With May delivering more good news for candidates across New Zealand, now may be the right time to plan your next career move.
The latest data from SEEK Employment Trends shows there were 7.9% more opportunities for you on SEEK in May compared to the same time last year. Sentiment across the country also appears to be strong. The New Zealand Consumer Confidence Index recent rose to a five-month high and another surplus was announced in the May Federal Budget. “Strong candidates are in high demand,” Lee Tyrell, Director of recruitment firm Franklin Smith.
The latest data from SEEK Employment Trends shows there were 7.9% more opportunities for you on SEEK in May compared to the same time last year.
Construction on the rise
May’s Federal Budget included a $4 billion investment in new capital works, including a new building program for hospitals, new water storage infrastructure and rail networks. This is sure to have an impact on New Zealand’s construction industry and related fields, which is good news for candidates. Opportunities in the Construction industry rose by 10% year-on-year in May and the average advertised salary was $97,150. “Construction is having a huge impact on the broader economy,” says Tyrell. “Construction also comes at the tail end of a planning phase because Architecture and Engineering have to happen first and these industries are also benefitting from the boom.”
Candidates in the Design and Architecture industry will be pleased to know opportunities on SEEK grew by 4% year-on-year and the average advertised salary was $81,932. Engineering also rose by 20% and the average advertised salary was $90,752.
More opportunities across multiple industries
Opportunities in Insurance and Superannuation increased by 21% year-on-year in May and the average advertised salary was $72,030. Government and Defence rose by 9% and the average advertised salary was $80,750. Prospects in New Zealand’s burgeoning Hospitality and Tourism industry also grew by 14% and the average advertised salary was $52,718. Pete Macauley, Regional Director of recruitment firm Michael Page, says commercial roles within tourism are in strong demand. “We’re seeing a growing appetite for business development and employers are looking for candidates who can build the new relationships that help build a business,” he says.
A slip for ICT
Meanwhile, opportunities for Legal roles slipped by 2% year-on-year and the average advertised salary was $81,750. Advertising, Arts and Media was also down by 16% and the average advertised salary was $69,278. Prospects in Information and Communications Technology also declined by 3% and the average advertised salary was $93,840. Despite this result, Megan Alexander, Managing Director of recruitment firm Robert Half in New Zealand, says demand remains solid. “Candidates with soft skills are in strong demand,” she adds. “Employers want people who can communicate across the business.”
Trends across the regions
Auckland, Waikato and Hawkes Bay continue to experience strong levels relative to the past five years and the trend has been increasing over the past four months. Wellington has seen moderate levels relative to the past five years however there has been an upward trend in recent months.
While prospects have been low in the West Coast relative to the past five years, the good news for candidates is that promising signs of recovery are emerging and there has been an upward trend over the past four months.
Salaries on the rise
Money may not be everything, but candidates will be pleased to know that average advertised salaries on SEEK rose again in May. Industries experiencing an increase include Administration and Office Support, Accounting, Retail and Consumer Products, Construction and Hospitality and Tourism.
Macauley says employers across most industries are needing to recalibrate their salaries in order to be in line with market trends. “In a candidate-driven market, employers are realising that they have to be competitive to attract the best talent,” he says.
Candidates in your industry may be in demand, however you will still need to ensure your talents stand out. “Your resume must include your achievements rather than just your experience,” says Macauley. “Make sure you research a company before you attend an interview and show that you have an understanding of industry trends.”
Alexander adds that employers are also looking for candidates with soft skills. “Cultural fit in extremely important to employers, so consider the most basic things, such as looking someone in the eye when you shake their hand at an interview and show that you can communicate clearly with a range of stakeholders.”
May presented positive results for candidates with even more opportunities on SEEK and average advertised salaries inching higher. Let’s hope the momentum continues!
