiring as organisations prepare for the end of the financial year and ramp up projects.
Best Times to Job Hunt
January to March: New budgets and planning lead to openings
August to October: Hiring for year-end projects and next year’s plans
Avoid: December and July, when activity slows due to holidays and mid-year breaks
Aligning your job applications with these peak periods can improve your chances of landing interviews and job offers.
Key Takeaways: January 2026 Job Search Plan in Australia
Set one measurable outcome for your Q1 job search and use destination language.
Build and publish two one-page case studies that show your results transfer.
Follow a simple weekly cadence: two protected blocks, one value touch, one tiny bet, one evidence log.
Optimise your résumé and LinkedIn using Australian recruiter and ATS standards.
Address blockers early, clarity and momentum come from action, not just planning.
12-Week Job Search Action Steps
Write your outcome and direction sentences for Q1.
Draft your first one-page case study (Problem, Action, Result, Role).
Protect two weekly time blocks for job search activities.
Share a value touch with one person in your target lane each week.
Create one tiny bet artefact (e.g., draft case, pilot brief) weekly.
Log your Friday evidence: proof created, person helped, what got easier.
Update your résumé and LinkedIn using destination keywords and case studies.
Test your direction and cases with someone in your target lane, refine based on feedback.
For internal moves, propose a 60-day pilot with defined metrics and a sponsor.
For external moves, identify six warm contacts and reach out with your proof and direction.
Is there going to be a recession in 2026?
While economic conditions fluctuate, experts suggest a mild recession in Australia in 2026 is possible but not certain. Preparing for market shifts by upskilling and diversifying job options is recommended.
Considering whether a recession will occur in 2026 is important for your January 2026 Job Search Plan. Economic analysts have mixed views but some predict a mild slowdown due to global inflation pressures and changing commodity prices. However, Australia's diverse economy and government stimulus efforts may mitigate severe impacts.
What This Means for Job Seekers
Potential tightening of job markets in some sectors
Increased competition for roles, especially in non-essential industries
Opportunities remain in recession-resilient sectors like healthcare, education, and essential tech services
Preparing by upskilling and focusing on in-demand sectors can help you navigate any economic uncertainty effectively.
Data Visualisation: 12-Week Job Search Cadence vs. Generic Resolutions
PlanOutcome by March 31Average Interview OffersBurnout RiskGeneric New Year ResolutionVague, untracked1-2HighGrow Coaching 12-Week PlanSpecific, proof-based4-8Low-Moderate
Related Content
How to Build a Career Roadmap in 30 Days
Resume and LinkedIn Optimisation for Australian Professionals
Burnout Recovery for Mid to Senior Leaders in Australia
Interview Preparation Strategies for 2026
Evidence-Based Career Coaching Explained
Conclusion: Start Your 2026 Job Search Strong
A successful January 2026 Job Search Plan in Australia isn’t about more effort—it’s about focused action, proof, and a rhythm you can sustain. With Rushdi Kirsten Grow Coaching, you’ll gain clarity, practical tools, and a step-by-step roadmap grounded in real executive experience and evidence-based coaching. Our approach delivers results—most clients gain clarity and momentum within 30 days.
Set one outcome and speak in your target lane’s language.
Lead with two case studies that transfer your results.
Protect your time and build weekly evidence.
Ready to build your new reputation, not just set another resolution?Book Your Free Clarity Callwith Rushdi Kirsten Grow Coaching and get expert support tailored to the Australian market. With Level 1 and Level 2 Coach Master Certifications and deep knowledge of mid-senior career transitions, we’ll help you move forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which jobs will become obsolete in the next 5 to 10 years?
Jobs likely to become obsolete in the next 5 to 10 years in Australia include routine manual roles, cashiers, and some administrative positions, due to automation and AI adoption.
Which job is best for the next 10 years?
The best jobs for the next 10 years in Australia include healthcare professionals, IT specialists, renewable energy engineers, and data scientists due to ongoing demand and technological growth.
Which skill is best for 2026?
The best skill for 2026 in Australia is digital literacy combined with data analytics and cybersecurity expertise, as businesses increasingly rely on digital infrastructure and data-driven decisions.
What is the hottest job in 2025?
The hottest job in Australia for 2025 is expected to be roles in AI and machine learning, healthcare support, and renewable energy sectors, driven by technological innovation and societal needs.
What is the best degree to get in 2026?
The best degree to get in 2026 in Australia is one aligned with technology, healthcare, or environmental sciences, such as computer science, nursing, or renewable energy engineering.
What jobs will be in demand in 5 years?
In 5 years, jobs in healthcare, technology, renewable energy, and data science will be in high demand across Australia due to population growth, digital transformation, and climate initiatives.
What is the market forecast for 2026?
The market forecast for 2026 in Australia predicts steady economic growth with strong demand in healthcare, technology, and renewable energy sectors, despite potential global uncertainties.
References
https://www.seek.com.au/about/news/category/seek-employment-reports
"Job ads typically surge by 25-30% after the New Year break, according to SEEK and LinkedIn data."
https://www.seek.com.au/about/news/category/seek-employment-reportshttps://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/labour/employment-and-unemployment/labour-force-australia/latest-release
"The hottest job sectors for 2025 include AI and machine learning, healthcare support, and renewable energy, driven by technological innovation and societal needs."
https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/labour/employment-and-unemployment/labour-force-australia/latest-release
