It’s been a tough couple of years for many of us – especially when it comes to work. But the new year may open up a wider range of job choices, with job ads rising across almost every industry.
Job ad growth made a steady start in the second half of last year, putting us in a good position coming into 2022.
Which roles are growing the fastest in your region? Select a region from the dropdown below to find out.
| RANK | INDUSTRY | ROLE TYPE | JOB AD GROWTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Legal | Litigation Solicitor | 146.4% |
| 2 | Healthcare & Medical | Pharmacist | 143.4% |
| 3 | Trades & Services | Plumber | 124.1% |
| 4 | Human Resources & Recruitment | Human Resources Coordinator | 118.9% |
| 5 | Information & Communication Technology | Mobile Developer | 103.4% |
| 6 | Hospitality & Tourism | Food and Beverage Attendant | 100.0% |
| 7 | Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics | Picker and Packer | 99.2% |
| 8 | Engineering | Engineering Manager | 95.6% |
| 9 | Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics | Courier | 89.3% |
| 10 | Human Resources & Recruitment | Health and Safety Adviser | 88.4% |
| 11 | Information & Communication Technology | Full Stack Software Engineer | 86.1% |
| 12 | Accounting | Financial Analyst | 83.3% |
| 13 | Real Estate & Property | Asset Manager | 82.1% |
| 14 | Healthcare & Medical | Nurse | 81.8% |
| 15 | Trades & Services | Services Engineer | 80.0% |
| 16 | Design & Architecture | User Experience and Interface Designer | 75.0% |
| 17 | Information & Communication Technology | Infrastructure Engineer | 75.0% |
| 18 | Information & Communication Technology | Applications Support Analyst | 74.3% |
| 19 | Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics | Production Operator | 73.5% |
| 20 | Information & Communication Technology | Systems Administrator | 72.5% |
Source: Percentage change in job ads listed on SEEK Jun-Nov 2021 compared to Dec 2020-May 2021, SEEK Employment Report.
| RANK | INDUSTRY | ROLE TYPE | JOB AD GROWTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Human Resources & Recruitment | Health and Safety Adviser | 184.6% |
| 2 | Accounting | Auditor | 176.9% |
| 3 | Construction | Site Traffic Management Supervisor | 169.2% |
| 4 | Hospitality & Tourism | Housekeeper | 164.7% |
| 5 | Construction | Foreperson | 157.1% |
| 6 | Healthcare & Medical | Healthcare Assistant | 155.0% |
| 7 | Trades & Services | Cleaner | 143.3% |
| 8 | Accounting | Assistant Accountant | 141.2% |
| 9 | Information & Communication Technology | Data Engineer | 138.5% |
| 10 | Construction | Contracts Manager | 128.6% |
| 11 | Information & Communication Technology | Full Stack Developer | 125.6% |
| 12 | Healthcare & Medical | Registered Nurse | 124.1% |
| 13 | Marketing & Communications | Communications Adviser | 115.4% |
| 14 | Administration & Office Support | Project Coordinator | 109.7% |
| 15 | Construction | Site Manager | 105.6% |
| 16 | Information & Communication Technology | Developer | 105.3% |
| 17 | Engineering | Project Engineer | 100.0% |
| 18 | Engineering | Geotechnical Engineer | 92.3% |
| 19 | Administration & Office Support | Customer Service Administrator | 90.9% |
| 20 | Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics | Warehouse Assistant | 86.7% |
Source: Percentage change in job ads listed on SEEK Jun-Nov 2021 compared to Dec 2020-May 2021, SEEK Employment Report.
| RANK | INDUSTRY | ROLE TYPE | JOB AD GROWTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics | Process Operator | 300.0% |
| 2 | Hospitality & Tourism | Kitchen Assistant | 227.3% |
| 3 | Hospitality & Tourism | Sous Chef | 190.0% |
| 4 | Administration & Office Support | Office Manager | 160.0% |
| 5 | Engineering | Project Engineer | 152.9% |
| 6 | Accounting | Management Accountant | 121.4% |
| 7 | Call Centre & Customer Service | Call Centre Operator | 120.0% |
| 8 | Banking & Financial Services | Business Manager | 118.2% |
| 9 | Trades & Services | Service Technician | 112.5% |
| 10 | Information & Communication Technology | Software Developer | 110.0% |
| 11 | Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics | Truck Driver | 105.3% |
| 12 | Accounting | Finance Manager | 93.8% |
| 13 | Administration & Office Support | Coordinator | 93.5% |
| 14 | Construction | Operator | 91.9% |
| 15 | Science & Technology | Laboratory Technician | 90.6% |
| 16 | Sport & Recreation | Lifeguard | 90.0% |
| 17 | Retail & Consumer Products | Sales Assistant | 87.5% |
| 18 | Healthcare & Medical | Counsellor | 87.5% |
| 19 | Human Resources & Recruitment | Human Resources Business Partner | 83.3% |
| 20 | Information & Communication Technology | Software Engineer | 81.8% |
Source: Percentage change in job ads listed on SEEK Jun-Nov 2021 compared to Dec 2020-May 2021, SEEK Employment Report.
| RANK | INDUSTRY | ROLE TYPE | JOB AD GROWTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Healthcare & Medical | Pharmacist | 162.5% |
| 2 | Human Resources & Recruitment | Human Resources Coordinator | 132.0% |
| 3 | Healthcare & Medical | Practice Manager | 123.5% |
| 4 | Trades & Services | Electrician | 116.7% |
| 5 | Marketing & Communications | Communications and Engagement Adviser | 113.6% |
| 6 | Information & Communication Technology | Systems Administrator | 93.1% |
| 7 | Accounting | Financial Analyst | 88.9% |
| 8 | Retail & Consumer Products | Assistant Store Manager | 86.7% |
| 9 | Information & Communication Technology | Service Desk Analyst | 85.9% |
| 10 | Information & Communication Technology | Product Manager | 85.0% |
| 11 | Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics | Procurement Specialist | 81.5% |
| 12 | Healthcare & Medical | Counsellor | 78.9% |
| 13 | Retail & Consumer Products | Assistant Manager | 78.6% |
| 14 | Administration & Office Support | Service Administrator | 75.0% |
| 15 | Legal | Senior Associate | 75.0% |
| 16 | Information & Communication Technology | Technical Specialist | 73.0% |
| 17 | Information & Communication Technology | Service Delivery Manager | 72.7% |
| 18 | Sales | Sales Manager | 72.2% |
| 19 | Healthcare & Medical | Mental Health Professional | 72.2% |
| 20 | Retail & Consumer Products | Merchandiser | 66.7% |
Source: Percentage change in job ads listed on SEEK Jun-Nov 2021 compared to Dec 2020-May 2021, SEEK Employment Report.
Job seekers hold the cards
With demand for talent outweighing supply in many industries across the country, you may find more choice – and bargaining power – for your next career move.
Adam Shapley, Managing Director of recruitment firm Hays New Zealand, says a skills shortage is impacting most industries.
“We predict this will continue to intensify at least in the first half of 2022,” he says. “International border openings could provide some additional access to overseas talent, but there is a risk that the number of departures could negate this benefit, and it is unlikely to fully address the supply and demand imbalance.”
Growth in Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics
Nationally, job ads for Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics rose 14.5% compared to the previous six-month period and several industry roles are among the top 20 fastest-growing jobs. These include Processing Officers (123.1%), Operations Supervisor (102.8%) and Delivery Agents (95.9%).
Shapley says the pandemic has impacted the demand for staff across the industry – and this means more opportunity for job seekers.
“We’ve noticed some trends which could be contributing to the change in demand, including an increase in local joint ventures as organisations support each other, the relocation of operations from larger cities to regional towns, and the onshoring of production from offshore manufacturers, which is also adding to vacancy activity.”
Boost for Healthcare & Medical
Healthcare & Medical saw a 16.9% lift in job ads with Aged Care Registered Nurse (77.8%) and Mental Health Professional (88.1%) leading the charge.
Becky Brown, consultant in marketing and health, at recruitment firm Steam Consulting, expects demand to spike across the industry this year due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic, as well as the aging population.
“Definitely expect demand to continue and to be higher in 2022 than it has been,” she says.
“With more competition among healthcare providers than ever before, being able to contribute to and be a part of a growing business is important to employers”, adds Brown. “The healthcare industry will always be about caring and putting people first, but now I am seeing that having a more commercial and growth mindset really helps.”
Trends in Hospitality & Tourism
International border closures continue to affect New Zealand’s world-renowned Hospitality & Tourism industry. While job ads have declined 2.6% compared to the previous six-month period, some roles in the industry are among the top 20 fastest-growing jobs. They include Laundry Assistants (113.2%) and Kitchen Hands (85%).
The much-publicised skills shortage in Hospitality & Tourism may lead to more opportunities for you in 2022. Peter Jackson, Senior Recruitment Consultant at TMS Talent, says industry employers are working harder to attract employees.
“We’re seeing varying degrees of salary increases, more flexibility like four-day weeks, and even bonus structures are becoming more prevalent,” he says.
What does it mean for salaries?
If you are working in one of the fast-growing industries, you may be well positioned for salary negotiations, but it pays to do your research.
“Be realistic in your salary expectations by understanding typical salaries for your role in relation to the latest job market trends,” Shapley advises.
“Salaries are increasing for skills in demand, but only so far – there is an expectation gap between what people expect and employers can offer. Consider whether non-financial benefits can bridge the divide, and talk to your recruitment consultant if you are unsure about your salary expectations.”
Brown is seeing more employers are reviewing salaries to attract people and keep them onboard.
“I have seen my clients more open to negotiation for higher salaries, as they know they need to do this in the current market,” she says.
“Candidates are in the driver’s seat in the current market,” adds Brown. “At offer stage with a potential new employer, or when negotiating with your current employer, clearly define what salary you are looking for and why you feel you should be getting it.”
If your salary expectations can’t be met, Brown recommends negotiating a salary review to be built into your contract at the end of a probationary period.
“You need to be open and upfront with your employer about what is important to you,” she says.
The 2022 job market is off to a promising start, despite the ongoing challenges of COVID-19. With job ad volumes rising – and huge demand for skills in some areas – now may be the time to look at what opportunities you can take hold of.
