Fewer Job Ads – What the Data Is Starting to Tell Us?

Each month, we review SEEK job ad volumes across key sectors to track market movement.

April data shows a continued softening in job advertising. While March saw a short-term lift, this has not been sustained, with volumes declining again in April. Year-on-year, 6 of the 8 categories we analyse are down compared to April 2025.

This aligns with what we’re seeing more broadly – a market that is becoming more measured in both hiring activity and decision-making.

What We’re Seeing in April 2026

This pattern isn’t unusual in isolation. Historically, April often dips following March activity.

April vs March – Historical Context

2024:

• Accounting: 7,339 → 6,558
• ICT: 9,207 → 8,290
• Sales: 7,215 → 6,494

2023:

• Accounting: 8,878 → 8,331
• ICT: 13,872 → 13,069
• Sales: 7,703 → 7,234

However, what’s different in 2026 is that volumes are consistently lower across most major categories, not just month-on-month, but year-on-year.

Data + Sentiment: A More Cautious Market

When we look at this alongside recent reporting from Australian HR Institute and the Westpac-Melbourne Institute, a clearer picture begins to emerge:

• Job security concerns are increasing
• The Unemployment Expectations Index has risen sharply (up 9.7% to 147.8 — the highest level since August 2020)
• Unemployment remains relatively steady at 4.3%
• Redundancy intentions remain comparatively low (19%)

Individually, these metrics are mixed. But together, they point to a market that is not contracting – but becoming more cautious.

We are seeing:

• Slower hiring activity
• Reduced candidate movement
• More considered decision-making from both employers and employees

Category Breakdown – April 2026

• Accounting: 6,204 → 5,230 (↓ 21.7%)
• Admin & Office Support: 8,451 → 6,669 (↓ 21.1%)
• Legal: 2,568 → 2,189 (↓ 14.8%)
• Human Resources: 3,070 → 2,595
• ICT: 8,077 → 6,413 (↓ 20.6%)
• CEO / GM: 464 → 526 (↑ 13.4%)
• Sales: 6,750 → 5,777 (↓ 14.4%)
• Manufacturing & Transport: 13,432 → 12,149 (↓ 9.6%)

A consistent theme across most categories is reduced volume, with leadership roles remaining more resilient, suggesting a continued focus on strategy and direction.

What This Means for Employers

This is less about reacting – and more about positioning.

With hiring activity easing but unemployment still relatively stable, there is a window to:

• Strengthen retention before conditions tighten
• Review structure and capability gaps
• Secure strong candidates who may be less active in future months

 Where we can support:

• Market mapping and talent pipelining
• Targeted recruitment in a lower-volume market
• Delivery of hard-to-fill and leadership roles
• Real-time market insights to inform hiring decisions

As we specialise in the recruitment of Sales, Management and Corporate and Support Services staff so reach out – we can help.

Email:  info@therecruitmentpeople.com.au

What This Means for Job Seekers

The shift in sentiment is just as important as the drop in job ads:

· Candidates are becoming more cautious

· Movement between roles is slowing

· Competition for available roles is increasing

For Job Seekers – we can help: Book a Job Search Diagnostics session with us here

(Sources  AHRI – Job loss anxiety hits a five-year high )

Partner with an expert for flexible Recruitment & HR solutions. We have you covered. See more and talk to us here

 *Note: SEEK data is a snapshot. 

This is purely a comparison of advertised roles – not hires, not employment levels, and not predictions. Simply job advert volumes.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the author accepts no liability for any changes, loss, or damage arising from reliance on its content. Readers should seek independent legal advice and updates, before acting on any matter discussed in this document.