With Australia's low unemployment rate 
and approximately one-third of Australian employers 
projected to increase their permanent staff levels, employment prospects for mature age job seekers are better than ever.
The Australian Government offers a range of services for people looking for work, some specifically tailored to mature age job seekers. Information on Government mature age programs is contained below. Further information can be found at Workplace .
The Jobwise website is an information portal which contains links and resources that may be of assistance to mature age job Australians. It does not deal directly with recruitment nor does it directly advertise jobs.
Australian Jobsearch
You can access information on the employment opportunities in your area by visiting Australian JobSearch . JobSearch is one of Australia’s largest online employment websites, averaging around 53,000 vacancies every day. JobSearch has a suite of services that are delivered to the job seeker at no charge. Some of the key features of JobSearch include:
- Convenience – with a few easy steps, job seekers can see the employment opportunities in their local area;
- Resumes – job seekers can add up to five resumes on JobSearch, which can be viewed by potential employers;
- Australian Training – a directory of vocational course information for education and training opportunities; and
- Auto Matching – job seekers who register with JobSearch will have their resume auto matched against new vacancies that appear on the website.
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Job Network
The Government offers a range of employment services to help mature age job seekers move back into employment. The largest of these is Job Network. Job Network is a national network of community and private organisations that have been contracted to place people into employment through the provision of flexible and tailored assistance that is based on each job seeker’s level of need. For information about Job Network, you can visit Workplace or call 13 62 68.
What types of services are available from Job Network?
As a Job Search Support Only job seeker (not on Centrelink benefits) you can expect the following Job Search Support servicing from your Job Network member:
At your first meeting, your Job Network member will provide you with advice on the best ways to look for work. They will also collect a range of information on your skills, experience and future job preferences. This information is used to create your resume on JobSearch. JobSearch will also use this information to match you to appropriate vacancies every night. You will receive notification of these job leads through email, mobile phone text messages, calling an interactive telephone service or by accessing your own personal page on JobSearch.
Your Job Network member will also give you advice on job search techniques, career options and employment programs and give you feedback on any job interviews they arranged for you.
JobSearch kiosks are available free of charge in Centrelink and Job Network offices. At these kiosks you can check your job leads, search for work and update your resume. There are also free job seeker telephones located in Centrelink and Job Network offices where you can contact employers and training organisations.
As an Fully Job Network Eligible job seeker (as determined by Centrelink), your Job Network Member will provide Job Search Support to help you build your job search skills. Your Job Network member will also develop an Activity Agreement to help you get work. If you have been registered for more than 3 months, you may also receive Intensive Support services.
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Employment Preparation
Employment Preparation is provided through Job Network to help mature age job seekers (aged 50 years and over), parents and carers, develop skills to re-enter the workforce. Assistance is based on the job seeker's individual needs and may include the following:
- Skills assessments;
- Access to training courses to upgrade skills; and
- Courses/training to improve self esteem, confidence or IT skills.
Eligible job seekers with no recent workforce experience may receive Employment Preparation services as soon as they start participating in Job Network. People with recent workforce experience may receive Employment Preparation after they have been participating in Job Network for three months without finding employment. There are a capped number of Employment Preparation places available each year for mature age people, parents and carers who are not on income support.
To access Employment Preparation please contact your local Job Network Member, or Centrelink office.
Employment Preparation Fact Sheet
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Employment Services for Age Pensioners
Age Pensioners wishing to return to the workforce on a full-time or part-time basis have access to Employment Services for Age Pensioners. This includes Employment Preparation and Job Search Training services, as well as access to Job Search Support services. Participation in the program is voluntary and participants remain on the Age Pension during the program.
Employment Services for Age Pensioners
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Centrelink
Centrelink undertakes the registration, assessment and referral of job seekers to Job Network members. For further information about Centrelink and its services, you can visit its website or call 13 1021.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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