PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Beyond.com, Inc., the world’s largest network of niche career communities, today released its Third Quarter 2009 Career Trend Analysis Report, which revealed that Healthcare and Information Technology continue to add jobs at a steady pace, while industries in the professional services sector such as Finance and Engineering are still experiencing sharp declines.

The report provides insight into the overall employment market by leveraging Beyond.com’s Network of top-tier industry, local and specialty sites.

Healthcare & Medical remained in the top position for online jobs with 43.5 percent after experiencing exponential growth over the previous quarter and over the past 12 months. Information Technology jumped up to the second spot with 12.86 percent. Accounting & Finance experienced the largest percentage decline in jobs over the previous quarter (5.14 percent) causing the industry to drop to the third position. Among other industries that took a hit over the past quarter, Engineering & Architecture experienced a 3.16 percent decline, while the Retail industry dropped by 3.12 percent.

Although it is clear that many industries are still on a rollercoaster ride, there are positive signs that the economy and job market may be stabilizing soon. The USA Consumer Confidence Index (issued by The Conference Board) rose by 27.77 points over the past seven months to reach 53.07 in September 2009 — still a far stretch from the 30 year average of 95.06. While consumer confidence continues to rise, the Bureau of Labor Statistics is starting to recognize an improvement in monthly job losses, with September’s job losses (263,000) accounting for just over one-third of the peak losses experienced in January 2009 (741,000). The increased level of confidence, combined with lower monthly job losses, may motivate some Americans to start spending again, creating more demand for goods and services that will eventually lead to job creation across many key industries, critical for economic recovery.

“Increased consumer confidence and lower monthly job losses are the first step towards improving the economy, revitalizing business revenues and eventually creating new jobs,” said Rich Milgram, CEO of Beyond.com, Inc. “Many businesses have streamlined and held the line on expenses, creating the opportunity for future profits and a shift in focus from downsizing to hiring, which will be the true determination of the economic rebound.”

To view the complete Career Trend Analysis Report and Industry Outlook Reports, please visit http://www.beyond.com/Media/QuarterlyReports.asp.

About Beyond.com, Inc.

Beyond.com is the world’s largest network of niche career communities, providing access to thousands of top-tier industry and local web sites. Our career search services and networking tools enable job seekers and employers to create targeted connections across thousands of online communities. We deliver a one-of-a-kind recruitment solution that provides the targeted exposure of a specialized job board, reinforced by the breadth and volume of a larger career network. Beyond.com was named to Inc. Magazine’s prestigious ‘Inc. 500’ list and is a Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. (NYSE: SFE) portfolio company. www.Beyond.com.

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