Student work soars in hard times

Photo / Jupiter Images.

Unlikely employers, such as a bride and groom looking for a "BBQ extraordinaire" to fill their wedding guests' plates, are turning to students for help.

The number of job listings on website Student Job Search is up 25 per cent on the same time last year, and includes some quirky vacancies such as rock 'n' roll dancers to perform at a private party.

Other summer positions advertised were for a "cafe ninja" to serve customers at a popular Auckland cafe, catwalk models in Porirua and ice-cream parlour assistants in Whangamata.

As the economy emerged from a recession, spokeswoman Lorna McConnon said more jobs were becoming available for students - particularly those looking to earn some extra cash during the holidays.

But make no mistake: "The job market is still tight".

Jobs are being snapped up almost as quickly as they are being listed.

"[Students] are either being placed or shortlisted within five working days," she said.

The most popular jobs were adverts for office staff, accounts assistants and hospitality staff.

McConnon said employers were increasingly looking to students to fill such roles because they were affordable, enthusiastic and techno-logically savvy.

Many were being hired to introduce businesses to the realms of social networking.