Monster Employment Index Drops in May Following April's Minor Increase

May 2009 Index
Highlights:

• The
  Index decreased by 2 points in May, falling back slightly from the
  seasonally-elevated level seen in April.


• The annual pace of
  decline for the Index has seemingly leveled off. While the underlying labor
  demand does not appear to be further deteriorating, the current level is not
  sufficient to prevent additional rises in unemployment.
  


• The majority of
  industries and occupations exhibited decreased online recruitment activity, but
  opportunities were up in education. A number of blue-collar sectors and
  occupations were relatively stable.


• All geographical
  regions and 14 of 28 major metropolitan markets exhibited less recruitment
  activity on the month. Demand eased to a surprisingly small degree in
  the Pacific on account of steady recruitment conditions in California. Conditions
  cooled the most in the East South Central, led by Mississippi.