According to the latest job posting data there are several large metropolitan areas with a higher than average ratio of online ads per 100 persons in the labor force. The national average is 1.62 per 100. The above average metro areas include the following:
- San Diego (3.96)
- San Francisco (3.90)
- San Jose (3.84)
- Seattle-Tacoma (3.68)
- Boston (3.53)
- Detroit (0.81)
While the report did not specify the type of jobs, nor did the study evaluate the quality of those postings, it's clear that the top metro areas are also high technology centers. It seems likely that a higher percentage of these postings require technology skills. A summary of The Conference Board Help-Wanted OnLine Data Series is available for review.
The findings in this analysis were confirmed by the Monster Local Employment Index (pdf) for September which reported that online job postings in the greater Boston area are at an all-time high "driven by elevated demand for workers in business, financial and creative services."
While new online job postings are up between seven percent (Monster) and 20 percent (Conference Board) from the same time last year, not all is rosy on the job front. The Chief Executives' Confidence Measure, for example, is at its lowest level in nearly five years. The survey of 100 business leaders from a wide range of industries reveals expectations for a lackluster pace of growth from now into the beginning months of 2007, but growth none-the-less.
While Boston might be a much better place to look for work than Detroit, finding a quality job that matches your skill set could be a challenge. If you are in the job market because you are either on a losing team or are currently a free agent, perhaps you need to acquire some new skills during the off season. For a thorough evaluation of the technology skills most in demand in the free agent market, review Boston Market -- 4th Quarter, 2006.
