SEEK JOB MARKET TRENDS: Job ad volumes on SEEK have lifted again in July, continuing the upward trend we saw in June. While the gains are smaller in some categories, several areas have returned to, or surpassed, earlier 2025 levels.
At a glance:
- Month-on-month: All sectors saw growth again in July – a second consecutive lift.
- Year-on-year: Most categories still trail 2024 levels, though some gaps are narrowing.
- Momentum or mid-year bump? The consistency is encouraging, but hiring caution remains.
Category insights:
- Accounting: Climbing again in July (6538), following June’s lift. Still below July 2024 levels (7489), but a steady build over two months indicates improved employer confidence.
- Admin & Office Support: Up to 8462 in July, one of the strongest performers. That’s now two months of solid growth, suggesting support roles are being prioritised again as workloads increase.
- Legal: Continuing its quiet but consistent rise. Legal roles hit 3442 this month, up from both June and July last year, pointing to ongoing stable demand in the sector.
- Human Resources: A third consecutive month of growth (3081). Still behind last year, but HR teams may be rebuilding capacity as more employers look inward to manage retention and engagement.
- ICT: Tech roles increased again to 8009. While still trailing 2024’s 9029, the consistent lift since May signals that the slowdown in tech hiring may be easing.
- CEO / GM: Low volume category, but July saw the strongest executive ad numbers in months (523). Board-level hiring tends to lag other sectors, this gain may reflect delayed strategic hires.
- Sales: Another positive move with 6992 ads in July, continuing the recovery. Still below last year’s levels (8783), but as noted previously, some sales hiring may be shifting to alternative platforms like LinkedIn.
- Manufacturing & Transport: The highest-volume category again this month, hitting 13,252 ads. This sector is showing impressive consistency, with job ad volumes now well above May and June, pointing to sustained operational demand.
What this means for you:
For Employers:
- The mid-year recovery appears to be sticking – now is the time to act before competition heats up.
- Candidates are beginning to return – make sure your offers are competitive on flexibility, purpose, and progression.
For Jobseekers:
- Opportunities are increasing across almost every category, especially in Admin, Sales, ICT, and Manufacturing.
- Don’t wait for the market to become crowded again – July’s momentum could be your launchpad.
- Need help standing out? Talk to us about how to tailor your approach and get noticed.
In Summary:
July builds on June’s uplift, with job ad volumes rising again. While we’re not yet back to full strength year-on-year, the month-on-month consistency offers real hope. The second half of 2025 will be pivotal — are we heading for sustained recovery or will uncertainty return? Either way, both employers and jobseekers would be wise to act now while the window is open.
Stay with us next month for more.
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.