U.S. Adds 146,000 Jobs in November, Unemployment Edges Down to 7.7 Percent

The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced Friday U.S. payrolls increased by 146,000 in November, while the unemployment rate edged down to 7.7 percent. Employment gains were reported in retail trade, professional and business services and healthcare.

A few bright spots behind the employment numbers:

• The unemployment rate for several professional positions in less than half of the national employment rate. For instance, the unemployment rate for professional and related occupations was 3.5 percent in November.
• The unemployment rate for people with bachelor's degrees is 3.8 percent versus the general unemployment rate of 7.7 percent
• There were 3.6 million jobs openings in September 2012, 1.2 million higher than at the end of the recession.

Laguna Niguel Branch Manager, Jennifer Caison of Robert Half International, a staffing and consulting firm said: “We’re seeing a ‘tale of two job markets’ at play. While the general unemployment rate sits at 7.7 percent, we’re seeing strong demand for highly-skilled professionals in the fields of finance and accounting, IT, law, social media, marketing and healthcare. 

"Unemployment rates for professionals within these fields are much lower than the national rate, many of which are less than half of the current rate. In Laguna Niguel specifically, college graduates are highly sought after, particularly those who can help fill the following positions: staff accountants, payroll/HR support specialists, customer service representatives, and marketing/sales support.”