Job competition hits fastest pace since April 2024 as hiring activity steadies
Competition among job seekers has risen at its sharpest rate in more than two years, with applications per vacancy up 2.9% in August.
What happened
What happened
Competition among job seekers is rising at its fastest pace in more than two years, according to Seek's latest employment report. Applications per job ad increased 2.9% in August compared with July, the sharpest monthly pace since April 2024. Job ad volumes rose 0.1% in September compared with August and are 7.8% higher year on year, though the pace of month-on-month growth has eased over the past six months to between 0.1% and 0.3%.
The South Island led regional hiring activity, with Tasman, Southland and Otago posting the strongest monthly gains at 2.3%, 1.8% and 1.7% respectively. Auckland rose 0.7% while Hawke's Bay and Taranaki declined. Hospitality and tourism grew over 3% in September as businesses prepared for summer. Across sectors, only professional services fell monthly, with marketing and communications roles down 2.1%, accounting down 1.3%, and IT down 1.1%. Job ads referencing AI skills rose 3.7% in September and are 88.2% higher year on year.
Why it matters
Graduate job confidence hit an 11-year low in September 2026 with only 14% of students feeling very confident about employment prospects, while Otago recorded the highest job losses of any region in late September. A single West Auckland butcher received over 1000 applications for one meat packer role in mid-October, and a Wellington graduate completed 661 applications over a year-long search. This latest Seek data shows that while hiring activity has steadied and job ads remain well above last year's levels, the surge in applications signals intensifying competition for the available roles.
Follow the whole thread: New Zealand unemployment forecast
Key facts
- Applications per job ad up 2.9% in August, fastest since April 2024
- Job ad volumes 7.8% higher year on year
- Tasman region +2.3%, Southland +1.8%, Otago +1.7% monthly gains
- Hospitality and tourism sector grew over 3% in September
- AI skills job ads up 3.7% monthly, 88.2% higher year on year
Primary source: Seek Employment Report
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Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.
What outlets are saying
NZ Herald
Competition among job seekers rising at fastest pace in more than two years – Seek
Candidates are applying in greater numbers as hiring activity holds steady.
Newstalk ZB
Competition among job seekers rising at fastest pace in more than two years – Seek
Competition among job seekers is rising at its fastest pace in more than two years, new Seek data show.