Online job availability rose in four of the Index's 20 industry categories and in six of the 23 occupational categories measured during the month of June. Despite the slight dip overall last month, the Index's year-over-year growth rate held steady at -12 percent, suggesting no further erosion in U.S. online job demand.
"From a seasonal view, the Monster Employment Index's contraction in June was relatively mild and in keeping with historical trends showing a more moderate recruitment environment heading into the slower summer months," said Jesse Harriott, Vice President of Research at Monster Worldwide. "While online hiring activity is clearly less robust than a year ago, an encouraging take-away and potential sign of stability is the fact that the Index's year-over-year growth rate in June remained unchanged from May."
Retail Trade Industry Registers Largest Monthly Increase in Online Job Demand in June
Online labor demand in the retail trade industry jumped sharply in June, rising for the fourth time in five months. The category's mostly upward growth trend correlates with other reports showing recent gains and continued year-over-year growth in retail sales, and may point to growing optimism among retailers that consumers will spend at least a portion of their stimulus checks on purchases over the coming months. The transportation and warehousing; healthcare and social assistance; and management of companies industry categories also edged higher in June.
In contrast, several industry categories registered declines last month, including construction; professional, scientific and technical services; leisure and hospitality; and public administration.
On an annual basis, agriculture and public administration are the two industry categories showing greater online job availability compared to a year ago. Arts, entertainment and recreation; utilities; and finance and insurance have seen the steepest declines in online recruitment activity over the last 12 months.
Management; Personal Care and Service; and Military Specific Occupations See Strongest Gains in Online Job Opportunities in June
Among occupations, personal care and service registered the strongest monthly increase in online job availability in June, while opportunities for management positions also expanded, extending an upward growth trend initiated in April. The Index also showed greater demand for workers in military specific; farming, fishing and forestry; and community and social service professions. Meanwhile, online job availability for healthcare practitioners and technical occupations edged higher on the month as well, extending a four-month growth trend and reflecting continued high demand for skilled healthcare professionals.
In contrast, the office and administrative category registered the steepest decline in online recruitment activity among occupations in June, followed closely by architecture and engineering; and arts, design, entertainment, sports and media. The Index also showed sharply fewer online opportunities in protective service and food preparation and serving compared to the previous month.
On a year-over-year basis, six occupational categories are showing higher demand compared to a year ago. Farming, fishing, and forestry remains the Index's top occupational category in terms of annual growth, followed by military specific; healthcare practitioners and technical; management; and healthcare support. At the opposite end of the spectrum, business and financial operations; computer and mathematical; and architecture and engineering have all seen significant declines in online job availability compared to a year ago.
Online Job Availability Declines in Eight of Nine U.S. Census Bureau Regions in June
During June, online job availability dipped in eight of the nine U.S. Census Bureau regions, with only the East South Central edging higher and the West South Central registering the sharpest drop. Year-over-year, all nine regions are now at lower levels of online job availability compared to a year ago, with the Pacific region showing the greatest annual decline.
At the state level, online job demand fell in 33 of the 50 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia between May and June.
Online Job Availability Declines in 24 of the Top 28 Major U.S. Metro Markets
During June, online recruitment activity eased in 24 of the 28 U.S. metro areas monitored by the Index. Demand held steady from the previous month in four Midwest markets (Cincinnati, Detroit, Kansas City and Pittsburgh), while Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. registered the steepest declines, mostly due to sharply fewer opportunities in the sciences, healthcare and construction.
