Finding the right person for your team isn’t just about filling a gap, it’s more than that. It’s about finding someone who will grow with your business.
In a regional hub like Townsville, where major projects are in the pipeline and industries are growing, attracting skilled, committed talent can be tough. The labour market is tight; competition for top talent is strong, and job seekers have plenty of options.

That’s why you need to be strategic when it comes to how and where you advertise your vacancy. Get it wrong and you can waste hours, and leave your vacancy unfilled for months, negatively impacting your ability to respond to the ever-growing opportunities in the region. Get it right, and you can reach the right candidates, stand out from the competition and build a team that strengthens your business.

Understanding the recruitment landscape

As we’ve discussed previously in this blog, Townsville’s workforce has shifted in recent years. Defence, construction, health and renewables are all major employers, while hospitality and trades continue to be in high demand. With unemployment at record lows and thousands of new jobs forecast across North Queensland, businesses need to work harder to attract attention.

Before we advertise a role, we take the time to define what candidates we are really looking for, not just by skills but by mindset. Ask yourself:

• What attributes will help someone succeed in your workplace?
• Is this a role that suits a local, or could it appeal to someone relocating to Townsville?
• How can the lifestyle here become part of your pitch?

Clarity here helps you target the right people and choose the most relevant channels.

Use local insight, without the legwork

Navigating Townsville’s job market takes time and local knowledge. The challenge isn’t just where to post a job, it’s knowing how to position it, when to advertise, and which networks actually deliver results.

Our team already has access to the platforms, Facebook groups, and professional networks that perform best in the region, from Townsville Jobs & Opportunities and Townsville Hospitality Jobs through to business circles like Townsville Enterprise and Chamber of Commerce.

Instead of spending hours testing what works (and what doesn’t), we do it for you. We know which channels attract reliable tradespeople, which platforms reach skilled professionals, and where to find candidates open to relocating to North Queensland.

Working with us means your vacancy is seen by the right people, locals who are ready to start and newcomers looking to make Townsville home, without you having to manage multiple listings, inboxes, or candidate follow-ups.

Let our recruitment experts handle the sourcing, shortlisting, and screening, so you can stay focused on running your business, not running job ads.

Showcase your employer brand

Townsville job seekers care about more than pay… well, pay is essential, but in a competitive market, they are also looking for more. They are looking for workplaces with a strong culture, opportunities to learn and employers who are proud to be part of the community.

Ways you can make your business stand out:

• Do you offer flexible hours, on-the-job training or structured external courses?
• What do your current employees say about you? If they have a great experience, share it with the world.
• Highlight any local support for events or causes.

Activate your employee networks

Your current employees can be one of your most effective recruitment tools. After all, they understand your workplace culture and know the type of colleague who would fit in best. Encouraging your team to share the vacancy within their networks can open doors to candidates you may not reach through traditional advertising.

Some businesses even formalise this with a referral program, offering incentives for successful hires. But even without a formal system, a genuine endorsement from a team member can go a long way in persuading the right person to apply.

Cast your net strategically

Advertising your vacancy in Townsville isn’t just about listing a role, it’s about understanding what your ideal candidate is looking for, where they are looking, and how you would get their attention.
If managing that process feels like a full-time job, our recruitment team can help. From writing standout ads to navigating Townsville’s competitive job market, we’ll help you attract the people who’ll move your business forward.

Need help filling a role?

Contact the team at Signature Staff, your local recruitment specialists for Townsville and North Queensland.