SimplyHired, today released its August 2012 Employment Outlook, which reports a 4.5 percent increase in nationwide job openings month-over-month and a 9.9 percent increase year-over-year. Nationwide job competition remained at a ratio of three unemployed persons for every one job opening. The August 2012 Employment Outlook highlights the job industry and employer trends in national and regional U.S. markets.

"With nationwide job openings increasing for the third month in a row, we see an improved outlook for those who are unemployed," said Gautam Godhwani, co-founder and CEO of Simply Hired. "While there is uncertainty with the nation's slow growing economy and whether the Federal Reserve may stimulate it in the coming months, it's clear that companies across the U.S. are looking to hire in the meantime."

Job openings increase in Top 50 major metros 
For the second month in a row, job openings increased in all 50 of the major metros. Grand Rapids (9%) and Cleveland & Akron and Salt Lake City (both 8%, respectively) experienced the largest increases. Metro area job competition also improved slightly for job seekers in Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, and Houston.

Job openings increase in three-quarters of all industries
Job openings increased in 14 of 18 industries in July, with hospitality (11%) and non-profit (9%) showing the largest amount of growth. Industries that decreased in job openings include retail (-6%), construction, media and manufacturing (all -2%, respectively).

Law enforcement, fire and safety jobs increase
Occupations experiencing the largest growth in job openings were law enforcement, fire and safety (15.8%) and engineers (excluding computer) (14.1%). The only occupation experiencing a decline month-over-month was educators (-2%). In addition, the nation's top hiring companies continue to be healthcare-related, followed by technology and financial companies.