This week, there were 673 Dunedin positions advertised in media outlets, though some of those were duplicated.
The Star estimated fewer than 200 positions - mostly in labouring, retail, and hospitality - were available to those without qualifications.
Last month, 7304 Dunedin people received a benefit, of which 1436 received the unemployment benefit. This month, that benefit was replaced in a suite of changes that introduced jobseeker support, sole parent support, and the supported living payment.
Work and Income was unable to detail how many people received each of the new benefits, but it was clear those expected to look for work would do so in a competitive job market.
Work and Income southern regional commissioner John Allen estimated only 30% of jobs were advertised and that 70% were filled by word-of-mouth.
Excelsior Cafe owner Ming Kerr sought a barista with a ''help wanted'' sign in her cafe window.
''For casual jobs, I think there are enough people out there looking for jobs that it is very easy to find someone,'' Ms Kerr said.
Dunedin student Wane Hooper said he had searched ''all over the city'' for a job, finally getting casual work at a supermarket.
He said the search for work had been disheartening.
He had been rejected multiple times for being over-qualified and job agencies had not helped.
''Half the time they don't even get back to you.''
Gardens New World grocery manager Shannon Entwisle said the supermarket had advertised positions recently, with between 20 and 30 applicants for a position in the bakery.
He said people were constantly dropping in CVs and managers would usually go through these first when looking to fill roles.
It was a different story for qualified tradespeople.
Breese Electrical administration officer Sandra Breese said there had only been one local applicant for the electrician's job it recently advertised.
However, there had been several applications from electricians overseas.
Upstart business incubator operations manager Conrad Anderson said graduates could find employment if they were proactive.
They needed to show they could not only fill a role but also add value to a company, he said.
He advised students to spend their final year of study building connections in the business community.
Mr Allen said in the three months to May 2013, 1509 benefits had been cancelled due to their recipients finding work.
Employers Association Otago Southland managing solicitor Diana Hudson said jobs were few and far between and that, where there were vacancies, employers struggled to find workers with the skills they required.
