Monster Employment Index Dips Slightly in September

October 13, 2009 – The Monster Employment Index, a monthly analysis of millions of online job opportunities culled from a large, representative selection of corporate career sites and job boards, edged downward in September after a significant rise in late summer recruitment activity during August. Over the year, the Index fell 25 percent largely unchanged from last month's pace. Online labor demand in the mining, quarrying and oil/gas extraction industry increased in September, rising for the third consecutive month. Recent rises in energy and commodity prices may have contributed to accelerated hiring in the sector. Meanwhile, construction continued its steady rise, mirroring reports that the housing market has reached a bottom. Online demand in the manufacturing and administrative/support and waste management industries remained stable in September, while arts, entertainment, and recreation registered the sharpest percentage decline on the month among industries, followed by public administration. By region, Boston has seen the highest rise among metro markets. “Despite recent improvements in economic sentiment, U.S. employers continue to exhibit caution when it comes to hiring,” said Jesse Harriott, senior vice president and chief knowledge officer at Monster Worldwide. “On the upside, demand for workers is firming in the blue-collar segment, with welcome signs of revived activity in construction and manufacturing.”