Are job openings turning into real hiring? A tech-sector check
Testing whether elevated JOLTS job openings actually convert to hires in tech-heavy sectors, and how H-1B tech hiring volume compares to the broader trend. Seasonally adjusted BLS JOLTS data (Information & Professional/Business Services) and DOL H-1B LCA disclosure data (Computer & Mathematical occupations, SOC 15-xxxx), 2020-2026.
If openings run persistently above hires, postings aren’t converting into hires at the historical rate. Pre-2020, hires typically ran above openings in both sectors below — that relationship has flipped since.
H-1B volume = certified LCAs for Computer & Mathematical occupations, by decision month (DOL disclosure data). JOLTS = combined Hires level, Information + Professional/Business Services (BLS). Both indexed to their own Jan 2020 value so two different-unit series can share one axis.