Online job listings can be a good indicator of the current job market. Employment reporter Asa Aarons explains in the following report.

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“The help wanted online series looks at online vacancies across the nation,” explains research director June Shelp. “So we look at online advertising vacancies all across the U.S.”

Trends once gleaned from newspaper classified sections now include the thousands of online job postings. Tracked correctly, these advertisements tell a lot about who's hiring.

“Are they looking for somebody who has a specific trade or a specific skill,” Shelp says. “Do they need a specific certification? Or is there something like a language skill that they’re actually looking for?”

According to The Conference Board, it's good news for those seeking employment. The Employment Trends Index rose in January for the fifth-consecutive month. The index now stands at 93.2, up one percent from December’s 92.3

“The direction is finally up,” says Shelp. “We've see a positive increase in the number of online advertised vacancies, which is a good indicator of labor demands since that’s the way a lot of employers now look for new workers.”

The board found Florida, New York and New Jersey are showing strong signs of more jobs opening up.

And, as has been the case for quite a while, there seems to be potential in all things medical; nurses, physical therapists and physicians assistants are all in high demand.

“The largest increases we’re seeing are in jobs where we saw the largest downturns before,” Shelp says. “So we’re seeing increases in areas like sales. Management is beginning to turn back up. And the financial industry is starting to turn back up.”

To take a look at the numbers, go to conferenceboard.org.