Online Employment Index Reached New Heights in May

The monthly Monster Worldwide employment index rose for the fourth straight month in May to its highest level since November 2008.

The employment index, which is an analysis of U.S. online job demand, rose to 134 points in May, an increase from 133 in April. According to Reuters, the May number is the highest year-over-year growth rate since its peak in April 2007.

“The sustained expansion of job opportunities, especially in some large industries, is encouraging,” said Jesse Harriott, senior vice president and chief knowledge officer at Monster Worldwide.

“While some of this increase can be attributed to seasonality, the notable improvement in annual growth rate is the highest since April 2007 and reflects a better job market heading into the summer months compared to this time last year,” he said.

The biggest rise in online job demand in May came in the healthcare and social assistance industries. The biggest decline came in the accommodation industry and food services.