New Zealand job advertisements on the job board Seek plunged by 27% in March 2024 compared to March 2023.

The year-on-year fall of 27% was unchanged from the 27% annual fall seen in February 2024.

Meanwhile, applications per job ad, which are recorded with a one-month lag, remained steady in February, the first time these levels have not risen in five months.

By region and on an annual basis, all regions saw a decline. Wellington recorded the steepest fall at 38%. Taranaki followed this at 30%. Hawkes Bay saw the smallest decrease at 7%.

By industry, Professional Services roles recorded some of the largest growth month-on-month, with human resources & recruitment up 15%, consulting & strategy rising 12%, and ads within legal increasing 10% over the month. On the other hand, advertising, arts and media saw the steepest decline at 16%. Education and training fell by 12%.

Rob Clark, Country Manager Seek New Zealand, said, "Job ad levels have been declining steadily since 2022, but it appears as though the rate of decline has slowed."

"In March, public sector roles declined to the greatest degree, which we know is due to a reduction in spending by ministries and agencies," Clark said. "However, roles within professional services and construction are experiencing notable growth."

"Applications per job ad remain at extremely high levels, which is good news, but does present challenges for hirers to shortlist and identify the right candidates," Clark added. "It has never been more important for hirers to have good shortlisting systems in place and supporting clients with this challenge is something we are really focused on at Seek."