Job ads on job board Seek New Zealand climbed by 22% in September 2022 when compared to September 2021.

When compared to August 2022, job ads fell by 4%. Applications per job ad increased for the seventh consecutive month, rising 6% from the month prior.

Rob Clark, Seek New Zealand country manager said, “Applications per job ad continue to rise, with levels now at their highest in 16 months. The real standout in September was the fast rise of applications per job ad in Healthcare & Medical. For an industry that is in dire need of staff, the rise in applications for jobs in this industry has been pleasing to see. Applications per job ad for Aged Care Nurses are significantly higher than they were this time last year.”

“Job ads fell nationally last month (on a monthly basis), and in every region, which is in part due to the national public holiday (Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day) impacting hiring activity,” Clark said. “Job ad levels remain high year-on-year and in comparison to pre-pandemic levels, which means that it is still a tight job market.”

Clark continued, “While job ads in Hospitality & Tourism roles declined this month after a significant rise in August, casual roles in the industry increased, as businesses look to hire short-term staff ahead of the busy summer and Christmas season.”

By region, Otago recorded a 51% increase over the year, the highest increase. Wellington reported a 4% increase over the year.

On a monthly basis, every region recorded a decline with Taranaki recording the highest decrease (-8%) while the West Coast recorded a decline of 1%.

By industry, on a monthly basis, four industries recorded a rise in job ads in September: Science & Technology (+14%), Marketing & Communications (+4%), Government & Defence and Education & Training (+3%).

The largest industries by job ad volume all declined over the month, namely Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics (-7%), Trades & Services (-1%), Information & Communication Technology (-7%) and Hospitality & Tourism (-12%).