Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Welcome to the Hays FAQ hub. This page provides answers to frequently asked questions about working with Hays whether you're a job seeker, temporary worker or employer. From contacting your local office and managing your account, to understanding payroll, health and safety, recruitment processes, and accessing career advice resources, you'll find practical guidance to support your experience with Hays.
 
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General FAQs

Contacting Hays

 

How can I contact my local Hays office?

You can find full details for all Hays offices on our website in Australia or New Zealand. Use the office locator and select your nearest location and sector from the dropdown menu.
 

Who do I contact for help with my enquiry?

Jobseeker enquiries
Looking for work or to register with Hays?
 
  • Start by searching and applying for relevant job opportunities on our website
  • Upload your CV to our database for our experts to find and potentially match you with relevant jobs
  • Reach out to the consultant listed on roles that interest you
  • Use the office locator to get in touch with your nearest office
Employer enquiries
Looking to register a vacancy or learn more about Hays’ services?
 
Other general enquiries
Contact Customer Care:
 
  • Customer Care (Australia): customer.care@hays.com.au | 1800 805 051
  • Customer Care (New Zealand): customer.care@hays.com.au | 0800 429 769
Health & Safety (for temporary workers or contractors)
To report a safety issue, injury, question, query or concern:
 
  • Health and Safety (Australia): Safety@hays.com.au | 1800 786 057
  • Health and Safety (New Zealand): Safety.NZ@hays.net.nz | 0800 608 504
Payroll (for temporary workers or contractors)
Reach out to your Hays consultant for assistance in the first instance. Otherwise for enquiries about non-payment, payslips, timesheets or Centrelink forms contact:
 
  • Payroll Helpdesk: payrollhelpdesk@hays.com.au | (02) 8226 9618
Accounts Payable (for suppliers)
For questions about payment status:
 
  • Accounts Payable: accpayaus@hays.com.au / accpaynz@hays.com.au
Credit Control (for Hays clients/employers)
For invoice queries:
 
  • Credit Control: credit@hays.com.au | (02) 8226 9890

How do I provide feedback on Hays' service?

We genuinely value your feedback as it helps us improve our service and deliver better experiences. You will receive feedback surveys at various stages throughout your journey with Hays and we would appreciate your feedback to ensure that each stage meets your expectations. Outside of this, we welcome you to share comments, suggestions, or concerns at any time by contacting us at customer.care@hays.com.au.
 

How do I make a complaint?

We value all feedback and treat complaints seriously. Please include the following information:
 
  • Your experience
  • Your contact details
  • Your Hays consultant
  • Hays office details
Send your complaint to: customer.care@hays.com.au
 

Website & App Assistance

 
If you’re experiencing problems using the Hays website here are a few tips which could help:
 
  • Check that you’re using a supported browser. We recommend Edge, Firefox, Google Chrome or Safari.
  • Check that your web browser has Cookies enabled. (Find out more about how to enable cookies from Google.)
  • If you’re using a computer at work, you may find your company has firewall or security system restrictions on your network which restrict and block some functionality.
  • If you are experiencing website difficulties, try the following steps to troubleshoot your issue:
    • Windows Users - Hold Ctrl and Press F5 
    • OSX (Mac) Users - Apple Key and ‘R’
  • If this does not resolve the problem, please attempt to clear your browser cache, please see the below links for instructions on how to clear your cache:

How do I get help with technical issues with the Hays app?

For technical issues, support and feedback about the Hays app, please use the ‘Contact us’ and FAQs feature found within the ‘Help centre’ in the ‘More’ tab or explore our app user guide.

How can I create an account on the website?

Follow the link to create an account and submit your details including a copy of your CV. You will receive a confirmation email with a link to confirm your email and create a password to access your new account.

What can I do with my account on the Hays website?

Create an account to add your CV to our database for our experts to find and potentially match you with relevant jobs. Your new account will allow you to; save your CVs, view applications, manage your preferences, sign up for job alerts and access free online courses.

I got an error saying my email is already registered. What should I do?

  • Try logging in again using your email address and password.
  • Attempt a password reset if you have forgotten your password.
  • If unsuccessful, create a new account using a different email address.

How do I reset my password?

  • Click on the ‘Forgot Password’ link on the login page.  This will only work if you have previously validated your account.
  • Each time an attempt to reset a password is made, our system sends out a new email which voids the reset link in any previous emails received. Using a link other than the newest one will create an error.
  • If you have not used your account for a long time, it may have been deactivated. Please re-register to regain access.

How do I update the email address or password on my account?

On the Hays website, click on Sign in, and follow the steps to change your email or password. Please note changes can only be made by you, Hays staff cannot access your account.
 

How do I delete my account?

Please contact our Privacy team by completing the Customer Service Contact Form and selecting ‘Privacy’ as the enquiry type.
 

I’m having trouble uploading my CV

The most common issue when uploading a CV to the Hays website is that it’s in an incorrect format. Please ensure:
 
  • The format is either .doc, .docx, .pdf, .rtf or .txt 
  • The file format is in lower case .doc, not .DOC 
  • The file size for a CV is below 2MB 

Hays Salary Guide

 

I am looking for salary information, where can I find it?

You can download the Hays Salary Guide from our website. Simply visit www.hays.com.au/salary-guide and follow the prompts to access the latest edition. 
 

I am looking for salary information for a specific role or industry not covered in the Hays Salary Guide

While the Hays Salary Guide provides a broad overview of salary trends across key industries and roles, it may not include every niche position or emerging role. For more tailored salary insights, we recommend speaking directly with a Hays recruitment consultant who specialises in your area of interest. Our consultants have deep knowledge of local market conditions and current salary benchmarks and can provide personalised advice based on your specific needs, location and industry trends. Please use the office locator on our website to contact a consultant in your nearest office.
 

Can I get a copy of old Hays salary guides?

The Hays Salary Guide provides a snapshot of salary and market trends at the time of publication and is intended as a general guide only. As such, we’re unable to provide advice on individual cases or offer historical salary data.
 

Can I get a printed Hays salary guide?

The Salary Guide is available exclusively in digital form, downloadable from the Hays website. The decision to move to a digital format is in line with our global ‘ClimatePartner’ initiatives.

Job Seeker FAQs

Finding and applying for jobs

 

How do I search and apply for jobs?

You can search and apply for jobs easily through the Hays website:
  • Use the job search to browse roles by keyword, location, or industry
  • Save your searches and set up job alerts to be notified of new opportunities
  • Apply online or reach out directly to the Hays consultant listed in the job ad 

How can I provide my CV to Hays?

You can upload your CV directly through our website or by applying for a specific role. Once your CV is in our system, our consultants will be able to find and potentially match you with relevant jobs. Depending on role availability, you may hear from us soon or at a later date.
 

I am new to Hays and looking for work, how can I get started?

  • Start by searching and applying for relevant job opportunities on our website
  • Set up job alerts on our website to be notified of new jobs first
  • Upload your CV to our database for our experts to find and potentially match you with relevant jobs
  • Reach out to the consultant listed on roles that interest you – our consultants are specialists and may have other similar opportunities available

I have applied to a job or submitted my CV what’s next?

Once you’ve submitted your CV or applied for a role, you become part of our candidate network. If your application is shortlisted for one of our current opportunities, a Hays consultant will be in touch. To stay proactive, we recommend:
 
  • Contacting your local specialist consultant to discuss your application and explore other roles
  • Reaching out directly to the consultant listed in the job ad, if applicable
  • Using our Office Locator to find the most relevant contact based on your location and area of expertise 

When will I hear back about my application?

We carefully review each application to assess how well your experience and skills match the requirements of the role. If you are shortlisted, a Hays consultant will contact you to discuss the next steps.
 
Please note that for some roles, we receive a high volume of applications and may not be able to respond to every applicant individually, but we encourage you to keep an eye out for other suitable opportunities on our website.
 

How can I follow up my application?

If you'd like to follow up or discuss your application, we recommend contacting the Hays consultant listed in the job advertisement. They’ll be best placed to provide an update or answer any questions you may have about the role.
 

How can I refer a friend to Hays?

To refer a friend, register for the Refer a Friend program at hays.com.au/refer-a-friend. Once registered, you’ll receive a unique referral URL to share with your friends. When your friend clicks the link, they’ll be directed to a page to register their details, then apply for a role or upload their CV with Hays. If your friend is successfully placed and meets the eligibility criteria outlined in the program’s Terms & Conditions, you will receive a $200 e-gift card by email as a thank you. For full details, visit hays.com.au/refer-a-friend.
 

Career advice

 

Where can I find career advice and job search tips?

You can access a wide range of expert career advice on our website. From writing a standout CV to preparing for interviews, negotiating your salary, and navigating career changes — we’ve got resources to support every stage of your job search.
 

Can Hays help me prepare or update my CV?

While we don’t offer a CV writing or preparation service, our website provides a range of tips, templates, and guidance to help you create a strong, professional CV.
 

Does Hays offer a career advice service?

While Hays does not provide personalised career counselling or planning services, we offer a wide range of free online resources to support your job search and career development. For tailored career guidance, you may wish to speak with an independent career counsellor or reach out to a government or educational institution.
 

Can Hays help me with qualifications or skills recognition?

Hays does not provide qualifications assessment or skills recognition services. We recommend referring to relevant local government authorities or industry bodies for assistance with having your qualifications or skills formally recognised.
 

Can Hays help me find work experience or an apprenticeship?

Hays is a recruitment agency that specialises in paid employment opportunities. We do not offer assistance with unpaid work experience or apprenticeships. For these types of opportunities, we recommend contacting educational institutions, apprenticeship networks, or government programs in your area.
 

I’ve been made redundant, where do I start?

Being made redundant can be challenging, but you're not alone. We’ve put together practical guidance to help you navigate your next steps, from managing the transition to restarting your job search. When you’re ready, contact your nearest office for a discussion about your next career move.
 

Does Hays offer any upskilling or online learning courses?

Hays Learning is our free online learning platform, designed to help you build skills and boost your career. It offers a wide range of courses across topics like productivity, wellbeing, communication, remote working, and more. The platform is available to all Hays-placed candidates, as well as job seekers looking to enhance their employability.
 

What should I do if I’ve been targeted by a job scam?

Job scams are fraudulent job offers or advertisements designed to trick job seekers into providing personal information or money. These scams can appear convincing, so it's important to stay informed and cautious. To learn how to avoid, spot and report job scams, visit our Scam Alert page.
 

Immigration, Visas and Sponsorships

 

What do I need to work with Hays in Australia or New Zealand?

To be considered for job opportunities through Hays in Australia or New Zealand, you must hold a valid visa or work rights that allow you to work in the country.
 
We are unable to assist candidates who do not currently have the legal right to work in Australia or New Zealand. For further information regarding visas visit the Department of Home Affairs at www.homeaffairs.gov.au or Immigration New Zealand at www.immigration.govt.nz.
 

Can Hays help me with visas or sponsorships?

Hays does not provide immigration advice, visa sponsorship or support with visa applications. For assistance, we recommend contacting a registered immigration advisor or lawyer. You can also find detailed information on visa options and requirements through the relevant government websites:
 
New Zealand – www.immigration.govt.nz
 

Can Hays help me find a role overseas?

Absolutely! Hays has expert consultants in 30+ countries worldwide who understand the local job markets and can help you find your next opportunity abroad. Start your international job search by selecting the country you’re interested in on our global website.
 

Can Hays help me find an Australia or New Zealand role I can do remotely from overseas?

Due to differing taxation, employment, health & safety, and superannuation laws in Australia and New Zealand, we can only assist candidates who are locally based in these countries.

Temporary Worker & Contractor FAQs

What is temporary or contract work at Hays?

Temp or contract work involves temporary short to medium term opportunities across various industries. These roles offer flexibility and can be a great way to gain experience, build skills, and explore different workplaces. To learn more about temp and contract work with Hays, visit: www.hays.com.au/jobs/temporary-contract-jobs/working-with-hays.
 

What’s the difference between temp and contract work?

The terms ‘temp’ or ‘contract’ work or assignment can be used interchangeably by employers.
 
However, there are generally two types of engagements with temp or contract work.
 
Temporary workers or ‘temps’ are workers that are employed by Hays on a casual basis and Hays manages payroll, including wages, taxes and superannuation. Temps can also be called casuals or casual workers, or award workers.
 
Contractors are independent contractors that engage with Hays via their own Pty Ltd company that has an ABN and relevant insurances. These workers are not employed by Hays. Hays pays the Pty Ltd company for hours worked by its workers and the Pty Ltd company is responsible for paying the individual worker’s wages, superannuation and deducting relevant taxes.
 
There are also other general terms such as 'contingent workers’, ‘labour hire’, ‘agency workers’, ‘agency hire’ that can describe the engagement of both temps and contractors.
 

What is a temporary worker or ‘temp’?

A temp is employed by Hays on a casual basis. Hays manages their payroll, including wages, taxes, and superannuation. Temps may also be referred to as casuals, casual workers, or award workers.
 

What is a contractor?

A contractor is an independent worker who provides services through their own Pty Ltd company, which must have an ABN and relevant insurances. These individuals are not employed by Hays. Instead, Hays pays the company, and the company manages payment and compliance for the individual.
 
It’s important not to confuse a contractor with someone in a contract role. Some contract roles may be filled by temporary workers employed by Hays, while others are filled by independent contractors. The engagement type depends on the specific arrangement for the role.
 

Does Hays engage sole traders?

No. In Australia, Hays does not engage sole traders—individuals who operate under an ABN but not through a Pty Ltd company.
 

How do I find temp or contract work at Hays?

  • Visit the Hays website and use the job search to find relevant temp or contract roles.
  • Save your searches and create job alerts to stay updated on new opportunities.
  • Apply online directly through the website or contact the Hays consultant managing the position for more information.

What do I need to know about working in a temporary role with Hays?

If you're considering or starting a temporary role through Hays, our comprehensive FAQ page has everything you need to know—from how the process works and what to expect, to timesheets, payments, and benefits. Explore further Temporary Worker & Contractor FAQs. 
 

Where can I find information about Health, Safety and Wellbeing, or how can I report a safety issue or injury?

As a temporary worker of Hays, your health, safety and wellbeing are our priority. If you need to report a safety issue, injury, question, query, or concern; or need to access our 24/7 wellbeing support through TELUS Health, you’ll find everything you need on the Health & Safety section of our website.

Employer FAQs

Finding and hiring skilled talent

 

How can Hays help me find the right candidate?

Hays offers specialist recruitment services across a wide range of industries. We combine deep market knowledge, a strong talent network, and tailored search strategies to connect you with skilled professionals who are the right fit for your role and organisation. Explore our full range of employer services for more information.
 

Can I post a job directly online?

No, job postings can’t be published directly to our website. However, you can submit your vacancy online, and one of our expert consultants will contact you to understand your requirements and they will manage the vacancy on your behalf.
 

What types of roles can Hays help me recruit for?

Hays can help you recruit for permanent or temporary roles across a wide range of industries and job functions. Whether you're hiring for one position or building an entire team, we connect you with skilled professionals at all levels.
 

Can Hays help with short-notice or urgent hiring needs?

Yes. With access to pre-screened, highly skilled talent and a nationwide network of recruitment consultants, Hays can respond quickly to urgent hiring needs. Learn more about Temporary and Contractor Recruitment Services with Hays.
 

How long does it take to fill a role?

Timeframes vary based on the role, market demand, and availability of suitable candidates. Temporary roles can often be filled within a couple of hours, while permanent roles may take a few weeks. We’ll agree a clear timeline based on your specific needs.
 

How does Hays ensure diversity within its recruitment processes?

Hays ensures diversity within its recruitment processes through a comprehensive and inclusive approach. We use inclusive language in job ads, supported by tools like the Gender Decoder and all recruiters are trained in Disability Confidence to support candidates requiring adjustments, including those with disabilities and neurodivergence. We source talent through a wide range of channels, including partnerships with organisations that promote Indigenous employment, disability inclusion and gender diversity. Our processes are data-driven, tracking diversity metrics to identify and reduce bias and we provide tailored support to candidates throughout the recruitment journey. Hays also collaborates with clients to align recruitment strategies with their diversity goals, ensuring inclusive hiring practices that drive meaningful progress.
 

Can Hays provide salary data, market advice and insights?

Yes. Hays offers comprehensive salary data, market trends, and hiring advice to help you make informed recruitment decisions. Your consultant will provide tailored advice based on your specific needs, or you can explore our Advice and Insights page for the latest resources.
 

What are your recruitment fees or service costs?

Our fees vary based on the type of hire whether you're engaging a temporary worker, independent contractor or permanent employee, as well as the level of the role and the services required. We’ll always provide full transparency on our fees and terms of business before any work begins.
 

What happens if a candidate doesn’t work out?

We offer a guarantee period for permanent placements and can replace candidates if they leave within that timeframe subject to our terms of business. For temporary workers or contractors, we’ll work quickly to find a replacement where needed.
 

How is payment handled when hiring through Hays?

Payment processes vary depending on the type of hire:
 
  • Temporary workers: Hays employs the candidate on a casual basis and manages payroll, including wages, taxes and superannuation. Employers are invoiced for hours worked.
  • Contractors: Hays engages the independent contractor through their own Pty Ltd company which has its own ABN and the Pty Ltd company employs the individual worker(s), not Hays. Hays manages the invoicing and payment to the Pty Ltd company who then pays its own workers. Employers are invoiced for hours that the company provides.
  • Permanent placements: Fees are typically invoiced upon successful placement, based on the agreed recruitment fee schedule. 
Our team will provide full details upfront to ensure clear and transparent payment arrangements tailored to your hiring needs.
 

I have a question about an invoice from Hays?

Call our Credit Control team on 02 8226 9890 or email credit@hays.com.au, please include your organisation and Hays debtor ID.
 

Temporary and contractor recruitment

 

What should I know about hiring a temporary worker or contractor?

Visit our Temporary and Contractor Recruitment page to learn how we can help you access flexible talent to meet your business needs quickly and efficiently.
 

How do you ensure candidates are compliant and ready to start?

Our candidates go through thorough screening, reference checks, work rights checks and compliance with relevant industry standards. For temporary workers and contractors, we manage payroll and onboarding requirements.
 

What support do you offer after a candidate starts?

We maintain contact with both you and the candidate after placement to ensure a smooth transition. For temporary roles, we manage all ongoing payroll and worker support, including health & safety. Health and safety is a joint responsibility between Hays and the host employer and we both need to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of the temporary worker or contractor and we both have a duty to consult, cooperate and coordinate to ensure we are both taking all reasonably practicable steps.
 

What do I need to do if a Hays temporary worker or contractor is injured on my site?

Contact your Hays consultant immediately to report the incident to enable a member of the Hays Health & Safety Team to respond in a timely manner.
 

Enterprise solutions

 

Can Hays support our evolving workforce needs beyond traditional recruitment?

Yes. Hays offers strategic, end-to-end workforce solutions tailored to the needs of large and complex organisations. With dedicated enterprise teams, we help you manage, scale, and optimise your workforce through solutions like Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO), where we manage all or part of your permanent hiring, and Managed Service Programs (MSP), which deliver greater visibility, compliance and control over your temporary or contingent workforce. We also offer talent advisory and workforce planning services to help you build a more agile, future-ready workforce. Learn more at haystalentsolutions.com.
 

We need to manage a large volume of contingent workers — can Hays help with that?

Yes. Our Managed Service Programs (MSP) give you full visibility and control over your temporary and contract workforce. We manage supplier relationships, streamline onboarding and compliance, and help you reduce risk and cost. Learn more about Managed Service Programs (MSP).
 

Does Hays offer outsourced recruitment solutions?

Our Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) solutions are designed to improve hiring outcomes across your organisation. We manage all or part of your recruitment function, using data insights, market expertise, and optimised processes to enhance speed, quality, and candidate experience. Learn more about RPO.
 

We’re taking on more complex projects that require consulting and project-based solutions rather than recruitment solutions — can Hays help?

Yes. For organisations needing more than traditional recruitment, Hays partners closely with Emposo, a specialist services business focused on consulting and project solutions. While Hays provides workforce and recruitment solutions, Emposo delivers project-based solutions through experienced professionals who can lead, manage, and embed change. Together, we offer an integrated approach for complex, high-stakes initiatives combining strategic delivery capability with scalable resourcing when needed to ensure the right balance of expertise and capacity. Learn more at emposo.com.
 

How do I know if I need Emposo or Hays — or both?

If your challenge is about delivering a digital transformation program or enabling change, Emposo is the right fit offering services like advisory, program management and technology-enabled change. If you’re looking for the right talent to build your team, Hays can help. We often work together to ensure you get the right mix of expertise and capacity. Learn more at emposo.com.