The LinkedIn list is based on user interaction, from LinkedIn’s seven million Australian members, with company pages and LinkedIn surveys measuring ‘reach’ and ‘engagement’ (how familiar and interested people are with the companies).

According to LinkedIn, the Australian results were in stark contrast to the US where internet technology and e-commerce companies such as Google, Apple and Amazon took out the top places.

Nevertheless, tech companies are on the rise in Australia, moving up the list since 2013. Apple has jumped eight places in two years, while Google and Microsoft moved up one and two places, respectively.

Rio Tinto spokesman Bruce Tobin said the company was proud to be the number one employer for 2015. “LinkedIn is a key communications platform to connect with the thousands of talented and highly motivated people in Australia who are interested in our company,” he said. “We are grateful for the support and interest of our 215,000 followers on LinkedIn.”

Four Australian-based companies made the top 10 this year, and all of the top 10 companies — rounded out by Qantas, Apple, Chevron, Lend Lease and Thiess — have at least 9000 employees. All have operations outside of Australia.

Tim Grogan, talent brand strategist at LinkedIn, said companies with strong “talent brands” outperform their peers on the stock market. “Currently 77 per cent of Australian talent acquisition leaders say talent brand has a significant impact on their ability to hire great talent, and we believe this is set to grow,” he said.

He added that strong employer brands can halve a company’s cost-per-hire, and companies with strong employer brands have a 28 per cent lower turnover rate than those with weaker brands.

https://youtu.be/o9pXpGcdvtQ

AUSTRALIA’S MOST IN-DEMAND EMPLOYERS FOR 2015