Monster Employment Index Shows Improved U.S. Online Jobs Demand

May 7, 2010 – The Monster Employment Index (MEI), a monthly analysis of millions of online job opportunities culled from a large, representative selection of corporate career sites and job boards, rose eight points in April as a number of industries initiated springtime recruitment efforts. The annual growth rate further accelerated, rising by 11 percent, the highest rate of increase since July 2007. “The positive momentum in the Index is consistent with other economic indicators suggesting that we may be in the early stages of an economic recovery,” said Jesse Harriott, senior vice president and chief knowledge officer at Monster Worldwide. “While most industries and occupations are showing increased demand for workers, public administration remains muted and below seasonal expectations as several state and local governments continue to face budgetary pressures.” Mining, quarrying, oil and gas registered the largest gain among industries in April, as online demand jumped to its highest level in 18 months. Overall online demand for workers rose in 21 of 23 occupational categories in April, with personal care, social service, and construction occupations registering the largest gains on a month-over-month basis. In contrast, demand fell in the military specific category, offsetting the expansion in hiring activity for public sector-related community and social service, and protective service workers.