JOB MARKET TRENDS UPDATE: January 2026 – A Careful Restart
January typically marks the re-opening of the market and after the December slowdown, early data is suggesting activity is cautious.
Rather than a sharp bounce, hiring volumes so far indicate employer confidence remains fragile suggesting at this stage, January cannot be viewed as an “early signal” month.
For consideration, while the market is re-opening very carefully number are aligned with those of January 2024.
Total Job Ads Snapshot
December 2025 → January 2026
- Modest re-engagement in select categories
- No broad-based rebound evident
January 2025 → January 2026
- Volumes broadly flat year-on-year
- Suggests stabilisation rather than growth
Category-by-Category Breakdown
- Accounting
Dec 2025 → Jan 2026:
5083 → 4340 (−15% MoM)
Jan 2025 → Jan 2026:
4347 → 4340 (flat YoY)
Accounting – hiring has not yet rebounded from December’s slowdown. January volumes are effectively unchanged year-on-year, giving a view that finance teams remain tightly managed.
- Admin & Office Support
Dec 2025 → Jan 2026:
6438 → 6035 (−6% MoM)
Jan 2025 → Jan 2026:
5920 → 6035 (+2% YoY)
Admin hiring has softened slightly month-on-month but remains marginally higher than this time last year. While the increase is modest, it suggests support functions may be approaching a floor after a prolonged period of contraction.
- Legal
Dec 2025 → Jan 2026:
2125 → 1703 (−20% MoM)
Jan 2025 → Jan 2026:
1752 → 1703 (−3% YoY)
Legal has dipped sharply from December, reflecting a delay in re-activating the hiring seen earlier in the year. The year-on-year comparison however shows only mild softening, and remains consistent with the relative resilience seen throughout 2025.
Categories Yet to Reactivate
- Human Resources, ICT, CEO/GM, Sales, and Manufacturing & Transport
Typically momentum comes later and as December data showed clear structural strength in Sales and Manufacturing & Transport, relative resilience in both ICT and Leadership hiring. Whether that strength converts into early-Q1 momentum will become clearer over the coming months.
Key Insights So Far
- January has opened cautiously
This is not a typical “January surge” – employers are going slowly and deliberately.
- Stability is evident.
Year-on-year results suggest the market growth signals remain absent.
- Support and professional hiring remain controlled.
Accounting, Admin, and Legal all reflect ongoing discipline.
What This Can Mean for Employers
- A quieter January doesn’t always mean less competition
Candidate movement often starts before it shows up clearly in job ads.• Some categories may move faster than others
In areas like Legal, ICT, Sales and leadership, suitable candidates can become harder to secure once activity picks up.
- Hiring demand may arrive later and in a shorter burst
It’s not uncommon for a slow January to push hiring decisions into late Q1 or early Q2.
- Not all roles are advertised openly
Recruiter networks can be useful, particularly where hiring is happening quietly or roles are being held back from job boards.
What This Can Mean for Jobseekers
- January is often more about positioning than placement
For many roles, activity tends to lift after Australia Day and into February.
- Some job areas appear more resilient than others
Fields like Legal, ICT, Sales, Manufacturing & Transport, and leadership roles often show steadier movement.
- Competition can vary by role type
In areas like Admin and HR, candidates may benefit from clearly articulating outcomes, impact and transferable skills.
- This period can be used strategically
Networking, updating profiles and refreshing skills now can help when hiring activity increases.
Bottom Line
January 2026 has begun with caution.
While the market appears steadier than it was a year ago, employers remain selective. While there are some early signs of stabilisation, a genuine rebound will depend on how confidence develops through the remainder of Q1.
Those who prepare early – employers and jobseekers alike, will be in the best position to act when the market re-engages.
If your an employer planning early-2026 recruitment or people services? Book a strategy chat now.
For Jobseekers looking to consider new horizons – check our Career Resources and book a consultation here
Seek data as at 12th January 2026
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.