New job listings on SEEK dropped by 2% in May, but experts say the market has stabilised after two years of decline.

The latest SEEK Employment Report shows job ads are 8% lower year-on-year, the smallest annual drop since late 2022.

While the headline number is down, it marks the third straight month of steady volumes, with trend data showing no major shifts since October.

Rob Clark, SEEK NZ Country Manager, says that’s a sign the worst may be over.

“After close to two years of near uninterrupted decline between 2022 and 2024, this shows that volumes have stabilised and are even beginning to see some pockets of growth.”

Healthcare & Medical, and Community Services & Development were among the larger industries to record modest growth in May.

Smaller sectors like Consulting & Strategy (up 29%) and Science & Technology (up 10%) saw the biggest gains.

Wellington stood out with broad growth, along with Southland and Taranaki.

These regions were among only three to record a month-on-month increase in job ads.

However, candidate competition is heating up.

Applications per job ad rose 2% in May, reaching the highest level on record.

That means fewer jobs, more applicants, and a tougher hunt for jobseekers.

While Information & Communication Technology saw a sharp 14% drop in listings, education, trades, and HR roles all saw quarterly gains.

Why this matters to Coasties

With many Hibiscus Coast residents commuting to jobs across Auckland, this data offers insight into what’s shifting in the national job market.

Whether you're applying locally or in the city, competition is higher than ever.

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