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\nPhoto: CORBIS\n<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“New Zealand is the strongest source of non-Australian applicants for roles in Australia,” Clark said.<\/p>\n