“Although the Monster Employment Index experienced a mild decline in May, there are emerging signs of stability in the hiring market. The Index has remained within a four-point band since January and the annual pace of decline seems to have leveled off,” said Jesse Harriott, senior vice president and chief knowledge officer at Monster Worldwide. “While demand has eased across most sectors of the economy, industries such as education, retail and public administration are providing some bright spots.”
Educational Services Industry Registered Largest Monthly Increase in Online Job Demand in May
Educational services, retail trade and public administration were the only three industry categories to register an increase in online job availability in May. Demand for educational services reached its highest level this year possibly amid still-robust private-sector job creation and increased funding from the government for workforce retraining purposes.
The retail trade industry also registered a rise, though overall demand in this industry has remained relatively muted this year as employers are waiting for real signs of a turnaround in consumer confidence and spending before making significant staffing additions.
In contrast, the utilities industry saw the most dramatic decline on the month, while construction and accommodation and food services registered more modest decreases.
On an annual basis, public administration remains the only sector outside farming showing increased demand, helping offset sustained weakness in the private sector.
Online Job Opportunities for Education and Food Preparation Occupations Increased while Construction and Military Specific Fell in May
Education, training and library showed the highest rate of growth in online job availability among occupational categories in May, in line with the rise in the overall educational services industry. Elsewhere, both food preparation and serving and building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations experienced a three-point rise in the Index. The modest rise in demand for cleaning and maintenance staff aligns with historic seasonal hiring patterns observed in the late spring.
Meanwhile, military specific experienced a 13-point decline due to reduced demand from both private and public sector employers for this category. Blue-collar occupations like construction and production saw little change on a month-to-month basis.
Farming, fishing and forestry was the only occupational category showing a positive online job availability compared to a year ago.
Online Job Availability Fell in All Nine U.S. Census Bureau Regions in May
Online job demand fell in all nine U.S. Census Bureau regions in May. Mid-Atlantic and Pacific experienced the mildest declines among the regions.
All nine regions were also down year-over-year, with the East South Central and South Atlantic regions registering the most moderate annual contraction.
At the state level, Arizona, Delaware, Kansas, and Montana were the only states to show an increase in online job offerings in May.
Nineteen of the Top 28 Major U.S. Metro Markets Register Declines in May
Kansas City registered the largest monthly increase among the major metro markets for the second consecutive month largely due to an increase in online demand for business/finance, science, IT, and healthcare professionals. Several of California’s large metro markets -- San Francisco, San Diego and Sacramento -- also saw continued incremental expansion in online opportunities. Los Angeles maintained April levels.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Cincinnati and Detroit experienced the most notable declines amid sharply reduced demand for blue-collar occupations.
Year-over-year, all 28 metro markets registered a negative annual growth rate with Pittsburgh exhibiting the most moderate rate of decline.
