HR, recruitment industry sees decline in job postings in December

Survey shows industries with largest year-over-year increases in job ad applications

HR, recruitment industry sees decline in job postings in December

New Zealand ended 2024 with a decline in job ads after December recorded a two per cent monthly decrease in ad volumes, according to the latest data from SEEK NZ.

"Job ads declined slightly month-on-month following a small rise in November," said Rob Clark, SEEK NZ Country Manager, in a statement. "Overall, the trend in 2024 was one of decline, with ads down 22% compared to December 2023."

According to the report, the drop in job postings can be attributed to the decline in hiring in the major cities, such as Auckland (-4%) and Wellington (-3%).

Drop by industry

By industry, the biggest monthly drop in job ads in December was recorded in the Science and Technology industry, with a 23% decline.

The Human Resources and Recruitment industry also reported a 10% monthly decline in job postings in December, according to the report.

On the other hand, major surges in job postings were recorded Insurance and Superannuation (30%), Design and Architecture (28%), as well as Arts, Advertising, and Media (21%).

"Some industries ended the year with more opportunities, including Banking & Financial Services and Insurance & Superannuation, thanks to growth spurts at the end of the year," Clark said.

Applications per job ad

Meanwhile, applications per job ad also recorded a two per cent decline in November 2024, according to SEEK NZ.

Annually, however, it was 32% higher in than in 2023. The highest growth in candidate interest in 2024 were registered in the following:

  • Wellington (42% increase in applications per job ad)
  • Southland (42%)
  • Manawatu (39%)

By industry, the largest year-over-year increases in applications per job ad were in:

  • Advertising, Arts & Media (71%)
  • Retail & Consumer Products (64%)
  • Administration & Office Support (61%)
  • Construction (59%)

Despite the decline in overall job ads and applications, Clark noted that it will likely pick up in early 2025.

"Hiring and applications do tend to pick up in the early months of a new year, as hirers and candidates start thinking about the future – so, January and February will be ones to watch," he said.