Monster.com reports that online job demand hit a sudden surge in November, a spike the company believes reflects employer confidence in the strength of the US economy. The company said the upward momentum of job opportunities posted online may also indicate a forthcoming period of expansion.
The Monster Employment Index jumped six points from October from 143 to 149, the highest level since its inception, demonstrating broad growth in online recruitment. The monthly index saw the year’s lowest point in December 2004, when numbers reached 113.
The largest upswing in recruitment was in the construction, wholesale trade and retail trade industry. This trend is thought to reflect staffing to support the upcoming holiday season. Demand for workers in Louisiana and Texas also spikes, especially in construction, most likely due to post-hurricane reconstruction and relief efforts.
In the IT sectors, computer and mathematics professionals continued an upward trend, and due to a shortage of experienced technicians during a high demand season, the utilities sector also saw a surge.
“The Monster Employment Index’s sharp rise in November reflects heightened staffing needs in the retail and wholesale trade industries for the year-end holiday season, but also suggests that U.S. businesses are more confident about the strength of the economy and are actively hiring in anticipation of further expansion in 2006,” said Steve Pogorzelski, Group President, International at Monster Worldwide.
According to the US Census Bureau, 34 states registered increases of varying degrees in November with California, Connecticut, Delaware, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas among those seeing the sharpest gains.
To obtain a full copy of the Monster Employment Index report for November 2005, including all charts and tables, click here for the PDF.
