Recruitment got off to a positive start in 2014, with figures from SEEK showing a 13 per cent rise in job listings in January when compared to last year. Almost 24,000 positions were advertised in New Zealand throughout the month, which compares to just under 21,000 in 2013 and 19,000 in 2012. Janet Faulding, general manager of SEEK in New Zealand, explained that this the strongest start for new job advertisements in three years. "The job market is benefiting from the continued improvement in the wider New Zealand economy and we see this as a strong indication of what's to come for the remainder of 2014," she commented. Auckland proved the standout performer when it comes to jobs growth, with almost 12,000 roles based in the city advertised in January - a 13 per cent rise from a year ago This represents almost half of the total number of jobs posted in New Zealand throughout the entire month. . The trend was mainly driven by roles in the information and communications technology sector. As a result, companies may be seeking more employees with skills in operating accounting software for small business in 2014. Canterbury and Wellington also recorded successes in January, with listings increasing 15 per cent and 13 per cent respectively from the previous year. Ms Faulding emphasised that these figures are encouraging, especially as there are often seasonal changes in the level of job hunting across the nation. There has been an 8 per cent year-on-year rise in the number of applications for jobs advertised in New Zealand, particularly for general management personnel. This sector alone has seen a 65 per cent rise in applications. "The increase of applications is indicative of a buoyant job market and we can expect to see more movement in the months to come," Ms Faulding added.