SEEK attracted almost 2.7 million website visits from jobseekers in January alone, a record high for New Zealand's largest jobs board and an increase of 6% on the same time last year.

The peak visitation figures have been released at the same time as the latest SEEK Employment Index (SEI) data, which measures the number of new job ads place on SEEK against the number of applications for those jobs. The SEI experienced a 9.7% rise in January, typical for this time of year due to reduced applications.

As SEEK New Zealand General Manager Janet Faulding explains, this is likely due to the New Year bringing with it increased interest in a new job that has yet to convert into applications.

"The New Year is always a time of fresh movement in the workforce as people head back into the office determined to action career-related resolutions. A huge number of jobseekers are still viewing the numerous opportunities on SEEK while contemplating their next career move," says Janet Faulding, General Manager SEEK New Zealand.

This is backed up both by the record breaking visitation figures and SEEK's Job Market Update, an independent study commissioned by the jobs website.

"Not only has there been a significant increase in visits to SEEK, but the latest Job Market Update reveals that 76% of the New Zealand workforce is keeping an eye out for new career opportunities," says Ms Faulding.

Jobseekers are not the only ones beginning the New Year with vigour as Ms Faulding explains;

"Employers often return from the holiday period looking to hire new staff and we are certainly finding this to be true with more than 16,000 jobs currently advertised on SEEK, a strong and positive start to the year."

Top five fast moving jobs (January 2012) Hospitality & Tourism, Waiting Staff up 159%

Call Centre & Customer Service, Sales - Outbound up 137%

Trades & Services, Gardening & Landscaping up 120%

Trades & Services, Printing & Publishing Services up 120%

Legal, Litigation & Dispute Resolution up 105%

January was a strong month for a number of classifications on SEEK. All of our top five Fast Movers this month have experienced more than 100% growth, with Waiting Staff positions increasing the most, typical for this time of year. Outbound Sales roles rose 137% from December while the advertised number of Gardening and Landscaping, and Printing and Publishing Service positions increased by 120% each. Litigation and Dispute Resolution roles round out the top five fastest growth industries on SEEK this month, increasing by 105%.