Employment Outlook Turns Positive

With the release of its new Employment Outlook report, SimplyHired.com reveals that nationwide job openings increased in May by 3.3 percent over April while job competition remained at three unemployed workers to each job opening.

“This month we’re seeing apositive outlook on the economy from employers, with increased confidence spurring an increase in hiring,” said Gautam Godhwani, CEO of SimplyHired.com. “In addition, as summer heats up, many companies looking for seasonal workers are contributing to positive growth across all metros.”

Of the 50 major metro areas, 49 saw an increase in job openings in May with Albuquerque and Santa Fe leading the group with a 14.2 percent gain; second and third spots when to Greenville (8.4 percent) and Harrisburg (7.1 percent). Job competition remained steady across most regions but increased in Las Vegas, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Raleigh and Durham, and Seattle and Tacoma.

May saw an increase in job openings in 14 of 18 industries with the non-profit industry experiencing the largest growth at 28.5 percent. With summer approaching, hospitality, retail, and travel all increased at rates of 18.3 percent, 10.9 percent, and 5.5 percent, respectively. Over half of all occupation categories saw increased job openings with office and administrative workers leading the pack at 9.5 percent. Doctors, nurses, therapists, and health technicians came in second with a growth of 9.2 percent. The largest decline in job openings was found in the financial sector with jobs for financial specialists and accountants falling 18.6 percent from April.