Photo: CORBIS
The jobs market may be stabilising with the growth in advertised jobs at the highest in nearly three years, although the number of job-seekers is rising as well.
The latest SEEK NZ employment report indicated the volume of ads rose 1 percent in October, which was the fourth consecutive monthly increase, and 7 percent higher on the year earlier.
SEEK country manager Rob Clark said it was the highest annual growth in job ads since November 2022, but the number of applicants per job also rose by 2 percent month-on-month, close to record highs.
"While we're mindful that many Kiwis are still facing real challenges in finding work, this data does indicate that hiring activity has stabilised after many months of decline."
Hawke's Bay and Otago had the biggest increase in job advertisements, rising by 3 percent in October, while Gisborne was the worst performer, falling by 1 percent last month.
Auckland job vacancies rose by 1 percent in October, the first monthly increase in more than a year, indicating a broader, albeit modest recovery, Clark said.
"One encouraging sign is that this growth isn't concentrated in just one or two areas - we're seeing modest gains across most industries and in most regions around the country."
"For candidates, this represents some encouraging movement in an otherwise extremely tough market. Technology roles remain in demand, with science and technology and ICT positions both up 15 percent annually."
Monthly increases were recorded across most industries, the largest being sport and recreation rising by 4 percent, followed by education and training, legal, construction, and hospitality and tourism, all rising 3 percent.
Despite the gradual improvement in the number of job ads, the excess of applicants per job is driving job seekers to apply for jobs in Australia.
"New Zealand is the strongest source of non-Australian applicants for roles in Australia," Clark said.
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