Applications Surge on Seek

MEDIA RELEASE
8 March 2012

Applications Surge on Seek

Applications for jobs on SEEK, New Zealand’s largest jobs source, surged in February following record visits to the site in January.

This sharp rise in applications is a result of jobseekers acting on career-related New Year resolutions. General Manager SEEK New Zealand, Janet Faulding explains;

“Record site visits from jobseekers in January showed that high numbers of people were browsing the numerous opportunities on SEEK while planning their next career move. We’re now seeing that research and contemplation turn to action.”

While new job ad listings increased in February, applications for those roles grew at a faster rate resulting in a significant decrease in the SEEK Employment Index (SEI). The SEI measures the ratio of new job ads placed on SEEK to the number of applications received for those jobs.

The effect of a drop in the SEI is two-fold; employers may find it easier to attract the right candidates and fill roles, but jobseekers will also experience increased competition for the number of jobs available.

“A rise in applications like this means that jobseekers will need to make sure their application stands out from the crowd. When you apply for a role always put your best foot forward and highlight your strengths and relevant experience to show prospective employers why they should hire you,” says Ms Faulding.

The SEEK New Job Ad Index rose 1.6% in February and is now 2.8% higher than this time last year, reflecting the positive long-term growth trend we have observed since the September 2009 low point.

“The growth in new job ads points to a gradually improving employment market and is in line with the positive news from the recent Household Labour Force Survey which showed labour market participation had increased by 1.2% in the December quarter,” adds Ms Faulding.

Top five fast moving jobs (February 2012)
1. Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics, Freight/Cargo Forwarding, 130%
2. Administration & Office Support, Records Management & Document Control, 83%
3. Education & Training, Teaching - Early Childhood, 75%
4. Mining, Resources & Energy, Power Generation & Distribution, 75%
5. Information & Communication Technology, Telecommunications, 73%

February saw a complete reshuffle of our top five Fast Movers with completely new entries from January. The number of Freight/Cargo Forwarding roles advertised on SEEK increased the most last month, up 130%. Records Management and Document Control jobs grew 83% while positions for Early Childhood Teachers and Power Generation and Distribution roles both increased by 75%. Telecommunication positions round out the top five growth industries on SEEK this month, increasing by 73%.

ENDS

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