Job listings in Rotorua went through the roof at the end of last year and show no sign of slowing in 2017.
But some locals are still struggling to secure employment with one recruitment specialist saying a sought-after job can get up to 120 applications.
New Trade Me job figures show listings for Rotorua were up 45 per cent from October to December although average applications per listing dropped by 23.7 per cent compared with the same period in 2015.
The average salary of those jobs increased by 0.9 per cent, to $53,853.
Head of Trade Me Jobs Jeremy Wade said Rotorua was "well ahead of the market and most cities".
"The decline in average applications is because there are so many options that job seekers are not applying for every job they see. Rotorua has a job seekers' market at the moment with fewer applications per listing."
But Mr Wade acknowledged some people were still struggling to get jobs in the city.
"It could be that where the skills are demanded is not where the skills are available. Our advice to those struggling is to always put your best foot forward, be flexible and open to different types of roles and present yourself well."
Personnel Resources Rotorua manager Angelique Scott said staff were back in the office by January 4 and were "busy straight away".
"We have hundreds of people on our books who are ready to go, we've been absolutely flat stick from Day One this year.
"There are also heaps of roles out there so it's up to us to find the best candidates."
She said accountants, legal and personal assistants, logistics and maintenance workers and retail managers were needed.
"There's huge range out there but at the same time, we know there are a lot of people looking in Rotorua and a single job can have 120 people applying for it.
"It's not just a Rotorua problem, it's worldwide."
Mrs Scott said the worst thing job seekers could do was apply for every job listed.
"You should only be applying for the jobs where you fit the criteria and have the necessary skill sets.
"The other thing we've noticed in the new year is CVs that are not up to scratch. The one page CVs with little or no information, wrong numbers listed, things like that will really hinder somebody's chances of getting to that next stage in the employment process."
Tradestaff central North Island regional manager Geoff Campbell said there was significant demand for trade skill sets in Rotorua and the wider area.
"I wouldn't say we get numerous applications per job listing but we do get good interest from both local and out-of-town.
"We are also actively bringing in offshore workers when local people are not available or don't have the skill sets needed for the job."
He said the demand for workers was broad across all trade industries.
"I would expect to see increasing demand in 2017, not just in Rotorua, but nationwide."
Talent ID recruitment and human resources specialist Olivia Burman said she was seeing an increase in job seekers as well as an increase in qualified or skill-based roles.
"We have experienced an increasing number of job listings from clients who either didn't have time to advertise and recruit due to business pressures or had attempted to but found it difficult due to skill shortages in the region."
She said despite the increase of jobs being advertised, people were still struggling to secure work because of the influx of out-of-towners moving to the region.
Tips for job seekers
- Have an outstanding and up-to-date CV with no spelling or grammatical errors.
- List your most recent roles and skills first.
- List your hobbies and interests.
- Attention to detail is a must, such as contact details.
- Present yourself formally and nicely. Hoodies and casual clothes are not acceptable.
- Never be late for an interview.
- Always turn your phone off.
- Research the company you are applying to work for.