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88,000 Jobs Added in March as Unemployment Drops Again

By Ashley Rowe on April 5, 2013 in BLS Nonfarm Employment.

Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the US economy added 88,000 jobs in March. Although the jobs added were less than the average of 169,000 per month seen over the past 12 months, this increase in employment brought the unemployment rate down to 7.6%.  Last month marked the lowest unemployment rate seen in the past 4 years, until March's job gains reduced unemployment further.

In March, it was noted that employment continued to grow in professional and business services and healthcare. The professional and business services sector saw 51,000 jobs added last month, the most of any industry sector. Healthcare grew by 23,000 jobs. Employment in retail trade decreased by 24,000.

Along with these preliminary numbers for March, the BLS issued final job gains for February, revising from +236,000 to +268,000 (up 32,000). January numbers were also revised, adding 29,000 jobs from +119,000 jobs to +148,000.

November Hiring Report Beats Expectations, Adding 146,000 Jobs

By Abby Lombardi on December 7, 2012 in BLS Nonfarm Employment.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported today that the US economy added 146,000 jobs in November, a report much better than many estimated. Despite recent events, like Hurricane Sandy and worries of the fiscal cliff, this increase in new jobs dropped unemployment to 7.7%. In addition to initial data for November, employment numbers for September and October were also adjusted to 49,000 fewer than initial reports.

In November, it was noted that employment grew in retail, professional and business services, healthcare, wholesale trade, and leisure and hospitality. The retail sector saw 53,000 jobs added last month, representing more than one-third of job gains. Professional and business services increased by 43,000 and healthcare grew by 20,000. On the other hand, a decline was seen in construction, which lost 20,000 jobs last month. Overall employment in manufacturing was relatively unchanged, although 10,000 jobs were added in motor vehicle manufacturing. Other major sectors, including mining, transportation and warehousing, financial activities, and government remained relatively unchanged.

Along with these preliminary numbers for November, the BLS issued final job gains for September, revising from +148,000 to +132,000 (down 16,000). October numbers were also revised, down an additional 33,000 jobs from +171,000 to +138,000.

Job Growth Slows in August, But Unemployment Still Drops

By Abby Lombardi on September 7, 2012 in BLS Nonfarm Employment.

This morning, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that employment rose by 96,000 jobs in August, falling lower than expected by many economists. This also falls below the monthly average seen so far in 2012 (average of 139,000 jobs gained per month since January 2012). Despite the lower than hoped for numbers, the unemployment rate dropped to 8.1% last month. In addition to initial results for August, employment numbers for June and July were also adjusted, down a combined 41,000 jobs.

Food and drinking places increased employment by 28,000, the most of any industry last month and brought their 12-month job gains total to 298,000. Professional and technical services (+27,000), healthcare (+17,000), utilities(+9,000) and finance and insurance (+11,000) were also noted to have gains last month. However, manufacturing dropped by 15,000, with a significant decline seen in auto manufacturing.

Along with these preliminary numbers for August, the BLS issued final job gains for June, revised from +64,000 to +45,000 (adding 10,000). July numbers were also revised, decreasing by 22,000 jobs from +163,000 to +141,000.

Where Were the Jobs In July?

By Abby Lombardi on August 6, 2012 in Labor Market Dynamics.

Last week's Employment Situation Summary from the BLS was a positive note for the US, adding the most jobs in 5 months. So, we thought it would be a good time to review hiring demand: what jobs were most in-demand during July 2012, where they were located, and what industries are in need of the most workers. Overall, there were about 5 million job ads seen online during July – down slightly from 5.3 million in June and 5.1 million in May. However, this is a 18.5% increase in the number of postings compared to last year. Employers accounted for about 85% of job listings, holding their share of job ads pretty steady so far this year. Staffing firms and recruiting agencies posted about 15% of the job openings.

Below are the 10 metropolitan areas that had the most job ads online during July, all of which experienced year-over-year increases in the number of ads. Again, New York had the highest hiring demand with 287,000 available online postings. Los Angeles, Washington (DC), Chicago, and Boston rounded out the top 5 cities. However, Houston saw the greatest growth compared to July of 2011, growing hiring demand by 34%. Interestingly, Dallas experienced the second highest increase in demand at about 26%.

10 Metropolitan Areas with the Most Available Job Ads during July 2012

10 Cities with the Most Job Ads in July 2012

Source: WANTED Analytics

The following chart shows the 10 occupations with the highest number of online job listings during July. Registered Nurses were the most in-demand, with about 241,000 postings and a 15% year-over-year growth. However, Food Preparation Workers still saw the highest year-over-year growth, just edging out Retail Salespersons. Not surprisingly, technology jobs were also in high demand, with 4 of the below being computer related.

10 Most Demanded Occupations in the US during July 2012

10 Most In-Demand Occupations in July 2012

Source: WANTED Analytics

Since Registered Nurses were the most in-demand occupation during July, we see 2 healthcare related industries with high ad volumes: General Medical & Surgical Hospitals and Offices of Physicians. Also, in a sign that schools will be back in session, Educational organizations appear on this list. In addition, Office Supply & Stationary Stores saw the highest growth as many people are buying those "back to school" supplies.

10 Industries with the Most Job Ads during July 2012

10 Industries with the Most Job Ads during July 2012

Source: WANTED Analytics

Do any of these cities, occupations, or industries surprise you?

What jobs did you recruit for in July? Find out how in-demand they were and how how difficult to fill they are likely to be with a free trial of WANTED Analytics!

What You Need to Know: The 50 Most Wanted Certifications

By Carolyn Menz on April 22, 2012 in WANTED Analytics.

Yesterday we shared a list of the top 50 skills that employers most commonly request.  Today we thought we'd take a look at the top 50 certifications that are most commonly required.

1. Certified Registered Nurse (RN, RNC) 26. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
2. Certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) 27. EPA Standards (EPA)
3. Basic Life Support (BLS) 28. Pharmacy Technician (PT)
4. Commercial Driver's License (CDL) 29. Home Health Aide (HHA)
5. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) 30. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
6. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) 31. American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
7. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) 32. Project Management Institute (PMI)
8. Board Certified (BC) 33. Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (CFNP)
9. First Aid Certification 34. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
10. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) 35. Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC)
11. Project Management Professional (PMP) 36. Pediatric Nurse (PN)
12. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) 37. Medical Technologist (MT)
13. Long Term Care (LTC) 38. Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
14. Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP) 39. Early Childhood Education (ECE)
15. Medical Assistant (MA) 40. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
16. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) 41. Ambulatory Care (AC)
17. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) 42. Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
18. Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) 43. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
19. Cisco Network Associate (CCNA) 44. Histotechnician Certificate (ASCP)
20. Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) 45. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
21. Board Eligible (BE) 46. General Securities Representative Exam (Series 7)
22. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) 47. Engineer-In-Training (EIT)
23. Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information Clearance (TS SCI) 48. Paramedic, Emergency Medical Services and Trauma System (EMT)
24. Special Education (SPED) 49. Certified Coding Specialist
25. Esthetician and Cosmetology License (ECL) 50. Food Safety Programs (HACCP)

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Despite a Drop in Unemployment, Job Growth Slowed in March

By Abby Lombardi on April 6, 2012 in BLS Nonfarm Employment.

This morning, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that employment rose by 120,000 jobs in March. The unemployment rate dropped to 8.2% with an estimated 12.7 million people unemployed in the US. This falls significantly below expectations that 203,000 jobs would have been added. In addition to initial March results, January and February employment numbers were also adjusted, adding just 2,000 jobs combined.

Once again, the private sector accounted for job gains last month, while the public sector was almost unchanged, losing 1,000 jobs. Within the private sector, 121,000 jobs were gained, with manufacturing, food services and drinking places, and healthcare industries seeing significant growth. Manufacturing rose by 37,000 and specifically noted that motor vehicle and parts manufacturing increased by 12,000. Other industries with gains included financial services (+15,000) and professional and business services (+31,000). However, the retail trade industry saw another month of declines, shedding 34,000 jobs mostly due to losses in general merchandise stores. Construction also dropped 7,000 for the second month in a row, while mining, transportation, and information were relatively unchanged.

Along with the preliminary report for March, the BLS issued its final estimate of job gains for January to 275,000 jobs, down from last month's revised 284,000. The preliminary estimate for February was also adjusted, increasing 13,000 to 240,000 jobs gained.

Employment Grows More than Expected in January, with 243,000 Jobs Added

By Abby Lombardi on February 3, 2012 in BLS Nonfarm Employment.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported this morning that employment rose by 243,000 jobs in January. The unemployment rate also dipped for the fifth month in a row to 8.3%. This beat economist's expectations that unemployment would actually rise. In addition to initial January results, November and December employment numbers were also adjusted, adding another 60,000 jobs.

The private sector once again accounted for job gains during January, while the public sector dropped 12,000. These job losses were seen at the local and state levels (except education) and by the US Postal Service. Within the private sector, 257,000 jobs were gained in January. The largest increases were seen in professional and business services (+70,000), leisure and hospitality (+44,000), and manufacturing (+50,000). Other industries seeing growth last month were health care, retail, construction, and mining. However, it was noted that employment in the information industry declined, mainly from the loss of jobs in the motion picture and sound recording industry.

Along with the preliminary report for January, the BLS issued its final estimate of job gains for November to 157,000 jobs, up from last month's revised 100,000. December's preliminary estimate was also adjusted up 3,000 to 203,000 jobs gained. These revised numbers bring the total number of jobs added to the US economy to 1.82 million jobs in 2011, nearly twice as many as were seen in 2010.

Unemployment Rate Drops Again, With 200,000 Jobs Added in December

By Abby Lombardi on January 6, 2012 in BLS Nonfarm Employment.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported this morning that employment rose by 200,000 jobs in December. The unemployment rate dipped for the fourth month in a row to 8.5%, the lowest it has been since February 2009.  During 2011, a total of 1.6 million jobs were added, up from 940,000 in 2010. The national unemployment rate averaged 8.9% during 2011, also better than in 2010 when it averaged 9.6%.

The private sector once again accounted for job gains during December, while the public sector dropped 12,000. Through all of 2011, the government sector accounted for 280,000 job losses. Within the private sector, 212,000 jobs were gained in December, bringing the 2011 total to 1.9 million jobs added. Gains were seen in the transportation and warehousing, retail, manufacturing, health care, mining, and construction industries. The transportation and warehousing industries added the most jobs in December, gaining 50,000. It was also noted that the retail industry increased employment by 240,000 jobs over the past 12 months, and healthcare added 315,000 last year.

Along with the preliminary report for December, the BLS also issued its final estimate of job gains for October to 112,000 jobs, up from last month's revised 100,000. November's preliminary estimate, however, declined from 120,000 to 100,000 jobs gained.

Unemployment Drops Below 9% with 120,000 Jobs Added in November

By Abby Lombardi on December 2, 2011 in BLS Nonfarm Employment.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported this morning that employment rose by 120,000 jobs in November, about 10,000 more than economists predicted. Unemployment rate dipped again to 8.6%, the lowest it has been in the past two and a half years.  Job gains for September and October were also revised, adding another 72,000 jobs combined.

The private sector once again saw job gains, while Federal, state, and local government payrolls continued to decline, down another 20,000 in November. Much of the government job losses were seen from the US Postal Service, which cut 5,000 jobs during November. Within the private sector, 140,000 jobs were gained with the retail industry accounting for more than 1/3 of private sector job gains. Other industries that saw employment growth included the transportation, professional & business services, leisure & hospitality, and health care industries. Temporary hiring – often seen as an indicator of future permanent hiring – saw increases again in November. However, construction, manufacturing, and mining jobs slipped.

Along with the preliminary report for September, the BLS also issued its final estimate of job gains for September to 210,000 jobs, up from last month's revised 158,000. October's preliminary estimate was also adjusted with an additional gain of 20,000. Originally reported with 80,000 jobs added, it is now estimated at 100,000 jobs gained with one more revision scheduled.

Unemployment Rate Drops as October's Job Gains Are Lower Than Expected

By Abby Lombardi on November 4, 2011 in BLS Nonfarm Employment.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics today reported that employment rose by 80,000 jobs in October, the lowest gain of the past 4 months. As this report falls below projections, stocks slumped at this morning's opening. Despite the disappointment, the unemployment rate dipped slightly in October, the first time since July.  Job gains for July and August were also revised, adding another 102,000 jobs combined.

The private sector saw job gains of 104,000, while Federal, state, and local government payrolls continued to decline, down another 24,000 in October. Government job losses were seen at the state level, mostly from the non-educational components. Within the private sector, job growth was noted in professional and business services, leisure and hospitality, health care, mining, and retail. Employment in the construction sector declined, erasing the gains seen during September. Other private industry sectors, including manufacturing, were relatively flat.

Along with the preliminary report for September, the BLS issued its final estimate of job gains for August to 104,000 jobs, up from its revised estimate of 57,000. September's preliminary estimate was also revised from a 103,000 to 158,000 jobs added.

The unemployment rate dropped slightly to 9%.

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