Best 7 States for Job Hunters

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While it might not sound as appealing as a move to Hollywood or the Big Apple, relocating to Bismarck, N.D., might offer jobseekers the best chances.

A study by the ManpowerGroup revealed that North Dakota has the best hiring prospects this spring, with job opportunities projected to increase more than 20 percent, which is tops among all states. Other states expected to see increases in the second quarter of the year include Maine, Alaska, Iowa, Montana, Utah and Wisconsin.

The research shows the worst states to try and find work this spring are Hawaii, Washington, New Hampshire, Wyoming, New Mexico, Kansas and Georgia.

The study also examined individual metro areas and found the best job prospects over the next three months in Portland, Maine; San Jose, Calif.; Salt Lake City, Utah; Tucson, Ariz.; Des Moines, Iowa; Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and Richmond, Va.

Among the cities job seekers should avoid, the research named Oxnard, Calif.; Seattle, Wash.; Sarasota, Fla.; New Orleans, La.; Detroit, Mich.; Philadelphia, Pa., and New York, N.Y.

Overall, the research showed improving economic conditions, with 18 percent of employers expecting to add new jobs this spring, compared to just 5 percent planning to reduce staffing levels. That marks the smallest percentage in 13 years.

"Quarter over quarter, our data reports slow and steady hiring projections, which is good news compared with the hiring downturns we experienced several years ago," said Jonas Prising, ManpowerGroup president. "The main priority for employers today should be to refine management methods to build winning teams so they have the right people in place when the economy takes off again."

In particular, the construction industry is expected to add a considerable number of new jobs throughout the Northeast, Midwest and West this spring.

"The considerable growth of the construction sector is a reflection of continued progress, and employers are responding to this as outside momentum gives them more confidence to push their plans forward," Prising said.

Other industries expected to increase hiring over the next three months include leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, and wholesale and retail trade.

The study was based on surveys of more than 18,000 U.S. employers.

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