Unemployment is on the decline

Today’s report on the national employment situation from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) revealed significant job growth throughout October. The United States continued to whittle down unemployment rates, with nonfarm payroll employment rising by 531,000 and several industries driving employment. Let’s dive into the data:

Unemployment by the numbers

At 7.4 million, the number of unemployed people is trending down, but it’s still not as low as it was before the pandemic. In February 2020, the unemployment rate was 3.5%, with 5.7 million out of work. Here’s where we stand today:

  • Overall unemployment: 4.6%
  • Men: 4.3%
  • Women: 4.4%
  • White workers: 4%
  • Asian workers: 4.2%
  • Hispanic workers: 5.9%
  • Black workers: 7.9%

Top jobs this month

Looking to find your next job? Below are the most in-demand jobs on CareerBuilder.

Heavy tractor-trailer truck drivers top our list of most in-demand jobs yet again as consumers turn to online shopping and supply chain issues top headlines. Long-haul trucking isn’t just a job — it’s a lifestyle. If you love the open road and have a commercial driver’s license (or plan to get one), trucking could be right for you.

Browse all 176,690 truck driver jobs.

Check truck driver salaries.

Registered nurses have been in increasingly high demand for years. These medical professionals work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, home healthcare settings and nursing facilities. To become a registered nurse, you’ll need a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program.

Browse all 182,155 registered nurse jobs.

Check registered nurse salaries.

Software and applications developers build the programs that make it possible for you to read this, not to mention all those magical little squares on your phone. If you object to that use of the word “magical,” this job could be right for you. Many workers in this field earn a bachelor’s degree in a technical field.

Browse all 23,054 software developer jobs.

Check software developer salaries.

Customer service representatives are the friendly folks who address customer needs and concerns. Any industry that interacts with the public probably needs customer service representatives, making this a highly popular job. You’ll need a high school diploma (or the equivalent) and top-notch communication skills to succeed in this position.

Browse all 829,507 customer service jobs.

Check customer service representative salaries.

Retail salespeople know what exactly what product or service you need, even before you do. They help customers make smart buying decisions, process payments and attend to other duties as needed. You don’t need any formal education to become a retail salesperson, but you will need excellent communication, organization and time management skills.

Browse all 298,365 retail jobs.

Check retail salaries.

Top industries hiring now

Administrative and support services is an umbrella term covering a wide range of jobs in a variety of workplaces. Whatever line of work you want to try — from clerical positions to sanitation — you’ll find an opportunity in this industry.

Retail trade continues to boom. This industry is all about connecting consumers with merchandise. If you see a future for yourself in sales or marketing, this is the industry for you.

Professional, scientific and technical services workers create and maintain all the gadgets that make our modern professional lives possible. If you use the word “password” as a password, you need not apply. But if you’re a tech-whiz who wants to make an impact, you’ll find meaningful work in this industry.

Health care and social assistance covers a spectrum of jobs that help keep people physically, mentally and socially healthy. If your friends would call you nurturing — and you have an interest in the medical or social sciences — your next job could be in health care and social assistance.

Manufacturing industry workers create goods and products that businesses and consumers need. They usually work in plants, factories or mills, using mechanical, physical or chemical processes to transform materials into products. If you like to work with your hands, know how to operate machinery and have impeccable time management skills, you’ll thrive in this industry.

Tips for finding your next job

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