Manpower Employment Outlook Survey: United States - Q3, 2007

Q3 2007
Manpower
Employment
Outlook Survey
United States
A Manpower Research Report

Q3/07
Manpower Employment Outlook Survey United States
Contents
United States Employment Outlook 1

Regional Comparisons
Sector Comparisons
Global Employment Outlook 13

International Comparisons – Americas
International Comparisons – Asia Pacific
International Comparisons – EMEA
About the Survey 20
About Manpower 21
United States Employment Outlook
More than 14,000 interviews Among the U.S. employers surveyed, 29% foresee an
increase in hiring activity, and 7% expect a decline in
have been conducted with staff levels during Quarter 3 2007. Fifty-eight percent
anticipate no change in the hiring pace, while 6% are
employers across the undecided about their July – September hiring plans.
United States to measure According to the seasonally adjusted survey results, the
anticipated employment Quarter 3 hiring pace is expected to remain unchanged
from the April – June period. This stability comes after
trends between July and three consecutive quarters of slight declines in employer
September 2007. confidence levels. This trend is apparent in the year-
over-year comparison, which shows that employers
All participants were asked, were slightly more optimistic about staffing plans one
“How do you anticipate year ago.
total employment at your Please note that throughout this report, the figure used
in all graphs is the ‘‘Net Employment Outlook’’. This
location to change in the figure is derived by taking the percentage of employers
anticipating an increase in hiring activity and subtracting
three months to the end from this the percentage of employers that expect to
of September 2007 as see a decrease in employment at their location in the
next quarter.
compared to the current
quarter?”
Net Employment Seasonally
Increase Decrease No Change Don’t Know
Outlook Adjusted
% % % % % %
3rd Quarter 2007 29 7 58 6 22 18
2nd Quarter 2007 28 7 59 6 21 18
1st Quarter 2007 23 11 60 6 12 19
4th Quarter 2006 28 8 58 6 20 20
3rd Quarter 2006 31 6 57 6 25 21
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Seasonally Adjusted Outlook Net Employment Outlook
The results of the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey in the United States include Puerto Rico.
1
Employers in six of the 10 industry sectors surveyed Employers in most industries are less inclined to add
anticipate relatively stable hiring activity compared to staff than they were a year ago at this time. Hiring plans
three months ago, according to the seasonally adjusted have tapered off in the Construction, Wholesale/Retail
survey results. This includes employers in Construction, Trade and Finance/Insurance/Real Estate sectors. To a
Durable and Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing, lesser degree, hiring is also expected to slow down in
Transportation/Public Utilities, Finance/Insurance/Real the Durable Goods Manufacturing, Services and Public
Estate and Services. Education employers are the only Administration sectors. Employers in Non-Durable
group anticipating a slightly more positive hiring trend in Goods Manufacturing, Transportation/Public Utilities
Quarter 3 versus Quarter 2 2007. Those in the Mining, and Education are as optimistic about hiring for the
Wholesale/Retail Trade and Public Administration summer months of 2007 as they were one year ago,
sectors foresee more modest hiring activity for the while Mining employers forecast improved hiring plans.
coming quarter.

Outlook Adjusted
% % % % % %
Construction 36 7 53 4 29 16
Education 27 11 57 5 16 17
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate 22 6 67 5 16 16
Manufacturing ñ Durables 30 9 56 5 21 18
Manufacturing – Non-Durables 29 8 58 5 21 18
Mining 31 5 55 9 26 24
Public Administration 24 7 61 8 17 14
Services 30 6 59 5 24 20
Transportation & Public Utilities 26 6 61 7 20 18
Wholesale & Retail Trade 30 7 57 6 23 17
At the overall national level, the margin of error on the data is +/– 0.8%.
Compared to the April – June period, employers in the A comparison of regional hiring activity shows that
Midwest and South expect to maintain a similar hiring employers in the West predict the most rapid hiring
pace for Quarter 3. Those in the Northeast anticipate pace, while those in the Northeast report the country’s
slightly weaker labor market conditions in the next most conservative hiring plans.
three months, while a slightly improved hiring pace
is predicted for the West.

Outlook Adjusted
% % % % % %
Midwest 27 7 61 5 20 16
Northeast 27 8 59 6 19 15
South 29 7 59 5 22 19
West 36 8 48 8 28 24
2
Regional Comparisons Hiring intentions are varied among Midwest employers
in the 10 industry sectors surveyed. Education and
Midwest +20 (16)% Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing employers report
improved job prospects for Quarter 3, while those
Twenty-seven percent of employers in the Midwest plan
in Construction, Durable Goods Manufacturing,
to increase staff levels, while 7% foresee a decline in
Transportation/Public Utilities and Services foresee
payrolls, which results in a solid Net Employment
little change in the hiring pace. Wholesale/Retail Trade,
Outlook of +20%. According to the seasonally adjusted
Finance/Insurance/Real Estate, Public Administration
data, hiring activity is expected to be similar to Quarter 2
and Mining employers anticipate weaker hiring trends.
projections, but slightly slower than it was one year ago.

Outlook Adjusted
% % % % % %
All Industries 27 7 61 5 20 16
Education 23 11 60 6 12 15
Manufacturing – Durables 29 10 57 4 19 16
Mining 0 0 100 0 0 -11
Services 25 6 64 5 19 15
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The Midwest Region comprises the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South
Dakota, Wisconsin.
3
Northeast +19 (15)% In a quarter-over-quarter comparison, employer sentiment

in six of the 10 industry sectors is less optimistic.
In the Northeast, 27% of employers intend to increase This includes the Construction, Wholesale/Retail Trade,
the hiring pace, while 8% expect to decrease staff Finance/Insurance/Real Estate, Services, Public
levels, thus the Net Employment Outlook is a respectable Administration and Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing
+19%. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the survey sectors. The hiring pace is expected to remain unchanged
results indicate a moderate decrease in employer in the Durable Goods Manufacturing and Transportation/
confidence regarding hiring, a decline that positions the Public Utilities sectors, while Education and Mining
Northeast as the region with the weakest hiring plans. employers anticipate stronger demand for staff.

Outlook Adjusted
% % % % % %
Education 22 8 68 2 14 16
Mining 25 0 75 0 25 35
Services 27 6 63 4 21 15
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The Northeast Region comprises the following states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island, Vermont.
4
South +22 (19)% Hiring intentions are stable compared to Quarter 2 in the
Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing, Services and Public
In the South, 29% of employers surveyed anticipate an Administration sectors. Employers are slightly less
uptick in payrolls during the July – September period, optimistic about their staffing plans for Quarter 3 in the
while 7% plan to reduce staff levels, resulting in a healthy Mining, Durable Goods Manufacturing, Wholesale/Retail
Net Employment Outlook of +22%. When seasonal Trade, Finance/Insurance/Real Estate and Education
variations are removed from the data, the employment sectors. A more noticeable slow down in hiring is
picture is relatively stable in the South versus Quarter 2. anticipated for the Construction and
However, a year-over-year comparison reveals a cooling Transportation/Public Utilities sectors.
trend, as employer confidence levels are weaker for
Quarter 3 2007.

Outlook Adjusted
% % % % % %
Education 32 11 53 4 21 20
Mining 27 7 57 9 20 19
Services 31 7 57 5 24 22
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The South Region comprises the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland,
Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia.
5
West +28 (24)% Among the 10 sectors surveyed, increased optimism

about hiring is reported by those in the Construction,
Thirty-six percent of employers surveyed in the West Finance/Insurance/Real Estate, Durable and Non-
are likely to increase staff levels, while 8% expect to Durable Goods Manufacturing, Transportation/Public
trim payrolls during Quarter 3. This creates a robust Net Utilities, Education and Services. The hiring pace is
Employment Outlook of +28%. According to seasonally expected to soften in the Wholesale/Retail Trade,
adjusted survey results, the hiring pace is expected to be Mining and Public Administration sectors.
up slightly from Quarter 2 and on par with expectations
from one year ago. Employers in the West express the
strongest hiring intentions when compared with the
three other regions surveyed.

Outlook Adjusted
% % % % % %
Education 31 15 49 5 16 20
Mining 50 0 36 14 50 43
Services 41 7 44 8 34 30
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The West Region comprises the following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah,
Washington, Wyoming.
6
Sector Comparisons
According to seasonally adjusted survey data, employers
in the Mining sector express the most confidence about
hiring prospects for Quarter 3 2007. Services employers
anticipate solid hiring plans while employer confidence
is more modest in the Durable and Non-Durable Goods
Manufacturing, Transportation/Public Utilities, Wholesale/
Retail Trade, Construction, Finance/Insurance/Real Estate
and Education sectors. Public Administration employers
are the least optimistic about their third quarter hiring
plans, as compared with the other sectors.
Construction 29
16
16
Education
17
16
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate
16
21
Manufacturing – Durables
18
21
Manufacturing – Non-Durables
18
26
Mining 24
17
Public Administration 14
24
Services 20
20
Transportation & Public Utilities 18
23
Wholesale & Retail Trade 17
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Net Employment Outlook Seasonally Adjusted Outlook
7
Construction +29 (16)%

After five quarters of decline, the hiring pace in the
Construction sector is expected to stabilize. According
to seasonally adjusted data, employer hiring intentions
for the July through September period are expected to
be identical to Quarter 2. However, year-over-year
comparisons show a moderate decline in staffing plans.
The strongest job prospects are reported in the

Northeast, while employers in the Midwest express the
weakest hiring intentions.
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Education +16 (17)%

Employer optimism in the Education sector for the July
through September period is slightly stronger than in
Quarter 2, according to seasonally adjusted survey results.
Hiring plans for Quarter 3 2007 are similar to a year ago at
this time.
Job seekers are likely to find the most promising job
prospects in the West and South and the weakest hiring
plans among employers in the Midwest.
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8
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate
+16 (16)%
The hiring pace in the Finance/Insurance/Real Estate
sector for the July through September period is expected
to be similar to Quarter 2, according to seasonally
adjusted survey data. However, hiring expectations
are moderately weaker than a year ago at this time
and have trended downward since Quarter 4 2006.
Those seeking Finance/Insurance/Real Estate jobs are

likely to find the strongest employment activity in the
West, and employers in the Northeast to be more
reserved about adding staff than any other region.
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Manufacturing – Durable Goods

+21 (18)%
For the July – September period, Durable Goods
Manufacturers expect hiring activity similar to Quarter 2,
according to seasonally adjusted survey results. Employer
optimism, which started to soften in early 2007, is slightly
weaker than a year ago at this time.
Employers in the West report the strongest job prospects,

while those in the Midwest have the weakest hiring
intentions.
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Manufacturing – Non-Durable Goods

+21 (18)%
Hiring activity is expected to remain stable in the Non-
Durable Goods Manufacturing sector for the July through
September period, as it has for the past nine quarters,
according to seasonally adjusted survey data. The
anticipated hiring pace is identical to Quarter 2 and
a year ago at this time.
Employers in the West express the strongest hiring

intentions, while the weakest job prospects are
reported in the Northeast.
30
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Mining +26 (24)%

Confidence about hiring among Mining employers is
expected to decline slightly for Quarter 3 2007, according
to seasonally adjusted data. However, Mining employers
forecast the strongest hiring activity among the 10
industry sectors surveyed, and the hiring pace for the
July through September period is moderately stronger
than the same period one year ago.
Regional hiring patterns show that employers in the

West report the strongest job prospects, while Midwest
companies report the weakest hiring intentions.
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10
Public Administration +17 (14)%
Employer optimism in the Public Administration sector is
expected to decline slightly during Quarter 3, making it the
weakest among the 10 industry sectors surveyed,
according to seasonally adjusted results. The hiring pace
for the July – September period is also slightly weaker than
the same period a year ago.
Employers in the West report the strongest hiring intentions,

while those in the Northeast are the most conservative
about adding staff.
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Services +24 (20)%

For Quarter 3 2007, stable hiring activity is anticipated
among Services employers, according to seasonally
adjusted data. However, employers foresee slightly
softer hiring intentions compared with the same period
a year ago.
Employers in the West report the most upbeat hiring

plans, while employers in the Midwest and Northeast
express the weakest hiring plans.
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Transportation & Public Utilities

+20 (18)%
Hiring intentions remain relatively stable among
Transportation/Public Utilities employers for Quarter 3.
When seasonal variations are removed from the data,
employers expect little change in the hiring pace from
Quarter 2 and from the same period a year ago.
Employers in the West are most likely to add staff,

while those in the South are least likely to hire.
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Wholesale & Retail Trade +23 (17)%

According to seasonally adjusted survey results,
Wholesale/ Retail Trade employers are slightly less
optimistic about hiring plans for Quarter 3. Hiring intentions
are slightly weaker on a quarter-to-quarter comparison
and moderately weaker versus one year ago.
Regional hiring patterns show that employers in the
West and South expect to offer the most promising job
prospects while those in the Midwest are the most
reserved about hiring.
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12
Global Employment Outlook
Nearly 52,000 employers have been interviewed across and territories surveyed with employers in Germany
27 countries and territories to measure anticipated and Norway reporting their most optimistic hiring plans
employment trends* between July and September 2007. since the survey began in these countries.
Positive third-quarter hiring is expected in all 27 countries * Comments in this section are based on seasonally adjusted data
where available.
Net Employment Outlook Qtr on Qtr Change Yr on Yr Change

Americas Quarter 3 2006 Quarter 2 2007 Quarter 3 2007 Q2 2007 to Q3 2007 Q3 2006 to Q3 2007
% % %
Argentina – 35 32 -3 –
Canada 29 (19)1 25 (17)1 28 (18)1 3 (1)1 -1 (-1)1
Costa Rica 24 20 22 2 -2
Mexico 19 (18)1 22 (19)1 19 (19)1 -3 (0)1 0 (1)1
Peru 16 48 48 0 32
United States 25 (21)1 21 (18)1 22 (18)1 1 (0)1 -3 (-3)1

Asia Pacific Quarter 3 2006 Quarter 2 2007 Quarter 3 2007 Q2 2007 to Q3 2007 Q3 2006 to Q3 2007
% % %
Australia 15 (16)1 31 (29) 1
24 (26)1 -7 (-3)1 9 (10)1
China 6 21 18 -3 12
Hong Kong 30 (27)1 24 (24)1 23 (20)1 -1 (-4)1 -7 (-7)1
India 43 31 39 8 -4
Japan 19 (24)1 45 (26)1 16 (21)1 -29 (-5)1 -3 (-3)1
New Zealand 19 (22)1 32 (29)1 24 (27)1 -8 (-2)1 5 (5)1
1 1 1
Singapore 14 (11) 1 53 (54) 51 (48) -2 (-6) 37 (37)1
Taiwan 23 19 14 -5 -9

EMEA* Quarter 3 2006 Quarter 2 2007 Quarter 3 2007 Q2 2007 to Q3 2007 Q3 2006 to Q3 2007
% % %
Austria 14 (11)1 10 (7)1 12 (10)1 2 (3)1 -2 (-1)1
1 1 1 1
Belgium 13 (11) 7 (8) 8 (6) 1 (-2) -5 (-5)1
1
France 4 (4) 5 (5)1 6 (6)1 1 (1)1 2 (2)1
Germany 1 (-1)1 12 (10)1 14 (13)1 2 (3)1 13 (14)1
Ireland 22 (18)1 18 (19)1 11 (8)1 -7 (-11)1 -11 (-10)1
Italy 2 (0)1 7 (6)1 6 (4)1 -1 (-2)1 4 (4)1
Netherlands 4 (4)1 10 (11)1 9 (10)1 -1 (-1)1 5 (6)1
1 1 1 1
Norway 16 (14) 17 (14) 25 (22) 8 (8) 9 (8)1
South Africa – 34 19 -15 –
Spain 16 (12)1 15 (12)1 13 (10)1 -2 (-2)1 -3 (-2)1
Sweden 11 (8)1 15 (11)1 16 (12)1 1 (1)1 5 (4)1
Switzerland 5 17 11 -6 6
UK 13 (12)1 14 (13)1 15 (14)1 1 (1)1 2 (2)1
*EMEA – Europe, Middle East and Africa.
1. Number in parentheses is the Net Employment Outlook when adjusted to remove seasonal variations.
13
Employers in 15 countries and territories are reporting Regionally, employers in the Americas continue to report
weaker hiring plans compared to the second quarter, positive Net Employment Outlooks, with those in Peru
while those in 14 are reporting stronger hiring expectations reporting the strongest hiring plans. Hiring expectations
compared to this time last year. Third-quarter U.S. job in Asia Pacific remain healthy, as employers in Singapore
prospects are expected to remain stable, but are softer again report the most optimistic Outlook in the region.
when compared to Quarter 3 2006. Meanwhile, the In the Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) region, all
Asia Pacific labor market is expected to cool from three 13 countries surveyed report positive hiring activity for
months ago. A notable exception is India, where Quarter 3 2007. Hiring intentions in Germany remain
employer demand has bounced back after a dip strong, continuing the upward trend first reported in the
reported in Quarter 2. fourth quarter of 2006.
The strongest third-quarter hiring prospects reported

globally were in Singapore, Peru, India, Argentina,
New Zealand, Australia, Norway, Costa Rica, Japan
and Hong Kong. Conversely, employers in Italy, Belgium
and France reported the weakest job prospects.
Survey Respondents by Region

Research for the Quarter 3 2007 Manpower
Employment Outlook Survey involved surveying nearly
52,000 human resources directors and senior hiring
managers from public and private organizations
worldwide. 44% of respondents came from six
countries in the Americas; 33% from eight countries
Asia Pacific and territories across Asia Pacific; and 23% from
Americas 33%
13 countries in EMEA.
44%
EMEA
23%
14
International Comparisons – be moving in unison. Slightly weaker hiring activity
is expected in Argentina and Mexico compared to
Americas Quarter 2 2007.
Nearly 23,000 interviews have been conducted across Compared to Quarter 3 2006, Outlooks are relatively
Argentina, Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru and the stable in Canada and Mexico; slightly weaker in Costa
United States to measure employment prospects for Rica and the U.S.; but notably improved in Peru.
Quarter 3 2007. Employers in Peru and Argentina are the most optimistic
about adding to their workforces in the quarter ahead.
The data indicates that job prospects in the U.S.,
The Outlook for Mexico remains one of the most optimistic
Canada and Mexico should hold steady in the next
since the survey was established in the country.
three months as these three labor markets appear to
Argentina Canada
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
Net Employment Outlook Seasonally Adjusted Outlook Net Employment Outlook
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Argentina joined the survey in Q1 2007.
Costa Rica Mexico

50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Costa Rica joined the survey in Q3 2006.
Peru USA
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Peru joined the survey in Q2 2006.
15
International Comparisons – positive. However, with the exception of India, Outlooks

for seven of the eight are weaker when compared to
Asia Pacific Quarter 2 2007. Compared to one year ago, employers
in Australia, China, New Zealand and Singapore are
Over 17,000 interviews have been conducted across
reporting improved hiring plans. The strongest Outlooks
the Asia Pacific region to measure anticipated hiring
are reported in Singapore, India, New Zealand and
activity between July and September of 2007.
Australia, while employers in Taiwan expect to offer the
Net Employment Outlooks for the eight countries and fewest employment opportunities.
territories surveyed across the Asia Pacific region are
Australia China
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
Seasonally Adjusted Outlook Net Employment Outlook Net Employment Outlook
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
China joined the survey in Q2 2005.
Hong Kong India

50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
India joined the survey in Q3 2005.
Japan New Zealand

50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
Seasonally Adjusted Outlook Net Employment Outlook Seasonally Adjusted Outlook Net Employment Outlook
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
New Zealand joined the survey in Q2 2004.
16
Singapore Taiwan
60 50
50 40
40 30
30 20
20 10
10 0
0 -10
-10 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Taiwan joined the survey in Q2 2005.
17
International Comparisons – most optimistic Outlooks since the survey began in

these countries. Italian employers reported the weakest
EMEA – but still positive – hiring expectations in the region.
Nearly 12,000 interviews have been conducted with With the exception of the weaker Outlook in Ireland and
employers across 13 EMEA countries to measure stronger employer hiring plans in Norway, hiring should
anticipated hiring activity for Quarter 3 2007. remain relatively steady from Quarter 2 across Europe.
Employers across the region continue to report varying Employers in Ireland expect to slow hiring considerably
degrees of positive hiring activity. from both three months ago and Quarter 3 2006. On a
year-over-year basis, employers in eight European
Job prospects in the region are strongest in Norway,
countries anticipate increasing the pace of hiring.
South Africa, the UK, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland,
with employers in Germany and Norway reporting the
Austria Belgium
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
France Germany
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Ireland Italy
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
18
Netherlands Norway
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
South Africa Spain

50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
South Africa joined the survey in Q4 2006.
Sweden Switzerland
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
-10 -10
-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Switzerland joined the survey in Q3 2005.

No bar indicates Net Employment Outlook of zero.
UK
50
40
30
20
10
-10
-20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
19
About the Survey Survey Question

The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is conducted All employers participating in the survey worldwide are asked
quarterly to measure employers’ intentions to increase or the same question, “How do you anticipate total employment
decrease the number of employees in their workforces during at your location to change in the three months to the end of
the next quarter. The survey has been running for more than September 2007 as compared to the current quarter?”
40 years and is one of the most trusted surveys of
Net Employment Outlook
employment activity in the world. Various factors underpin the
Throughout this report, we use the term “Net Employment
success of the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey:
Outlook”. This figure is derived by taking the percentage of
Unique: It is unparalleled in its size, scope, longevity and area
employers anticipating an increase in hiring activity and
of focus.
subtracting from this the percentage of employers that expect to
Projective: The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is the see a decrease in employment at their location in the next
most extensive, forward-looking employment survey in the quarter. The result of this calculation is the Net Employment
world, asking employers to forecast employment over the Outlook.
next quarter. In contrast, other surveys and studies focus on
retrospective data to report on what occurred in the past. Seasonal Adjustment
Focused: For more than four decades, the survey has derived Seasonal adjustments have been applied to the data for
all of its information from a single question. Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany,
Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands,
Independent: The survey is conducted with a representative
New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden,
sample of employers from throughout the countries in which it
United Kingdom and the United States to provide additional
is conducted. The survey participants are not derived from
insight into the survey data. These adjustments make it
Manpower’s customer base.
possible to review the data without the employment fluctuations
Robust: The survey is based on interviews with nearly
that normally occur at the same time each year, thus providing
52,000 public and private employers across 27 countries and
a clearer picture of the data over time. Manpower intends to
territories to measure anticipated employment trends each
add seasonal adjustments to the data for other countries in
quarter.This sample allows for analysis to be performed across
the future, as more historical data is compiled.
specific sectors and regions to provide more detailed information.
Methodology
The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is conducted
using a validated methodology, in accordance with the highest
standards in market research. The research team for the
27 countries and territories where the survey is currently
conducted includes Manpower’s Market Intelligence team; the
Organization Research and Analysis Division of Right
Management Consultants – an independent operating division
of Manpower Inc.; NOP World, Grupo IDM, DATUM Research
and SEL Consultores. The survey has been structured to be
representative of each national economy. The margin of error for
all national, regional and global data is not greater than +/- 3.9%.
In the United States, the national survey is conducted by
Manpower’s North American Market Intelligence Team and
includes 14,000 employers. With this number of interviews,
the margin of error for the United States survey is +/- 0.8%.
20
History of the Survey About Manpower Inc.
1962 1st generation of the Manpower Employment Outlook Manpower Inc. (NYSE: MAN) is a world leader in the
Survey launched in the United States and Canada. employment services industry; creating and delivering services
1966 Manpower’s UK operation launches the equivalent of that enable its clients to win in the changing world of work.
the United States survey, naming the report the Quarterly The $18 billion company offers employers a range of services
Survey of Employment Prospects. The survey adopts for the entire employment and business cycle including
the same forward-looking research format as the United permanent, temporary and contract recruitment; employee
States survey and is the first of its kind in Europe. assessment and selection; training; outplacement;
1976 2nd generation of Manpower’s Employment Outlook outsourcing and consulting. Manpower’s worldwide network
Survey launched in the United States and Canada. of 4,400 offices in 73 countries and territories enables the
Research methodology is updated to evolve with company to meet the needs of its 400,000 clients per year,
advancements in the field of market research. including small and medium size enterprises in all industry
sectors, as well as the world’s largest multinational corporations.
2002 Manpower UK’s Quarterly Survey of Employment
The focus of Manpower’s work is on raising productivity
Prospects is updated to adopt an enhanced research
through improved quality, efficiency and cost-reduction across
methodology. Manpower’s operations in Mexico and
their total workforce, enabling clients to concentrate on their
Ireland launch the survey in their respective countries.
core business activities. Manpower Inc. operates under five
2003 3rd generation of the Manpower Employment Outlook
brands: Manpower, Manpower Professional, Elan, Jefferson
Survey is launched, expanding the program to a total
Wells and Right Management. More information on Manpower
18 countries and territories worldwide: Australia,
Inc. is available at www.manpower.com.
Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Hong
Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands,
Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom
and United States.
2004 Manpower operations in New Zealand launch the
About Manpower USA
In the United States, Manpower offers businesses a range
Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.
of HR services, in addition to providing administrative,
2005 Manpower operations in China, India, Switzerland and industrial and contact center personnel. Under the
Taiwan launch the Manpower Employment Outlook Manpower Professional brand, the company places
Survey. contract professionals on assignment in areas such as
2006 Manpower operations in Costa Rica, Peru and South information technology, scientific, finance, engineering and
Africa joined the survey program. Surveys in Australia, telecommunications. More information about Manpower’s
Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, US operation can be found at www.us.manpower.com.
Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore,
Spain and Sweden add seasonally adjusted data in the
third quarter.
2007 Manpower operations in Argentina launch the Manpower
Employment Outlook Survey. The survey in New Zealand
adds seasonally adjusted data in the first quarter.
Manpower Inc., 5301 N. Ironwood Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53217, USA
Tel: 414 961 1000
www.us.manpower.com
© 2007, Manpower Inc. All rights reserved.

Manpower Employment Outlook Survey: United States - Q3, 2007

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Manpower Employment Outlook Survey: United States - Q3, 2007

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Q3 2007

A Manpower Research Report

United States Employment Outlook 1

Global Employment Outlook 13

About the Survey 20

“How do you anticipate year ago.

Net Employment Seasonally

Net Employment Seasonally

Net Employment Seasonally

Northeast +19 (15)% In a quarter-over-quarter comparison, employer sentiment

Net Employment Seasonally

Net Employment Seasonally

West +28 (24)% Among the 10 sectors surveyed, increased optimism

Net Employment Seasonally

Net Employment Outlook Seasonally Adjusted Outlook

Construction +29 (16)%

The strongest job prospects are reported in the

Education +16 (17)%

Those seeking Finance/Insurance/Real Estate jobs are

Manufacturing – Durable Goods

Employers in the West report the strongest job prospects,

Manufacturing – Non-Durable Goods

Employers in the West express the strongest hiring

Mining +26 (24)%

Regional hiring patterns show that employers in the

Employers in the West report the strongest hiring intentions,

Services +24 (20)%

Employers in the West report the most upbeat hiring

Transportation & Public Utilities

Employers in the West are most likely to add staff,

Wholesale & Retail Trade +23 (17)%

Net Employment Outlook Qtr on Qtr Change Yr on Yr Change

Net Employment Outlook Qtr on Qtr Change Yr on Yr Change

Net Employment Outlook Qtr on Qtr Change Yr on Yr Change

The strongest third-quarter hiring prospects reported

Survey Respondents by Region

Argentina joined the survey in Q1 2007.

Costa Rica Mexico

Costa Rica joined the survey in Q3 2006.

Peru joined the survey in Q2 2006.

International Comparisons – positive. However, with the exception of India, Outlooks

China joined the survey in Q2 2005.

Hong Kong India

India joined the survey in Q3 2005.

Japan New Zealand

New Zealand joined the survey in Q2 2004.

Taiwan joined the survey in Q2 2005.

International Comparisons – most optimistic Outlooks since the survey began in

South Africa Spain

South Africa joined the survey in Q4 2006.

Switzerland joined the survey in Q3 2005.

About the Survey Survey Question

© 2007, Manpower Inc. All rights reserved.

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