Boys will be boys, even in the office

While women want security and options in their job, men are looking for trucks, fighter jets and other “big toys” to play with throughout their career.

According to a Randstad survey of 7,000 Australian jobseekers, men seek out careers which provide them an element of danger and excitement, such as jobs involving fighter jets, naval destroyers and trucks with weapons, news.com.au reported.

"The top three employers for men show there is still a big boys' toys element about it," said Steve Shepherd, group director at Randstad, referring to BAE Systems, Virgin Australia and mining giant Rio Tinto.

On the other hand, women are more attracted to jobs that provide security and career development, with ABC, the Department of Health and Ageing, and Channel Seven recognised as women’s employers of choice.

"Women appear to be more drawn to employers with interesting job content, flexible working options, and learning and development opportunities as opposed to straight career progression," Shepherd said.

Public broadcaster ABC was also recognised as the overall winner, and Deb Loveridge, managing director for Randstad APAC, said the company’s interesting job content, good learning and development opportunities and strong workplace culture were among the factors helping it snag the top spot.

Younger employees, or those between 18 and 24, identified KPMG, Crown and Qantas as their most desired employer, while those between 25 and 39 chose ABC, Virgin and Coca-Cola Amatil.

More mature employees also had their say in the report, with ABC, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, and WorleyParsons coming in tops for those between 40 and 59. Older employees between 60 and 64 chose ABC, Newcrest Mining and Wesfarmers.

The top 10 most attractive organisations in Australia (Randstad Award 2013)

1. ABC

2. Virgin Australia

3. BAE Systems

4. Channel Seven

5. Qantas

6. Department of Immigration and Citizenship

7. Department of Health and Ageing

8. Newcrest Mining

9. Coca-Cola Amatil

10. GHD