Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Western Australia are highly interconnected and communicative. This can be factored into your recruitment strategies. For instance, allow extra time when advertising jobs to support sharing by word of mouth.
By building relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities you may be able to improve your attraction and recruitment strategies by:
- sharing news and information including job opportunities
- understanding what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers are looking for
- promoting your agency’s reputation as a culturally inclusive employer.
What actions can I consider?
Partner with your human resources team to:
- extend advertising periods to allow for sharing through ‘grapevines’
- share job advertisements with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues
- ask them to circulate through their professional and community networks, take into consideration cultural load
- contact your local Jobs and Skills Centre to share targeted employment opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander jobseekers
- advertise through local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media such as Noongar Radio’s community noticeboard and national media such as the Koori Mail and National Indigenous Times
- advertise on tailored job boards like the Aboriginal Services Jobs Board and national Indigenous Employment Australia
- post on university jobs portals and connect with their Indigenous support units when promoting job opportunities.
Where can I learn more?
Read this case study about how the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions undertook community outreach and consultation to fill an Aboriginal trainee ranger position which led to more local applicants being found suitable.
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