Online Job Demand Rises in Majority of Top 28 U.S. Metro Markets in March

NEW YORK - According to the latest findings of the Monster Local Employment Index, online job availability increased in 22 of the 28 top U.S. metropolitan areas in March, as online job demand for workers continued to rise across the vast majority of major U.S. markets.

During the past month, seven metropolitan markets showed strong growth in overall online job demand while 15 others saw a slight-to-moderate rise. Denver grew by 6 points during March, while Phoenix increased by four points and Dallas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Seattle, and Tampa all rose three points. Fifteen markets increased between one and two points each, three markets were flat for the month, and three markets showed a decrease in online job availability.

Metro areas in the western and southern regions of the country experienced the strongest growth, reflecting higher employer demand for workers in the Mountain region. Specifically, the Index measured strong demand for sales, finance and accounting occupations in those markets during March.

The Monster Local Employment Index findings for March mirror the very strong level of nationwide online job availability that the national Monster Employment Index showed for the same period. The broad growth in employer demand measured across nearly all of the top cities in the country is another positive sign of U.S. labor market strength in the first quarter of 2006, said Steve Pogorzelski, Group President, International at Monster Worldwide. The Index is also showing a greater number of online opportunities within the business and healthcare sectors, which are key indicators of the health of the U.S. economy.

During March, all 28 markets registered continued growth in online job availability in food preparation and serving occupations, reflecting a seasonal spike in hiring demand for hospitality workers and strong, continued momentum in the restaurant industry. Since the inception of the Index 11 months ago, food preparation and serving occupations have seen above-average growth in an overwhelming majority of the top 28 markets. During March, Pittsburgh registered the largest rate of increase in online job availability in the hospitality and food services categories, followed by Minneapolis and Tampa. However, over the past 11 months, Phoenix, Miami and Seattle have seen the largest growth rate for hospitality and food service workers.

Additionally, all markets tracked saw an increase in online recruitment for protective service occupations during March, suggesting that the demand for law enforcement and homeland security personnel remains elevated.

Healthcare support occupations exhibited continued strength during last month as online recruitment activity in the category intensified in 24 of the top 28 metro areas. Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland and Indianapolis posted the largest month-to-month rates of increase during March.

Online job availability for business and financial operations occupations also rose or held steady in 26 of the top 28 markets, mirroring national findings of strong employer demand for general business positions and increased job opportunities among financial services providers. Twenty-six markets also showed increased or continued strength in demand for sales and related occupations, suggesting further local business expansion amid a more positive business outlook.