Both job numbers and salaries are on the rise in Wanganui - but too many job-hunters are failing drug tests, says an employment expert.
Trade Me data revealed a 12.8 per cent increase in the number of jobs listed on the site in Wanganui/Manawatu during the first three months of this year compared with the same three months in 2014.
Meanwhile, the average advertised pay rate on the site for jobs in Wanganui was $52,690, up from $50,640 in 2014.
However, despite job availability, Right Click Employment Solutions branch manager Graeme Musson said too many applicants failed drug tests which prevented them finding work in Wanganui.
"There is still a fair bit of building and construction going but the main problem we have here is that we are very strict on drugs. Everyone has to pass a drugs test which reduces the number of job candidates," he said.
"And that is across the board. We are still getting two out of 10 failing drug tests and that is across all age groups, not just the young ones."
Mr Musson said the amount of work available remained stable.
"The number of jobs available in Wanganui look to be about the same as last year. In the first quarter of last year, the amount of construction was greater.
"And I think the market will continue to remain steady. There will always be unemployment because there will always be people who cannot meet employment criteria."
Mr Musson said jobseekers would need to up their game to gain employment.
"The jobs are out there but the type of person looking for a job would have to improve the way they are going about it. Some of the CV's we see here are shocking."