“In compiling our list of skills in demand, one common trend was employers’ requests for candidates who can add extra value,” said Nick Deligiannis, managing director of Hays in Australia and New Zealand.

“That could be through previous experience in a related discipline, prior process improvements or efficiency gains, additional tickets or qualifications or advanced digital or systems skills, all of which allow a candidate to perform supplementary duties. Any candidate who offers additional value stands out.”

The report found that among the skill sets in demand throughout the legal profession are mid- to senior-level construction and property lawyers, property paralegals, and banking and finance lawyers.

“Current construction and infrastructure projects and active property markets in certain locations create demand across the in-house, private practice and government sectors,” Mr Deligiannis.

In terms of the active sectors for 2017, Mr Deligiannis said there are a few to watch.

“Infrastructure projects are driving the construction, engineering and property markets, professional services is active, the focus on cyber security and big data keeps the IT industry busy, and the continued emphasis on risk, compliance and financial planning fuels the banking industry,” he said.

“The rapid rise in robotics and automation will start to increase job opportunities in the industrial robotics and service robotics sectors, the NDIS is creating a huge need for front-line case managers, and qualified childcare staff are still in short supply in education.”