New job ads up 15% year-on-year

The number of new jobs in July increased 15% on July 2010, and 4.2% compared to June, according to the Seek Job Ad Index, which measures new jobs on the Seek website.

“Against a backdrop of relatively low unemployment (6.5% for the June quarter), the steady rise in jobs over the past 12 months points to a robust labour market, increased hiring intentions and more opportunities for job seekers,” says Janet Faulding, general manager of Seek New Zealand.

Of the main cities Wellington posted the biggest growth with an 8.6% increase in new job ads followed by Christchurch at 4.1% and then Auckland with 3.4%.

However, the growth was highest across South Island regional centres (excluding Christchurch) at 11.8%. 

The Seek Employment Index (SEI), which measures the ratio of new job ads placed with SEEK during the month to the number of applications for those jobs, rose by 2.3% in July.

“A rise in the SEEK Employment Index means more favourable conditions for job seekers – applications grew at a slower rate than the jobs advertised in July. The SEI is now 10.6% higher than in July 2010 and over the last month has grown in all regions except Canterbury which experienced substantial growth in applications, pushing down their SEI,” Ms Faulding says. 

Seek's data shows retail assistants have the toughest competition for jobs, with the most applications per job ad, while physiotherapists, occupational therapists and those who work in rehabilitation are the most sought-after, with the lowest number of applications per job ad.

July’s top five most competitive occupations (most applications per job ad):

1. Retail and Consumer Products – retail assistants

2. Hospitality and Tourism – waiting staff

3. Information and Communication Technology – help desk and IT support

4. Administration and Office Support – receptionists

5. Manufacturing, Transport and Logistics – warehousing, storage and distribution 

July’s top five most sought after employees (lowest number of applications per job ad):

1. Healthcare and Medical – physiotherapy, OT and rehabilitation

2. Accounting – business services and corporate advisory

3. Government and Defence – government

4. Trades and Services – automotive trades

5. Engineering – civil/structural engineering