Employers urged to 'move fast' in Spring hiring season

Recruitment platform says interest from jobseekers for roles has started early

Employers urged to 'move fast' in Spring hiring season

Employers across New Zealand have been told to "move fast" this Spring season as indicators point to increased interest from jobseekers and rising vacancy numbers in the job market.

Kiwi-owned job search platform Zeil recently revealed that interest from jobseekers in seasonal roles has surged by 45% in the past fortnight, three weeks earlier than the previous year.

Job vacancy numbers also went up for the first time in over two years, according to Zeil, with the tech sector reporting an 11% increase in vacancies after the double-digit declines since 2022.

The platform, citing the latest government data, noted that job ads went up 0.6% year-on-year in July, with a broader trend indicating that the labour market is stabilising.

"We're seeing early and elevated interest from job seekers this year – a clear sign that people are ready to work, and businesses need to move fast," said Caitlin Langlands, Marketing Manager at Zeil, in a statement.

"Spring recruitment is no longer a nice-to-have; it's a strategic priority. Those who plan ahead will secure the talent they need to thrive this summer."

Zeil said employers wanting to hire talent should sharpen their recruitment strategies by being specific and realistic.

"Define exactly what roles you need, what you're offering, and what support (e.g. transport or accommodation) is required. Ambiguity slows hiring," the platform advised.

It also suggested matching employees' modern expectations in recruitment, such as quick, clear, and mobile-friendly hiring processes.

Onboarding should also be prioritised, according to Zeil, stressing that this can turn a short-term hire into a long-term employee.

"Summer will bring demand. The question is whether businesses are ready with the right people when it arrives," the organisation said.

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