Monster Employment Index Rises 6% from 2009

"The Monster Employment Index (MEI) had a monthly rise of one point in March, as employers continued to expand hiring efforts at the end of the first quarter. The annual growth rate in the MEI accelerated in March, with the current online demand level six percent above where it was a year ago.

“We’re encouraged by the positive uptick in the Index in the past two months,” said Jesse Harriott, senior vice president and chief knowledge officer at Monster Worldwide. “The Index results may be a signal that companies intend to start hiring again. While the labor market continues to be challenging for those looking for work, we are encouraged to see early signs of what may be a return to consistent job growth.”

Highlights include:

• New growth in real estate, rental and leasing; and construction industries; public administration and information decline.

• Continued gains in healthcare practitioner occupations, while community and social service; protective service and business edge down.

• Online job demand rises in all of the 28 major metro markets, with Orlando showing strongest monthly gain."