Simply Hired®, the leading search engine for jobs and recruitment advertising network, today released its September job trends report highlighting national and local market outlooks, and industry and employer trends.
National Jobs Outlook Signals Optimism
Overall, job openings are up 7.7 percent since August 2010, and have increased by a remarkable 93.2 percent since September 2009. Nationally, there are three unemployed persons per every job opening. The top hiring companies nationwide include IBM, Yum! Brands (parent company of KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut), the U.S. Air Force, Staples and Home Depot.
“The increase we’ve seen is due largely to seasonal hiring,” said Gautam Godhwani, co-founder and chief executive officer, Simply Hired. “While unemployment is reported to be higher than expected, this 7.7 percent growth indicates that there are certain types of jobs available. Recovery from the recession is slow, but we are seeing a steady upward movement.”
Metros Improving after National Crises
Detroit and New Orleans reported the highest monthly job growth of the 50 most populous metro areas. These growths reflect gradual recovery from the distressed automotive industry and Hurricane Katrina, respectively. In spite of this, Detroit is still the toughest market for job seekers, with six unemployed persons per every job opening.
Baltimore, Boston, Washington, D.C. and West Palm Beach are the least competitive metro areas to find work, each with one job opening for every job seeker. Major metro areas in California and Florida, such as Los Angeles, Miami and Orlando, are some of the most competitive metros for job seekers--with four to six unemployed persons per every job opening.
Healthcare and University Hiring on Top
Healthcare and related organizations showed strong nationwide hiring, with one or more healthcare businesses ranking in the top five in most major metros surveyed. Major metros with a large university, including New York, Seattle, Portland and Boston, are also seeing significant hiring.
“While 3.4 percent growth in job openings may seem low, healthcare hiring is steady,” said Godhwani. “Hospitals are hiring everywhere. There’s a constant need for healthcare professionals like registered nurses and physical therapists, especially now as Baby Boomers get older.”
Legal Workers in Demand
The legal industry posted a 4.8 percent decrease in jobs, but legal occupations had the third-largest month-over-month growth at 18.6 percent. The notable difference between industry and occupation growth indicates a high demand for legal workers outside of law firms. Legal hiring is expected to continue increasing through year end.
