BLACKROC Recruitment FAQs

Question 1

What is BLACKROC and what do you specialise in?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

BLACKROC is Australia's specialist technology recruitment agency, headquartered in Brisbane. We focus exclusively on technology recruitment across Brisbane and Australia, supporting permanent, contract and fractional hiring.

Our specialist areas include:
• Project Services & Transformation
• Cloud & Infrastructure
• Software Engineering & Development
• Data, BI & Analytics
• AI & Machine Learning
• Cyber Security
• Digital, Product & UX
• QA & Test
• Executive Technology Search

We partner with startups, enterprise organisations and government departments to recruit high-performing technology talent across a broad range of industries.

Question 2

What makes BLACKROC different from other recruiters?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

BLACKROC takes a quality-over-quantity approach to technology recruitment. Rather than flooding clients with unvetted resumes, we deliver curated shortlists of 3–5 highly aligned technology professionals.

We specialise exclusively in the tech market, giving us deep insight into software engineering, cloud, cyber security, AI, data and digital transformation hiring across Brisbane and Australia.

Clients choose BLACKROC for our honest market feedback, transparent communication, strong contractor and candidate experience, and access to hard-to-find technology talent.

Question 3

Where is BLACKROC located and what locations do you recruit in?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

BLACKROC is headquartered in Brisbane CBD and recruits technology professionals across Brisbane, Queensland and Australia.

We support clients and candidates across:
• Brisbane
• Sydney
• Melbourne
• Perth
• Adelaide
• Remote & hybrid technology teams across Australia

As a specialist Brisbane recruitment agency, BLACKROC combines deep local market knowledge with national technology recruitment capability across permanent, contract and executive hiring.

Question 4

What industries does BLACKROC recruit for?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

BLACKROC recruits technology professionals across all industries that require technology talent throughout Brisbane and Australia.

We commonly support organisations in:
• Financial Services & FinTech
• Healthcare & HealthTech
• Government & Public Sector
• Professional Services
• Retail & eCommerce
• Media & Digital
• Startups & Scaleups
• Enterprise Technology Companies

We partner with organisations undergoing digital transformation, cloud migration, cyber security uplift and AI adoption across permanent, contract and fractional hiring.

Question 5

What does BLACKROC specialise in as a technology recruitment agency?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

BLACKROC is a specialist technology recruitment agency headquartered in Brisbane, focused exclusively on recruiting high-performing technology talent across Australia.

Our core specialties include:
• AI & Machine Learning recruitment
• Software Engineering & Development recruitment
• Cloud & Infrastructure recruitment
• Cyber Security recruitment
• Data, BI & Analytics recruitment
• Digital, Product & UX recruitment
• QA & Test recruitment
• Project Services & Transformation recruitment
• Executive Technology Search

We support permanent, contract and fractional hiring across startups, enterprise organisations and government departments.

Question 6

What does BLACKROC recruit within AI & Machine Learning?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

BLACKROC is a specialist AI and Machine Learning recruitment agency in Brisbane, supporting hiring across Australia.

We recruit:
• AI Engineers
• Machine Learning Engineers
• Generative AI & LLM Engineers
• Data Scientists
• MLOps & AI Platform Engineers
• NLP Engineers
• Computer Vision Engineers
• AI Product Managers
• Heads of AI & Chief AI Officers

We support permanent, contract and fractional AI hiring across financial services, healthcare, government, startups and enterprise technology companies.

Question 7

What software engineering roles does BLACKROC recruit?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

BLACKROC recruits software engineering talent across the full stack for Brisbane and Australia-wide technology teams.

We specialise in:
• Frontend Engineers (React, Angular, Vue)
• Backend Engineers (Node.js, .NET, Java, Python, Go)
• Full Stack Engineers
• Mobile Engineers (iOS, Android, React Native, Flutter)
• Platform & DevOps Engineers
• Engineering Managers, Tech Leads & Principal Engineers
• Software Architects
• Heads of Engineering & CTOs

We partner with product companies, scale-ups, consultancies and enterprise organisations on permanent, contract and executive search.

Question 8

What does BLACKROC recruit within Cloud & Infrastructure?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

BLACKROC is a specialist cloud and infrastructure recruitment agency, supporting cloud migration, modernisation and platform engineering hiring across Australia.

Our cloud and infrastructure specialties include:
• Cloud Engineers (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Cloud Architects & Solution Architects
• DevOps & Site Reliability Engineers
• Platform Engineers
• Infrastructure Engineers
• Network Engineers
• Kubernetes & Containerisation Specialists
• Cloud Security Engineers
• Heads of Cloud & Infrastructure Leadership

We support permanent, contract and project-based hiring for organisations undergoing cloud transformation.

Question 9

Does BLACKROC recruit Cyber Security professionals?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Yes. BLACKROC is a specialist cyber security recruitment agency supporting Brisbane and Australian organisations across security uplift, compliance and operational security hiring.

We recruit:
• Security Engineers
• Security Architects
• GRC, Risk & Compliance Specialists
• SOC Analysts & Incident Responders
• Penetration Testers & Red Team Specialists
• Identity & Access Management Engineers
• Cloud Security Engineers
• Heads of Security, CISOs & Security Leadership

We support permanent, contract and executive search across financial services, government, healthcare and enterprise technology.

Question 10

What data, BI and analytics roles does BLACKROC recruit?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

BLACKROC recruits data professionals across the full data lifecycle for Brisbane and Australian organisations.

Our data specialties include:
• Data Engineers
• Analytics Engineers
• Data Scientists
• BI Developers & Analysts (Power BI, Tableau, Looker)
• Data Architects
• Data Platform Engineers (Snowflake, Databricks, Azure, AWS)
• Data Governance & Quality Specialists
• Heads of Data, Chief Data Officers & Analytics Leadership

We support permanent, contract and fractional data hiring across organisations modernising their data platforms.

Question 11

Does BLACKROC recruit Digital, Product & UX talent?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Yes. BLACKROC is a specialist digital, product and UX recruitment agency supporting Brisbane and Australian organisations building modern digital products and experiences.

We recruit:
• Product Managers & Senior Product Managers
• Heads of Product & Chief Product Officers
• UX Designers, UI Designers & Product Designers
• UX Researchers
• Service Designers
• Digital Marketers & Growth Specialists
• eCommerce & Digital Experience Specialists
• Heads of Digital & Chief Digital Officers

We support permanent, contract and fractional hiring across digital transformation programs.

Question 12

Does BLACKROC recruit QA, Test and Test Automation specialists?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Yes. BLACKROC recruits quality assurance and test professionals across manual, automated and performance testing for Brisbane and Australian technology teams.

We recruit:
• Manual Test Analysts
• Test Automation Engineers (Selenium, Cypress, Playwright)
• Performance Engineers
• SDETs (Software Development Engineers in Test)
• QA Leads & Test Managers
• Heads of Quality & Quality Engineering Leadership

We support permanent and contract hiring across financial services, government and enterprise technology.

Question 13

Does BLACKROC recruit Project Services and Transformation talent?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Yes. BLACKROC is a specialist project services and transformation recruitment agency supporting major technology programs across Australia.

We recruit:
• Project Managers & Senior Project Managers
• Program Managers
• Delivery Managers
• Scrum Masters & Agile Coaches
• Business Analysts & Senior Business Analysts
• Change Managers
• PMO Analysts & Portfolio Leads
• Transformation Directors & Heads of Delivery

We support permanent, contract and fractional hiring across digital, cloud, data, AI and cyber transformation programs.

Question 14

Does BLACKROC offer executive technology search?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Yes. BLACKROC provides specialist executive search for senior technology leadership across Brisbane and Australia.

Our executive technology search practice covers:
• Chief Technology Officers (CTOs)
• Chief Information Officers (CIOs)
• Chief Digital Officers (CDOs)
• Chief Data Officers
• Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs)
• Chief AI Officers
• Heads of Engineering, Product, Data, AI, Cloud and Security

We partner with boards, CEOs and founders on retained and exclusive executive search assignments.

Question 15

Does BLACKROC recruit contractors and fractional technology talent?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Yes. BLACKROC supports permanent, contract and fractional hiring across all technology specialties.

Our contractor and fractional recruitment covers:
• AI & Machine Learning contractors
• Software Engineering contractors
• Cloud, DevOps and Platform contractors
• Cyber Security contractors
• Data, BI and Analytics contractors
• Project Services, Delivery and Transformation contractors
• Fractional CTOs, CIOs, CISOs, CDOs and Chief AI Officers

We deliver flexible technology talent solutions for organisations across Brisbane and Australia.

Question 16

How does BLACKROC's search process work?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Our process begins with a detailed kick-off session to understand your requirements, culture and expectations. We then conduct comprehensive market mapping to identify all potential candidates, followed by proactive outreach, thorough screening and shortlisting. Throughout, we provide regular updates and market insights.

Question 17

What happens in the initial kick-off session?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

The kick-off session is a deep-dive into your requirements. We discuss the role specifics, team dynamics, company culture, technical requirements, career progression opportunities and any challenges the role might face. This helps us position the opportunity accurately to candidates.

Question 18

How long does a typical recruitment search take?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Timelines vary depending on the role's seniority and scarcity of skills. Generally, you can expect to see a shortlist of quality candidates within 1-2 weeks for standard roles, or 2-4 weeks for more senior or specialised positions.

Question 19

What is market mapping and why is it important?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Market mapping is a systematic process of identifying all potential candidates in the market for a specific role. This includes people currently in similar roles, those with transferable skills and passive candidates who aren't actively looking. It ensures we don't miss anyone who could be a great fit.

Question 20

How many candidates will you present?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

We typically present 3-5 highly qualified candidates per role. Unlike volume-driven agencies, we focus on quality over quantity. Every candidate we present has been thoroughly vetted and is genuinely interested in the opportunity.

Question 21

What vetting do candidates go through before presentation?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Our vetting process includes skills assessment, cultural fit evaluation, motivation analysis, salary expectation verification, notice period confirmation, reference checks (where applicable) and verification of work rights. We only present candidates we would confidently hire ourselves.

Question 22

Do you provide post-placement support?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We conduct 30/60/90 day check-ins with both the candidate and the client to ensure the placement is successful. This helps identify and address any issues early, contributing to long-term success.

Question 23

How do you assess candidates?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

We use a multi-faceted assessment approach including in-depth interviews, technical discussions, behavioral questioning, reference checks and cultural fit evaluation. We assess not just skills, but motivation, career goals and genuine interest in the opportunity.

Question 24

What signals indicate a strong candidate?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Strong candidates demonstrate clear career progression, specific and measurable achievements, genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity, strong technical knowledge, good communication skills and realistic expectations. They can articulate their value and have done research on the company.

Question 25

What red flags do you look for?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Red flags include inconsistent work history without explanation, inability to discuss specific achievements, negative comments about previous employers, unrealistic salary expectations, lack of preparation or genuine interest and discrepancies between their resume and interview responses.

Question 26

How do you ensure cultural fit?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

We take time to understand your company culture during the kick-off session, then assess candidates against these cultural attributes. We discuss work style, team dynamics, management preferences and values to ensure alignment beyond just technical skills.

Question 27

What are your placement fees?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Our placement fees are calculated as a percentage of the candidate's first-year Total Remuneration Package. We offer Non-Exclusive, Exclusive, and Retained engagement options, each with different fee structures. Exclusive and retained options offer lower fees in exchange for committed partnerships. Contact us directly to discuss pricing for your specific requirements.

Question 28

What is the difference between non-exclusive, exclusive, and retained search?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Non-exclusive means you're working with multiple agencies. Exclusive means we're your sole recruitment partner for a minimum 2-week period. Retained means you pay a portion upfront (non-refundable) with a minimum 4-week exclusive period, which prioritizes your search and typically results in faster, higher-quality outcomes.

Question 29

How quickly can you present candidates?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

For most roles, you can expect to see quality candidates within 1-2 weeks. For senior or highly specialised roles, it may take 2-4 weeks. We prioritize quality over speed, but our deep market knowledge allows us to move quickly.

Question 30

Can you help with diversity hiring?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Yes, we're committed to supporting diverse hiring practices. We can help you access diverse talent pools, ensure inclusive job descriptions and implement fair assessment processes. Let us know your diversity goals and we'll tailor our approach accordingly.

Question 31

Do I need a resume to apply for jobs through BLACKROC?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Yes, a resume is required to apply for all roles through BLACKROC. We need your resume to properly assess your experience, skills, and suitability for the position. Please ensure your resume is up-to-date and clearly outlines your work history, qualifications, and key achievements before submitting your application.

Question 32

How does BLACKROC position roles to candidates?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

We provide honest, comprehensive information about every opportunity. This includes the good and the challenging aspects – company culture, team dynamics, growth opportunities, potential challenges and realistic expectations. We never oversell a role.

Question 33

Will you be honest about the role and company?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Our reputation depends on making good matches, which requires honesty. We'll tell you about potential challenges, growth opportunities, team dynamics and anything else you need to make an informed decision.

Question 34

What support do you provide during the interview process?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

We provide interview preparation including company insights, interviewer backgrounds, likely questions and tips for success. After interviews, we gather feedback quickly and provide honest assessment of where you stand.

Question 35

How do you negotiate salary offers?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

We work as an intermediary to ensure both parties achieve a fair outcome. We'll advocate for your worth while maintaining realistic expectations. We discuss salary expectations early to avoid surprises later in the process.

Question 36

How do you protect my confidentiality?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

We never submit your resume without your explicit permission. We won't disclose your job search to your current employer or anyone else without your consent. Your privacy is paramount.

Question 37

Can I register with BLACKROC without applying for a specific role?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Yes, we welcome speculative registrations. Send us your resume and we'll keep you in mind for suitable opportunities. We'll reach out when we have roles that match your skills and career goals.

Question 38

What do bad recruiters do differently?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Bad recruiters prioritize volume over quality, send unvetted resumes, overpromise on roles, ghost candidates after rejection, fail to provide feedback and push candidates into unsuitable roles just to make a placement. We do the opposite of all these things.

Question 39

How can I spot a bad recruiter?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Warning signs include: sending your resume without permission, being vague about the role or company, pressuring you to accept offers, not providing feedback, disappearing after submitting you and presenting roles that don't match your requirements.

Question 40

Why do some recruiters present too many unvetted candidates?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Volume-driven agencies measure success by activity metrics (CVs sent, calls made) rather than outcomes. This leads to flooding clients with irrelevant candidates, hoping something sticks. We measure success by successful placements and client/candidate satisfaction.

Question 41

How does BLACKROC avoid these pitfalls?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

We're boutique by design, focusing on quality relationships over volume. Our consultants have time to deeply understand each role and thoroughly vet each candidate. We're measured on outcomes (successful placements, repeat business) not activity metrics.

Question 42

What's the difference between contract and permanent roles?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Contract roles are fixed-term engagements (typically 3-12 months) paid at hourly or daily rates. You gain higher earning potential, flexibility, variety of experience and potential tax advantages. Permanent roles offer job security, paid leave, career progression within a company and traditional benefits. Our contracting page has a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which suits your situation.

Question 43

How do I calculate my equivalent contracting rate from a permanent salary?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Our contractor calculator does this for you, but here's the logic: we assume 38 hours per week and 44 billable weeks per year (accounting for unpaid annual leave and public holidays). We then suggest adding a 20% uplift to account for the additional risks of contracting such as gaps between contracts, lack of paid leave and no employer-provided benefits. Daily rates are calculated using 7.6 hours per day (38 hours ÷ 5 days).

Question 44

What are typical contractor rates in Brisbane for tech professionals?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

In Brisbane, daily rates vary based on experience and specialisation. Junior contractors typically earn $400–$600 per day. Mid-level professionals with proven delivery track records sit around $800–$1,000 per day. Senior contractors and fractional C-suite consultants (CTOs, CIOs) command $1,100–$1,500+ per day depending on experience and how effectively your recruiter negotiates on your behalf. We happen to be pretty great at it.

Question 45

What is BLACKROC's contractor-first promise?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

At BLACKROC, you're a person, not a number. We've lost count of the times contractors have thanked us for treating them like a human being. Our promise includes: 100% margin transparency (we disclose what we make upfront), fighting for the best rates on your behalf and genuinely caring about your wellbeing and career success. From day one, you're part of the BLACKROC family.

Question 46

Do BLACKROC contractors get access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. All contractors placed through BLACKROC have access to our award-winning Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing free confidential counseling and mental health support. This is just one of the ways we look after our contractors beyond just the placement.

Question 47

What support and benefits do BLACKROC contractors receive?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Our contractors receive: an award-winning EAP program, birthday and Christmas gifts (yes, we remember your special days!), community events and networking nights, regular check-ins from your dedicated consultant and account manager, fortnightly pay with zero fuss and simple online timesheets. We genuinely care about our contractors' wellbeing.

Question 48

How often will BLACKROC contact me during a contract?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

We respect that everyone has different preferences. Before you start an engagement, we send a survey asking how often you'd like us to check in. Some contractors prefer weekly catch-ups, others prefer monthly, and some just want to be left alone to get on with the work. We respect your wishes and tailor our communication to suit you.

Question 49

Can I contract through my own Pty Ltd or management company?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer flexible options to suit your situation. Whether you're working as an independent contractor, through your own Pty Ltd company, or via a management company, we've got you covered. Just let us know your preferred structure and we'll make it work.

Question 50

What about fractional or consulting roles for senior technology leaders?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

We work with experienced technology professionals looking to offer their skills on a fractional or consulting basis. Whether you're a CTO, CIO, or senior technology leader looking to consult to multiple companies, we can help you find the right opportunities. Fractional C-suite rates in Brisbane typically range from $1,100 to $1,500+ per day depending on experience and the value you bring.

Question 51

How does BLACKROC ensure I get paid fairly?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Transparency is core to how we operate. We disclose our margins upfront, with no hidden fees and no surprises. You'll always know exactly what you're earning and what we're making. We also advocate strongly for the best possible rates when negotiating with clients, because when you earn more, everyone wins.

Question 52

Where can I find your Terms of Business?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Our full Terms of Business are available on our website at blackroc.co/terms. They cover placement fees and conditions for our recruitment services.

Question 53

How do you protect my personal information?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

We comply with the Privacy Act 1988 and Australian Privacy Principles. Your data is stored securely, never sold to third parties and only shared with potential employers with your explicit consent. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

Question 54

How long do you retain candidate data?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

We retain candidate information for up to 7 years from last contact, unless you request earlier deletion. This allows us to contact you about future opportunities that match your profile.

Question 55

How can I request my data be deleted?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Contact us at contactus@blackroc.co to request deletion of your personal data. We'll process your request in accordance with our privacy policy and any legal retention requirements.

Question 56

What is the current tech recruitment market like in Brisbane?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Brisbane's tech market is thriving, with strong demand across cloud, software engineering, and data roles. The city is attracting both local growth and interstate/international talent, creating a competitive but opportunity-rich environment.

Question 57

How competitive is hiring in Sydney vs Melbourne vs Brisbane?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Sydney and Melbourne have larger talent pools but also more competition and higher salary expectations. Brisbane offers a balance of good talent availability, lower costs and high quality of life, making it increasingly attractive for tech companies.

Question 58

What remote/hybrid options are available in Australian tech?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Most Australian tech companies now offer hybrid arrangements, typically 2-3 days in office. Fully remote roles exist but are becoming less common as companies push for more in-person collaboration. Brisbane-based companies generally offer competitive flexibility.

Question 59

Are you seeing candidates relocate to Brisbane?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Yes, Brisbane is experiencing strong inbound migration from Sydney and Melbourne, driven by lifestyle factors, lower cost of living and the growing tech scene. Many candidates are open to relocation for the right opportunity.

Question 60

Does engaging BLACKROC tick QPP 2026 boxes?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Yes, across the board. We're a Queensland-owned SME, Brisbane-based and 50% female-owned and staffed. Engaging us directly contributes to your local supplier, SME spend and female-owned business targets. One supplier, multiple compliance outcomes documented.

Question 61

Are you panel-ready and audit-proof?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We have extensive experience with government panels, transparent rate structures and full compliance with the Queensland Government Supplier Code of Conduct. We provide clear reporting on contractor location, tenure and role criticality for your audit requirements.

Question 62

What's your supplier status?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Queensland SME. 50% female-owned and 50% female-staffed. Established in Brisbane in 2018, 100% Brisbane-owned, with 75+ years of combined recruitment experience. We're not a multinational with a Brisbane office. We're genuinely local, and your spend stays in the Queensland economy.

Question 63

Can a local SME actually deliver on complex government programs?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

We do it every day. 2,000+ placements across State Government, Federal agencies, GOCs and major enterprises. 610+ five-star Google reviews. A 1:67 dropout rate. We specialise in senior and specialist technology contractors for mission-critical programs.

Question 64

Why choose a Brisbane-based recruiter for government work?

BLACKROC Recruitment · Accepted Answer

Faster response. Deeper networks. Better retention. Our team is on the ground, we know the local market intimately and we deliver shortlists in 48 hours. When your contractor needs support, we're a phone call away, not in another timezone.

Frequently Asked Questions

About BLACKROC

Specialisations

Our Recruitment Process

Candidate Assessment

For Employers

For Candidates

What Bad Recruiters Do

Contracting & Rates

Legal & Privacy

Brisbane & Australian Market

Queensland Government Procurement

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Still Have Questions?