Jobsdb by SEEK Reveals Latest Annual Employment Data: Job Market Competition Intensifies in 2025 with Average Applications Soaring 58% YoY
Jobsdb by SEEK, Hong Kong’s leading employment marketplace, released its latest 2025 annual employment data. The findings indicates that the local employment market is undergoing a structural transformation, characterised by robust talent mobility and jobseekers more proactively pursuing career development opportunities than before. The average number of applications per job advertisement on the platform surged by 58% year-on-year. Competition for frontline positions was also fierce, with the average number of applications for such positions soaring by 78% year-on-year.
As competition escalates, the data also indicates that jobseekers are taking a more proactive approach. The number of jobseekers submitting an average of over 100 applications per month saw a significant 33% increase year-on-year.
Furthermore, average job applications per job advertisement have recorded quarterly growth for five consecutive quarters since Q3 2024. While there was a slight dip during the seasonal slowdown in job switching in Q4, levels remained higher than the 2024 average, underscoring that active job hunting has become the “new normal.”
Bill Lee, Managing Director, Hong Kong, Jobsdb by SEEK, stated, “Jobsdb's 2025 platform data reflects that the Hong Kong employment market is transitioning into a skills-driven structural transformation phase. Jobseekers are demonstrating a more proactive approach, while employers are adopting increasingly cautious and flexible hiring models to navigate diverse market conditions. Looking ahead to 2026, the job market is expected to remain highly fluid. While overall hiring demand will show a degree of resilience, the environment will be characterised by the dual forces of ongoing transformation and intense competition. We encourage professionals to proactively equip themselves with new skills and stay ahead of industry trends. As Hong Kong’s leading employment platform, Jobsdb will continue to leverage our market-leading data and AI technology to provide more precise matching for employers and jobseekers, standing alongside the Hong Kong workforce on their journey forward.”
Robust recruitment momentum in Sport & Recreation, Healthcare & Medical sectors; AI reshaping skill requirements for certain roles
Despite a moderate decline in overall job advertisement volume in 2025, average advertised salaries still registered an increase of 4%. This reflects a more strategic approach by employers in their hiring decisions, indicating a propensity for more precise and targeted talent investments, and a willingness to offer competitive compensation for suitable candidates.
Meanwhile, recruitment demand in certain high-growth sectors proved particularly robust. Driven by the numerous sports, music, and entertainment mega events hosted in Hong Kong over the past year, job advertisements for Sport & Recreation recorded the largest increase across all sectors, followed by Healthcare & Medical.
Conversely, some sectors experienced more notable declines in job advertisements, including Call Centre & Customer Service, Retail & Consumer Products, and Administration & Office Support. These shifts not only reflect with shifting demand within specific industries but also align with the global trend of widespread AI adoption. AI technology is automating many repetitive work processes, leading to a significant transformation in employers' skill requirements for employees, with a greater emphasis on higher-order capabilities such as interpersonal communication, strategic thinking, and leveraging AI tools to create value.
Flexible hiring gains momentum; demand and supply for part-time roles both rise
Full-time permanent roles remain the primary focus of employer hiring, accounting for 65% of total job advertisements. At the same time, the data also indicates that “flexible hiring” has emerged as a significant market trend. Employers’ recruitment strategies are leaning towards greater flexibility, driving a significant 75% year-on-year increase in job advertisements for part-time positions. Among these, the fastest-growing sectors for part-time positions were Administration & Office Support, Healthcare & Medical, and Hospitality & Tourism. Notably, while overall job advertisements for Administration & Office Support roles recorded a significant decline, part-time positions in this sector rose significantly against the trend. This suggests that employers of those roles may be converting some roles into part-time roles to enhance workforce flexibility.
In response to the intense market competition, jobseekers’ have also adjusted their expectations, showing a greater willingness to consider different types of work opportunities. Data reveals a 7% year-on-year increase in keyword searches for “part-time” and a 17% rise in searches for “frontline roles”.
Employers prioritise experienced candidates; Jobsdb launches online learning platform to support continuous upskilling
Under the dual trends of intensifying job competition and evolving recruitment models, employers’ requirements for talent have also elevated. Bill Lee commented, “In the current market climate, we've observed that employers are more stringent in their screening process, prioritising candidates with relevant work experience who can contribute from day one. To gain a competitive edge, graduates are encouraged to accumulate practical experience through internships or part-time roles. However, in an era of widespread AI adoption, relying solely on traditional work experience may no longer be sufficient. We advise jobseekers to look beyond their core expertise and actively embrace innovative technologies. Leveraging AI tools to enhance efficiency and create value will be key to distinguishing themselves in today's competitive job market.”
To help the workforce maintain competitiveness in a changing market, Jobsdb launched an online learning and community platform last August, aimed to foster professional networking, knowledge sharing, and skills development. Through this online learning platform, jobseekers can access curated career guidance and video learning resources to pursue continuous learning and upskill, ensuring long-term growth and sustained success in their careers. Jobsdb also utilises this platform to provide networking opportunities, career resources, and skill development content support, encouraging jobseekers to stay abreast of market trends and advance towards their long-term career goals.
About Jobsdb by SEEK
Jobsdb is a leading employment marketplace, connecting the right people with the right work in Hong Kong since 1998. Operated by SEEK, an Australian Securities Exchange-listed company, Jobsdb combines its deep local expertise with SEEK’s world-class AI technology and platform to create relevant job and talent matches across Asia Pacific. For more information, visit www.jobsdb.com.