Job ads in New Zealand go up in January

The number of job ads in New Zealand saw its first increase since August after going up one per cent in January, according to SEEK.

"Job ad volumes took a positive turn in January, rising for the first time in five months," said Rob Clark, country manager at SEEK NZ, in a statement. "This was led by a 10% boost in Retail & Consumer jobs, the greatest jump that industry has seen in over two years."

Other sectors that saw major month-on-month increases include the banking and financial services (27%), marketing and communications (18%), as well as government and defence (12%).

_{Source: SEEK NZ}

Regional increase in job ads

By region, Manawatu registered the highest increase in job ad volumes with 20%.

Clark attributed the increase to the rises in large hiring industries, such as Trades and Services, as well as Manufacturing, Transport, and Logistics.

On the other hand, Marlborough recorded a -12% decline in job ads, the biggest across New Zealand.

_{Source: SEEK NZ}

'Tight' competition remains

Meanwhile, applications per job ad went up six per cent for the month of December, indicating that competition for roles remain "extremely tight."

According to SEEK, almost all industries saw growth in applications per job ad, including Healthcare and Medical (11%), Information and Communication Technology (11%), as well as Manufacturing, Transport, and Logistics (4%).

"With the population surging over the past year and more people in the country available for work, competition among candidates has become extremely tight, as demonstrated by peaking applications per job ad levels each month," Clark said.

In the past six months, New Zealand saw a 24% increase in applications per job ad. The biggest hike was recorded in Southland, which had a 35% increase between June and December 2023.

Regions that recorded a decline include Gisborne (-1%), Marlborough (-11%), West Coast (-27%).

_{Source: SEEK NZ}