Monster Online Employment Up in 22 Cities

New York, NY, October 19, 2007--Online job availability rose in 22 of the top 28 U.S. metro markets in September, reflecting a modest rise in online recruitment activity across a majority of major U.S. markets, according to the Monster Local Employment Index. The Index is based on a real-time review of millions of employer job opportunities culled from more than 1,500 different Web sites, including Monster(R).

"The September findings of the Monster Local Employment Index demonstrate a slight pick-up in online recruitment activity across a majority of the nation's largest metro areas," said Steve Pogorzelski, executive vice president.

"Online job availability remains up on the year in most markets, but is generally growing at a slower pace, suggesting loosening labor market conditions across the country."

Cincinnati, Detroit and Pittsburgh registered the strongest rate of increase in online job demand in September. Online opportunities in management; architecture and engineering; and computer and mathematical occupations surged in Cincinnati and Detroit last month. The healthcare industry also contributed, with the healthcare practitioners and technical category increasing more than any other category in Cincinnati last month, while in Detroit, the category is up 15% year-over-year.

Online job availability also rose in Denver last month, continuing a three-month upward growth trend and bringing the Index for Denver to a near-record annual growth pace following a summertime slump. The increase in September was largely driven by higher local demand for education and skilled healthcare professionals. 

Online job demand in St. Louis edged up two percent during September, solidifying its rank as the fourth strongest Index market.

Following a sharp housing-driven slowdown in the first half of the year, online recruitment activity in Phoenix recovered over the summer months, and edged up further in September.