Job ads across New Zealand kept rising in October, giving Hibiscus Coast job seekers more options but tougher competition.

SEEK reports national job ads up 1% for the fourth month in a row and 7% higher than a year ago, while applications per ad rose 2% and remain at record highs.

Country manager Rob Clark says October shows "some continued incremental activity" in a market that is still "extremely tough" for many people looking for work.

He says the lift is not limited to one pocket of the country, with "modest gains across most industries and in most regions."

Regional data backs that up, with every area except Gisborne flat or growing in October and Hawkes Bay and Otago leading the monthly rises on 3%.

Auckland’s job ads have grown year on year for the first time in two and a half years, which matters for Coast residents who often look to the city for work.

Only Gisborne, Manawatu and Taranaki still have fewer ads than a year ago.

Most industries are also turning a corner, with Sport & Recreation up 4% in October and Education & Training, Legal, Construction, and Hospitality & Tourism all rising 3%.

Over the year, demand is especially strong for Information & Communication Technology, Science & Technology and Construction roles, with ICT up 15% and Construction up 28% annually.

Clark says there are "plenty of candidates in the market", including many New Zealanders applying for jobs in Australia as well as at home.

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