Recruiting in a Candidate-Rich Market: Why Quality Still Matters

In 2025, many New Zealand businesses are experiencing a surge in job applications across nearly every sector—from logistics and trades to office support and hospitality. On the surface, a candidate-rich market may seem like a recruiter’s dream. But as many employers are discovering, more applicants don’t always mean better outcomes.

In fact, high applicant volumes can create new challenges: longer hiring timelines, increased pressure on internal teams, and a greater risk of making the wrong hire.

At Adecco New Zealand, we help businesses cut through the noise and find the right people—not just more people.

More Candidates, More Complexity

Hiring in a candidate-rich market is not the same as hiring in a skills shortage. With increased volume comes increased complexity. Hiring managers are now spending more time reviewing CVs, extending interview timelines, and juggling recruitment responsibilities alongside core business functions.

Without a structured recruitment process, the pressure to hire fast can lead to decision fatigue or gut-feel choices. The result? A poor hire who may not align with your company’s values or long-term goals.

And poor hires come at a cost.

From lost productivity to higher staff turnover, one wrong decision can impact your team, your culture, and your bottom line.

The True Cost of a Bad Hire

A bad hire is more than a mismatch—it’s an expensive mistake. In New Zealand, staff turnover is estimated to cost employers up to $1 million annually, with 22% of turnover happening in the first 45 days (Wynhurst Group).

When expectations set during the recruitment process don’t match reality, employees quickly disengage. This disconnect can stem from unclear job ads, inconsistent interview messaging, or a lack of cultural alignment. Even a strong performer may leave if they don’t feel supported, heard, or aligned with your company’s direction.

That’s why it’s critical to prioritise quality over quantity—and to build a hiring process that supports better outcomes.

Redefining Quality in 2025

In today’s workforce, a “quality hire” is more than someone who meets the job description. It’s someone who fits your team, shares your values, and has the adaptability to thrive in a fast-changing world.

Key traits to look for in 2025:

• Adaptability: Can they navigate hybrid work, tech tools, and change?
• Cultural Fit: Do their values match your team’s dynamics and pace?
• Growth Mindset: Are they motivated to learn, develop, and innovate?
• Resilience: Can they manage pressure while remaining productive?

By focusing on these traits, you’re not just filling a role—you’re strengthening your business for the future.

Four Smart Hiring Strategies

To hire well in a high-volume environment, employers must be more strategic and selective. Here’s how:

1. Refine Your Selection Process

Use structured interviews and behavioural assessments to evaluate long-term fit—not just technical capability.

2. Create Honest and Clear Job Ads

Set clear expectations. A transparent ad filters out misaligned candidates before they reach your inbox.

3. Look Beyond the CV

Integrate skills testing, situational questions, and reference checks to assess behaviour and compatibility.

4. Measure What Matters

Track performance, retention, and engagement post-hire—not just time-to-fill.

Need guidance on conducting better interviews? Check out our article: How Kiwi Employers Can Prepare for Job Interviews

Build a Strong Employer Brand with Your EVP

An Employee Value Proposition (EVP) defines why people should join—and stay—with your organisation. It’s your unique combination of purpose, values, benefits, and culture.

When well-articulated, your EVP:

• Attracts candidates who align with your mission
• Reduces early turnover
• Sets realistic expectations from day one

Not sure if your EVP still resonates? It may be time to review your employer brand. A strong EVP is your secret weapon in a competitive hiring market.

Why Adecco New Zealand Is Your Trusted Recruitment Partner

At Adecco New Zealand, we’ve been helping Kiwi businesses hire with confidence for over 40 years. As part of the world’s largest recruitment group, we combine global insights with local expertise to give your business an edge.

When you partner with us, you gain:

• Access to deep, pre-screened talent pools across all major industries
• Permanent and temporary staffing solutions tailored to your business
• End-to-end support, from job ads to onboarding
• Market insights through tools like our 2025 Salary Guide

We save you time, reduce hiring risks, and help you find people who add lasting value to your organisation.

Let’s Find the Right Fit – Together

In today’s candidate-rich market, hiring isn’t easier—it’s just different. The businesses that succeed are those who stay focused on quality, alignment, and long-term fit.

Whether you’re hiring one key team member or building an entire workforce, Adecco is here to help.

Let’s talk about how we can support your hiring needs.
👉 Contact Adecco New Zealand to get started.