A recent surge in job listings has been revealed by TradeMe's statistics, offering a glimmer of hope for job seekers. But here's the catch: it's a tale of two markets.
While the South Island is experiencing a robust recovery, with regions like Southland, Otago, and Canterbury leading the charge, the national picture is more subdued. Total job listings remain slightly lower than last year, with a 0.8% decline.
The South Island's Resilience
Nicole Williams, head of TradeMe Jobs, highlights the South Island's resilience, especially in regions like Southland, where listings have surged by an impressive 25.1%. Canterbury has also hit a record high, with a 22.4% increase in job listings.
However, the story is different for major cities. Auckland and Wellington have seen annual declines of 5.9% and 6.8%, respectively.
A Turning Tide?
Williams believes that the market is showing signs of confidence, with a slowing decline in job listings and a significant 13% quarterly jump. She adds that the number of applicants per job vacancy is also falling, indicating an improving market.
But here's where it gets controversial: job seekers may not feel the same optimism. Williams acknowledges that the journey is still tough for many, but she remains hopeful that the tide is turning.
Industry Hotspots and Salary Insights
The sectors driving this recovery are those tied to consumer activity and infrastructure spending. Hospitality and tourism, construction and roading, and trades and services have seen significant growth, with listings up by 16%, 13%, and 8.3%, respectively.
This surge in hospitality listings is a welcome opportunity for school leavers, as the number of applicants has decreased compared to last year.
The most sought-after roles on the site include a pick packer and chief gaming officer in Auckland, a dairy assistant in Waikato, and a media maverick at Highlands Motorsport in Otago.
The average salary for advertised jobs is $72,820, a 1% increase from the previous year. However, salaries vary widely depending on the sector, with IT, finance, and business analysts commanding the highest wages, averaging around $130,000. Manufacturing, on the other hand, offers the lowest average salary in the mid-$60,000 range.
Auckland, Wellington, and the West Coast lead in terms of average salaries, just shy of $76,000.
So, is the job market truly rebounding? Are we witnessing a regional divide, with the South Island thriving while major cities lag behind? And what does this mean for job seekers and employers? These are questions worth exploring further.
What are your thoughts on this job market rebound? Do you agree with Williams' assessment, or do you have a different perspective? Feel free to share your insights and experiences in the comments below!
