Summarised by Centrist
As the labour market tightens, jobseekers face intense competition, with recruiters reporting hundreds of applicants per role.
Frog Recruitment’s managing director Shannon Barlow advises against a “spray and pray” approach. She urges applicants to target roles carefully and tailor their applications to highlight skills sought by employers.
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) reports a rise in jobseeker benefits, with almost 205,000 people receiving support in the September quarter.
Beneficiaries are now required to attend work seminars, but sanctions for missed appointments have surged by 133%.
MSD’s Daniel Brunt noted the importance of staying in contact and leveraging resources like CV writing and upskilling programs.
Barlow advises jobseekers to reset their priorities, focus on roles aligning with their skills, and invest time in tailoring applications to stand out.
Brunt also points out the value of training partnerships with industries like construction to bridge skill gaps. “We’re optimistic that the economy will offer more opportunities for businesses to hire and expand in 2025,” he said.
