The third quarter of 2025 was a challenging period for the IT job market, but opportunities for growth and hiring continued to surface. As our Managing Director recently shared in our quarterly video update, the sentiment has shifted from optimism to realism. The new mantra? “Fix in ’26.”
Here’s what we’re seeing on the ground across New Zealand’s tech hiring landscape, and what it means for both employers and candidates.
Permanent hiring is up
We are seeing more permanent roles being advertised across both public and private sectors, but getting those roles filled is often complex. Here’s why:
- Clients are inundated with applications, but in some cases hiring managers still can’t find candidates with the right technical criteria.
- Soft skills like communication, adaptability, and initiative are lacking in many candidates.
- More experienced talent remains in short supply, as many senior professionals continue to head offshore or shift into consulting.
Insight: The gap between what’s available and what employers want hasn’t closed and, in some cases, it’s widening.
Recruitment industry sees signs of a strategy shift
A recent Job Summit at the Beehive, attended by key players across the recruitment industry, offered a glimmer of hope. It highlighted:
- Infrastructure spending is on the rise, and talent shortages have already been flagged as a key concern.
- There’s some sense of a coordinated plan to address workforce needs nationally, though execution remains to be seen.
Implication for tech: Infrastructure spending doesn’t just mean roads and bridges, it also means digital infrastructure. This is likely to fuel continued demand for IT professionals with cloud, data architecture, and cybersecurity skills.
AI in hiring: use it, but don’t lose your voice
Candidates are increasingly using AI tools like ChatGPT to write CVs and cover letters and it shows. But here’s the problem: Everything is starting to sound the same.
Our advice? Be authentic. A good CV reflects your experience, your voice, and your personality. It shouldn’t sound like it came from a prompt.
Stand out by showing up: Network. Sharpen your communication skills. Be someone who can connect, not just code.
Placements are up
After months of market uncertainty, we’ve had a 53% increase in placements over the past 6 months compared to the previous half-year. That’s not just a blip, it’s a meaningful signal that demand is coming back.
Why this matters: More placements mean more matches between the right talent and the right roles and potentially, the beginning of a more stable hiring cycle.
Looking Ahead
While the IT job market had a bit of a bumpy ride in the first quarter of 2025, there are now some truly encouraging signs. It’s great to see placements on the rise, permanent hiring beginning to pick up, and a coordinated plan starting to take shape.
At Younity, we’ll continue to track these trends and provide insights into the evolving job market. Whether you’re looking for your next opportunity or seeking to attract top talent to your organisation, staying informed about market movements is key.
Watch the recap of the quarterly update with Richard from Younity in the video above.