Monster Job Index:April Growth Highest Since 2007

The Monster Employment Index rose eight points in April as a number of industries initiated springtime recruitment efforts. The annual growth rate in the Monster Index was 11 percent in April, the highest rate of increase since July 2007 (see chart above).

“The positive momentum in the Index is consistent with other economic indicators suggesting that we may be in the early stages of an economic recovery,” said Jesse Harriott, senior vice president and chief knowledge officer at Monster Worldwide. “While most industries and occupations are showing increased demand for workers, public administration remains muted and below seasonal expectations as several state and local governments continue to face budgetary pressures.”

Highlights of the April report include:

1. Online job availability rose in 17 of the Monster Index’s 20 industry sectors and in 21 of the 23 occupational categories covered.

2. Demand for employment rose in all U.S. Census Bureau regions, with the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions showing the highest gains in April, both increasing 11 percent from March.