The volume of jobs ads across Australia is looking 'relatively positive'.
Data released by SEEK.com.au today shows an increase of 66 per cent since February, with job ad volumes levelling out nationally in the past two weeks.
In some industries applications significantly outnumber jobs advertised, with a rise of almost 10 per cent in candidate applications compared to pre-COVID job interest.
SEEK ANZ managing director Kendra Banks said data out of Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland, in particular, showed more opportunity for job seekers, as all industry sectors were showing job ad growth.
However, Victoria had experienced a six per cent decline in recent weeks as parts of the state returned to lockdown.
"In the last fortnight, we have seen growth in most states and territories, with the notable exception being Victoria," Ms Banks said in a report.
"Victoria has seen a decline of 6.1 per cent, which now positions it as the state with the weakest recovery to date, with job ad volumes, at 55.9 per cent of pre-COVID levels.
"A return to lockdown in metropolitan Melbourne is expected to delay any recovery in Victoria's job ad volumes, which will not be welcome news for businesses and job seekers in the state."
Job ad volumes in each state and territory compared to February 2020:
Northern Territory 84.4 per cent; Tasmania: 83.9 per cent; Western Australia: 82.5 per cent; South Australia: 82.4 per cent; Queensland: 75.9 per cent; Australian Capital Territory: 69.3 per cent; New South Wales: 62.1 per cent; Victoria: 55.9 per cent.
SEEK reported a continued increase in candidate search and visit activity on seek.com.au.
Since COVID-19 hit, job ads dropped and job applications per ad increased, SEEK data showed more applications per job across most industries compared to pre-COVID times with significantly more applications per ad, compared to pre-COVID, in industries such as administration and office support (up 42 per cent); information and communication technology (up 38 per cent); accounting, sales (up 24 per cent); and construction (up 12 per cent).
The states and territories which have bounced back well from coronavirus, or have been less impacted by it, generally had fewer job applications per ad.
While Victoria and NSW, the two states most impacted by COVID-19, had more job seekers applying for roles compared to other states and territories.
Industries impacted less by the COVID-19 pandemic or those that recovered more quickly, saw fewer applications per job ad than their pre-COVID volumes.
Those industries which saw a decrease or marginal increase to applications per ad included mining, resources and energy (-8 per cent); community services and development (-7 per cent); manufacturing, transport and logistics; (-7 per cent) and education and training (+4 per cent).