Job Ads Up 3.9% On Same Time Last Year

MEDIA RELEASE
12th February 2013

Job Ads Up 3.9% On Same Time Last Year

• SEEK New job Ad Index up 3.9% on January 2012
• Auckland and Canterbury lead new job ad growth

Data released by SEEK today reveals new job ads increased by 3.9% year on year to January 2013. Auckland and Canterbury led the growth, both boasting healthy increases in new job ads over the last month, 2.6% and 2.5% respectively. In contrast, new job ads declined in Wellington, with a 1.9% dip in the Capital last month.

While growth in new job ads from December to January was more modest at 0.7%, it’s the year on year comparison that is particularly heartening, with the seasonally adjusted data reflecting an annual pattern of increased hiring in the New Year.

“We expect to see an increase in job ads in January as the new year often sees employers act on backfilling current vacancies or expanding their operations,” explains Janet Faulding, general manager of SEEK New Zealand.

“The year on year increase of 3.9% in new job ads seen in January points to a strong start to a traditionally busy hiring period between January and March; positive news for the New Zealand employment market.”

The SEEK Employment Index (SEI), which measures the ratio of new job ads placed on SEEK to the number of applications received for those jobs, dipped by 0.6% in January signalling that job applications grew at a greater rate than new jobs last month.

“Canterbury saw a significant 9.3% increase in job applications in January. This could potentially be the result of people looking to capitalise on the new job opportunities that form part of the rebuild project,” says Ms Faulding.

“Increased applications means increased competition for job seekers and it becomes more important than ever to ensure your application stands out in the pile. Ensure that you prioritise your most relevant skills and experience within your resume and application, show how you fit the bill and put your best foot forward.”

Fastest growing jobs in the country (in the quarter to January 2013)
• Early childhood teachers up 118%
• Commercial lawyers up 70%
• Retail merchandisers up 58%
• Assembly workers up 58%
• Financial/Banking account managers up 58%

ENDS

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