This indicates that there is 'more competition for jobs available than ever before'
New Zealand is seeing tighter competition for jobs as applications per posting hit a record-high while job advertisements declined in the latest SEEK NZ figures.
Seek NZ's Employment Report saw applications for job ads increasing 11% month-on-month for the month of June.
"Applications per job ad are now at record high levels, meaning there is now more competition for the jobs available than ever before," said Rob Clark, SEEK NZ Country Manager, in a statement.
According to Clark, the increase can be attributed to the number of overseas applications for entry-level or support services roles.
"Applications per job ad in Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics, and Community Services & Development rose by 24% month-on-month, which is an incredible amount. Aged & Disability Support roles saw a 51% increase in applications per ad in June alone," he added.
Job postings on a decline
The record-high number of applications per ad came as job postings declined four per cent month-on-month in July, according to the SEEK NZ report.
It is now 26% lower year-on-year and is only one per cent higher than figures logged in July 2019.
"While job ad volumes have declined for the past four months, they remain just slightly higher than July 2019 figures, especially in the smaller regions, demonstrating there is still demand for workers," Clark said.
By industry, a massive drop has been recorded in the following industries:
- Insurance & Superannuation (19%)
- Consulting & Strategy (-17%)
- Call Centre & Customer Service (-12%)
- Education & Training (-11%)
- Banking & Financial Services (-10%)
Only four industries reported an increase in job ad volumes, including:
- Administration & Office Support (5%)
- Sport & Recreation (5%)
- Advertising, Arts & Media (3%)
- Government & Defence (1%)
Meanwhile, SEEK NZ data also revealed that most regions recorded a decline in job ad volumes in July, with the following regions logging the biggest month-on-month decreases:
- Southland (-12%)
- Manawatu (-8%)
- Tasman (-8%)
- Marlborough (-8%)
- Canterbury (-6%)
- Otago (-6%)
- Taranaki (-6%)
Wellington saw a five per cent decrease, while Auckland registered a four per cent decline.
West Coast was the only region that saw an increase (1%), while Hawkes Bay did not see any changes in terms of job ad volume, according to the report.
