Job ads on job board Seek New Zealand were up by 27% in March 2022 when compared to March 2021 and up 36% when compared to February 2019.

When compared to the previous month, job ads rose by 2%. Applications per job ad increased by 2% from February yet remain 40% lower than applications during the same period last year.

Rob Clark, Country Manager, SEEK NZ, said, “It has been an extremely strong start to the year, with job ads at their highest level each month since January. It is also pleasing to see a slight uptick in candidate applications, only the second increase since mid-2020. Despite this, we know that the market remains incredibly tight with businesses calling out for talent.”

By region, year-on-year job ads growth was highest in Marlborough (39%) and Canterbury (39%). When compared to 2019, the highest job ads growth was seen in Manawatu (106%). Over the month, the highest growth was seen in Gisborne (17%).

Hospitality & Tourism roles showed the greatest month-on-month growth, jumping 21%.

“Off the back of the announcement that international borders would be reopening from April onwards, businesses in customer facing industries such as Hospitality & Tourism, Retail & Consumer Products and Call Centre & Customer Service responded with an increased focus on hiring talent,” Clark said.

Information & Communication Technology was the industry with the most job ads in March, rising 4% from February.