| JUNE 2026: JOB MARKET UPDATE
Each month, we review SEEK job ad volumes across key sectors to track market movement. After May’s broad-based improvement across all sectors, June has delivered a more stable result. With job advertising volumes having largely held their ground, most categories remained relatively stable month-on-month, with some recording only very modest declines. The good news is that the sharp declines seen earlier in 2026 appear to have eased, but still the market still appears to be struggling to reflect meaningful growth.
June 2026 – What Changed? Compared to May 2026, activity is largely flat across most sectors:
The most notable declines occurred in CEO/GM, Human Resources, Legal and Manufacturing & Transport. However, unlike the sharper falls seen earlier this year, most sectors remain relatively close to May’s levels. Accounting and ICT were effectively unchanged, while Sales and Admin & Office Support recorded only marginal decreases.
Year-on-Year: A Mixed Picture Returns Comparing June 2026 with June 2025 reveals a market that remains under pressure in most sectors:
Only Accounting, Legal and Manufacturing & Transport remain ahead of last year’s levels. This represents a noticeable change from May, when every category was ahead year-on-year. June’s figures.
Historical Perspective – What Usually Happens in June? Historically, June has often improved on May as we can see looking at the previous three years: Accounting Admin & Office Support Sales While across many categories, June has traditionally produced a modest increase following May, this year, e see most sectors have moved in the opposite direction. Rather than building on May’s momentum, June has largely paused – so was the May boost just a little premature? It’s not really symbolic of a real downturn!
What’s the Data Telling Us The June figures reinforce a theme we’ve discussed throughout much of 2026: organisations are remaining selective as there is little evidence of widespread expansion in hiring. What is encouraging is that volumes have largely stabilised following the softer conditions seen earlier this year. What remains absent is any sustained upward trend that would typically indicate stronger market confidence.
Additional observations for your consideration One thing that jumps out is that June 2026 is actually tracking remarkably close to June 2025 in several categories:
That allows you to position the market as stable and doesn’t support the gloomier narrative we saw in April. A phrase such as… “After several volatile months, June suggests the market may be settling into a period of stability rather than growth.” ..this would fit the data very well and creates a natural bridge between the optimism of May and the reality of June.
What This Means for Employers Stable hiring volumes can create valuable opportunities for employers. While competition for talent remains lower than in previous peak periods, businesses that move decisively can often secure strong candidates before activity increases again. This may be an ideal time to:
Where we can support:
As specialists in the recruitment of Sales, Management and Corporate & Support Services professionals, we continue to work closely with organisations navigating changing conditions. For more on expert for flexible Recruitment, HR and People Solutions. We have you covered. See more and talk to us here
What This Means for Jobseekers For candidates, June presents a mixed picture. The encouraging news is that job advertising volumes remain significantly higher than the lows seen earlier this year. This means opportunities remain available and success is likely to come from:
The market is still moving – just not at a strong pace following May’s results. For those considering a career move, preparation remains one of the strongest advantages. To get yourself ready, book a Job Search Diagnostic session here 👉 https://therecruitmentpeople.com.au/job-seeker/job-search-help/ Or check how our Career Resources can help here 👉 https://therecruitmentpeople.com.au/job-seeker/career-resources/ Partner with an expert for flexible Recruitment, HR and People 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. |
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