JOB MARKET UPDATE: May 2026Each month, we review SEEK job ad volumes across key sectors to track market movement. After several months of declining or cautious movement across the market, May has finally delivered something different – a welcome improvement across every category we track. Month-on-month, all eight sectors recorded growth, with several also showing a noticeable lift year-on-year. Following the softer conditions seen throughout late 2025 and early 2026, this is the first month in some time where the data has shifted positively across the board. The immediate question, however, is whether this is simply a “seasonal” uplift – or the beginning of a more sustainable recovery.
May 2026 – What Changed? Compared to April 2026, every category increased:
The strongest increases came from Legal, Manufacturing & Transport, Accounting, and Sales – sectors that had experienced some of the more noticeable declines earlier in the year. Importantly, this improvement was not isolated to one or two industries. The lift was widespread, which often provides a stronger indication of improving market sentiment overall.
Year-on-Year: Signs of Stabilisation When comparing May 2026 to May 2025, the picture also improves considerably compared to previous months:
This marks a significant shift from April, where most categories remained behind 2025 levels. While one positive month doesn’t necessarily indicate a full market rebound, it does suggest that hiring confidence may be returning in some areas.
Historical Perspective – Is May Usually Stronger? What the historical data shows – in 2023, 2024 and 2025: Most categories either:
Accounting:
That shows a repeated pattern: May was usually softer than April.
The same pattern appeared in ICT:
Again – May historically weakened.
Sales: Slightly more stable in 2023, but still softened in 2024 and 2025.
Why May 2026 STANDS OUT! This year, the opposite happened. Instead of: April → softer May You got: April → stronger May
Importantly: this wasn’t isolated to one category – all eight categories improved simultaneously. That makes May 2026 somewhat unusual – a clear upward movement, breaking the historical trend from previous years.
What the Data May Be Telling Us While it is still too early to call this a full recovery, the data points to a shift in employer behaviour. Over recent months, businesses have appeared cautious:
The May figures may suggest that some organisations are beginning to move forward again after a prolonged period of hesitation. At the same time, it is important to keep perspective:
For now, May can’t be taken as a market boom – more of a change of confidence returning.
Another area we are currently watching closely is how employers are choosing to advertise roles in the current market. As hiring activity and candidate behaviour have shifted over the past 12 months, advertising strategies may also be evolving. We’ve been running a poll on preferred job advertising platforms and channels, with results due next week; it will be interesting to see whether employer preferences are beginning to change alongside the broader market trends now emerging in the data. If you haven’t participated yet, there’s still time to have your say: Go to the bottom of the page here 👇 https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7460609878944923648/
What This Means for Employers Improving volumes can create a very different hiring environment. As confidence returns this can be an opportunity to:
Where we can support:
As specialists in the recruitment of Sales, Management, and Corporate & Support Services professionals, we continue to work closely with businesses navigating changing market conditions. Let’s talk about navigating your business through changing conditions – 👉 https://calendly.com/kelly-350/recruitment-meeting
What This Means for Jobseekers While the market remains competitive, the May figures may offer some encouragement for candidates who have been waiting for hiring activity to improve.
As the market is still measured, employers will continue to be selective, focusing on finding candidates who closely align with both capability and culture requirements. This makes preparation increasingly important:
For those considering a move, May possibly represents the early stages of a more active hiring period heading into the second half of the year. To get you ready to move book a Job Search Diagnostic session 👉 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 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. |
Employer Tips, Job Seeker Tips
May 2026 Job Ads Report: Hiring Demand Shifts Again
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