Headquartered everywhere from Sydney to Silicon Valley, the companies on Hatch’s Hotlist highlight where Gen Z and Millennials see the most opportunity – from homegrown names like Canva and Qantas to global giants like Google and Amazon.
When it comes to dream jobs, young Aussies can’t get enough of the culture, stability, and opportunities for growth at tech companies.
Employment marketplace Hatch has revealed that Google, Canva and Amazon are the most coveted Australian employers in 2025. Innovation was named as a major drawcard by the 2000 millennial and Gen Z respondents to the Hatch survey. Purpose is also top of mind for Aussies under 45.
“The most in-demand employers have brand recognition and big missions,” the 2025 Hatch Hotlist Insights Report states. “Young Australians are drawn to organisations that not only lead their industries but also make a positive social, cultural, or environmental impact.”
Clear career pathways, competitive pay, job security, supportive leadership, inclusivity, and flexibility are also listed as major drawcards.
“To feel secure, we heard young people are primarily looking for job growth and learning
opportunities in an AI-powered world,” says Hatch co-founder Adam Jacobs.
When it comes to red flags, unclear opportunities for growth is listed as the most troubling element of a workplace, followed by high team turnover, and vague or unrealistic job descriptions.
“Where there used to be far more certainty about what a career path might look like, now each step is evolving in real time,” says Jacobs.
Dr Arwen Griffioen is the head of AI and Machine Learning at Hatch. She says that there has been a marked change in how employees think about and are using AI over the last 12 months.
“From the Industrial Revolution to the present day, every industry has adapted to reduce manual labour. AI is the latest step, and now, professionals are experiencing the uncertainty that factory and farm workers once did. The best approach is to become skilled in these new areas and embrace all that AI offers,” advises Dr Griffioen.
CEO Jacobs agrees and says that it is now commonplace to use AI in workplaces.
“Over the past year, the world of work has changed dramatically. AI and large language models are reshaping jobs, from the most entry-level roles to the most senior. The speed of that change can be unsettling, especially if you’re just starting out in your career.”
More than 50 per cent of respondents said they have used AI tools when applying for jobs, and 69 per cent of young Aussies prefer a hybrid model of working, including two days in the office.
“After years of remote work, nearly 90% of young professionals are eager to spend time in the office, learning from the people around them. In terms of when they come in, they want clear policies and a sense of shared rhythm,” says Jacobs.
Last year’s survey revealed that 75 per cent of people felt optimistic about their careers. That sentiment has continued to grow over the last 12 months, rising to 79 per cent of respondents in 2025. Evenso, 80 per cent of young Aussies have (or want to have) a ‘side hustle backup plan’ in case they need to pivot.
Blue-chip scaleups
The research differentiated between all Australian employers and those that are considered ‘scaleups.’ Blackbird, Eucalyptus, CultureAmp, Deputy, Safety Culture and Unyoked are the six homegrown scaleups listed as most popular amongst young Aussies.
International companies HelloFresh, Notion, OwnHome, Pet Circle were also named as highly desirable scaleups to work with.
Appetite for innovation and impact, growth, and the ability to develop an entrepreneurial mindset are the reasons given for wanting to work with scaleups.
“The best companies are getting really intentional about what they are offering employees. They’re building environments where people feel safe, seen, and set up to grow. That’s what young Australians are asking for, and the companies voted onto the Hotlist are delivering,” says Jacobs.
The Hotlist Top 20
TikTok
Attracts candidates for its fast-growing global brand and creative product focus.
Atlassian
Selected for its brand reputation in tech, growth opportunities and workplace culture.
Canva
Attracts talent for its homegrown brand success, appealing product, and reputation for culture.
Amazon
Attracts candidates for its scale, global reputation, and opportunities to build career experience.
Macquarie Group
Selected for stability and reputation in finance and infrastructure, offering career development opportunities.
Deloitte
Selected for its reputation as a career-building firm with diverse learning opportunities.
Virgin Australia
Chosen for its strong consumer brand and opportunities in aviation and customer experience.
ABC
Chosen for its strong brand and public service mission, offering creative work that aligns with values.
Qantas
Attracts candidates for its strong national brand and travel industry opportunities.
Woolworths Group
Selected for stability, scale, and opportunities to build careers in retail, logistics and beyond.
Adobe
Attracts candidates who value its creative products and innovative brand.
Google
Chosen for its strong global brand, employee benefits, and learning and growth.
Airbnb
Chosen for its well-known brand and product offering that attracts people-focused values.
NSW Government
Picked for stability, growth opportunities and purpose-driven work serving the community.
Accenture
Selected for career growth and learning opportunities, paired with its global reputation.
THE ICONIC
Selected for its appealing consumer brand and reputation for innovation in online retail.
Commonwealth Bank
Chosen for stability, strong brand reputation, and clear growth pathways.
Freelancer.com
Attracts candidates who value innovation and the product’s entrepreneurial culture.
ANZ
Picked for stability, brand recognition, and career progression opportunities in financial services.
Allianz
Selected for stability and reputation in financial services, with opportunities to grow skills.
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