Student Job Search Logs 434,000 Applications for 53,000 Roles as Graduate Job Shortage Deepens
Updated
Updated · RNZ · Jul 26
Student Job Search Logs 434,000 Applications for 53,000 Roles as Graduate Job Shortage Deepens
1 articles · Updated · RNZ · Jul 26
Summary
Student Job Search said students and graduates filed 434,000 applications for 53,000 positions in the past financial year, underscoring a severe shortage of work for people trying to cover rent and food.
SJS said the squeeze reflects a structural shift, with casual and one-off jobs now dominating student employment even as vacancy levels return to pre-Covid norms, forcing many students to juggle multiple roles to earn enough.
Graduates interviewed by RNZ said they have applied for hundreds of jobs, often hearing nothing back and increasingly turning to unrelated work, while some say personal connections matter more than qualifications.
AUTSA said 700 students sought food help in the past three months, and students are also struggling to secure unpaid placements as AI-driven mass applications and screening further reduce human contact in hiring.
SJS said application rates are the highest in its 40-year records and blamed a convergence of weak economic conditions, a tougher labor market, rising study costs and living expenses.