The local labour market is heating up, set to close out the year on a stronger note than 2013 reveals data released today from New Zealand’s largest online employment marketplace, SEEK.
The SEEK New Job Ad Index saw a rise of almost 8% from the same time last year, driven by an increased supply of jobs in Auckland and Canterbury, which grew 11% and 4% respectively from November 2013.
Compared to October, growth was flat in November itself, typical for this time of year as businesses wind down before the summer break. However, the current market should still be viewed with optimism explains Janet Faulding, General Manager SEEK New Zealand.
“Throughout the latter half of this year indicators such as the Household Labour Force survey have pointed to a strengthening market and the data from the SEEK Employment Report certainly backs this up. The strong gains seen in the number of jobs on SEEK in the last 12 months spell great news for Kiwis thinking about a new job in the New Year,” says Ms Faulding.
Those looking for their next role will need to put their best foot forward though as this increase in jobs does not necessarily equate to a candidate’s market. A decrease in the SEEK Employment Index (SEI) from November 2013 indicates that while jobs have risen year on year, so too have applications for those roles.
The SEI, which measures the ratio of new job ads listed on seek.co.nz to applications received, dropped 4.3% year on year signaling strong candidate demand for advertised roles over the course of the past 12 months.
“Typically, we see a trend of applications easing as candidates turn their attention to Christmas and summer holidays so the increase in application activity from 2013 is a heartening sign of candidate confidence,” says Ms Faulding.
“Furthermore, we expect applications to rise even further in the New Year as people return to work and start acting on their New Year career resolutions. For those contemplating change in 2015, start thinking now about the goals you want to achieve in your career and be ready to hit the ground running for the January job hunt.”
