Bosses, beware: Kiwis are more likely to hunt for a job in January than any other time of year, according to new research, with the week commencing January 22 proving the most popular for job-seeking.
Those hoping to find their dream job may be in luck, however, with Trade Me Jobs revealing a current lineup of listings they say are some of the "best jobs ever" to be advertised on the site - including a 'Wicked Wing taste-tester' for KFC, a 'social meow-dia specialist' for Petdirect, and a 'chief hype officer' for the Fijian Drua rugby union team.
The latest data, released by the online marketplace on Monday, has led to Trade Me naming the month 'Job Hunt January' to highlight the sheer number of Kiwis searching for a new role.
According to its data, the last week of January sees the most interest in jobs each year, with listings amassing around 1.6 million views. Trade Me Jobs' highest-ever day of web traffic was January 24, 2023, which saw more than 500,000 views in a single 24-hour period, Matt Tolich, sales director at Trade Me Jobs, said on Monday.
"Coincidentally, it was this same week in January last year that Jacinda Ardern resigned from her role as Prime Minister, which goes to show Kiwi at all points of their career will be thinking about revamping their resume this month," Tolich said.
"I suspect that everyday Kiwi workplaces could see a spike in dentist appointments or sick days - because tens of thousands of us are secretly going through the job recruitment process in January.
"This is a mixture of the new year representing a new start and is an optimistic time for job-hunters, along with a potential sense of frustration for those returning to a workplace which they may no longer enjoy after the summer break."
Tolich said it currently has a few "very special" listings on the site that may see a few unfulfilled jobseekers jumping ship.
The three jobs Trade Me claims to be among the best listed on the platform include:
- A 'Wicked Wing taste-tester' for KFC, with the job description reading: "Is your mouth watering for a wicked new role? KFC is looking for a crispy chicken connoisseur to travel around KFC stores, tasting the Colonel's finest Wicked Wings to ensure they are always fresh, crispy and delicious - because at KFC, quality matters. So if you're keen to try something new and passionate about finger-lickin' good chicken, this might just be for you!"
- A 'chief hype officer' for the Fijian Drua rugby union team, with the job description reading: "With the Fijian Drua set to take on the mighty Blues in the Super Rugby on February 24, we're looking for a chief hype officer to whip our fans into a frenzy. We need someone who can chant, sing, stamp, and ensure the roar of our fans will leave the Blues trembling in their little football boots this February."
- And a 'social meow-dia specialist' for Petdirect, with the job description reading: "Meow you're talking! We're after someone with a practically puuuurfect understanding of social media, and ideally, an unhealthy obsession with pets. We need someone to produce creative and engaging content for Petdirect's TikTok and Instagram pages featuring our favourite furry friends."
A fourth listing included in 'Job Hunt January' is a gig reporter for The Edge radio station, advertised as: "Travel the country and score free tickets to NZ's biggest festivals and concerts." Applications for the role close on Wednesday, January 24.
Each of the three listings are temporary paid roles, with applications closing on Wednesday, January 31.
