Monster Releases 2003 Minneapolis Job Index

MAYNARD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 17, 2003-- While Minneapolis/St. Paul has a lower unemployment rate than the nation as a whole (4.4 percent in July, compared to 6.1 percent nationwide in August, according to the Department of Labor), more than 81,000 workers remain unemployed. The current employment situation has created increased concern and anxiety among job seekers and employers who are still cutting jobs and postponing hiring. However, according to data released today by Monster(R), the leading global online careers property and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNST), job opportunities across several industries are available in Minneapolis.

Where are the jobs?

Based on a comprehensive analysis of Minneapolis-based job postings on Monster, Sales opportunities are most abundant, with an increase of more than 16 percent from July to August 2003. Other categories showing large increases from July to August include Customer Service and Call Center (up 22 percent), Engineering (up 20 percent), and Administrative and Support Services (up 18 percent).

Below are the top job categories in terms of overall job postings (August 2003):

1. Sales
2. Administrative and Support Services
3. Accounting/Auditing
4. Information Technology
5. Engineering

What types of candidates are employers seeking?

Fifty-two percent of job postings target employees at "mid-career." Fourteen percent of jobs are available at the entry-level, while 11 percent seek job seekers with management experience.

Additionally, 39 percent of Monster job seeker members in Minneapolis have bachelor's degrees, while 16 percent earned a master's degree.

When are job seekers searching?

Job seekers in Minneapolis conducted more than 1.1 million job searches in August 2003. An average of 58,864 searches were conducted on Tuesdays - the most of any day during the week - followed closely by Mondays, which recorded an average 54,440 searches during the month.

What are the top resume categories?

During the first eight months of 2003, resumes from Minneapolis increased more 110 percent compared to the same time period in 2002. Top resume categories include:

1. Information Technology
2. Customer Service and Call Center
3. Manufacturing and Production
4. Arts, Entertainment and Media
5. Computers, Software

Relocation

Relocating to Minneapolis for a job is a feasible option for many workers nationwide, according to Monster data. More than 185,000 job seeker members who are not from Minneapolis cited the city as a target location on their resume.

So you're looking for a job in Minneapolis. Now what?

Jeff Taylor, Founder and Chief Monster, offers job seekers - whether currently unemployed or looking to make a career change - the following important tips as they undergo the search and interview process:

• Cast a Wide Net. The sooner you start creating a network, the faster you'll progress in your career. You never know where you'll meet someone
• Develop an Elevator Pitch about Yourself - Whether you're casually networking or in a formal interview, always be prepared with a crisp, concise, two-minute response to the question, "Tell me about yourself."
• Be Prepared - Knowledge is power, and power gives you confidence - something you'll need to succeed in interviews. Research companies, industries and positions. Visit Employers' websites.
• Practice Good Nonverbal Communication - Demonstrate confidence: stand straight, make eye contact, listen and connect with a good, firm handshake.
• Ask Questions - Demonstrate an interest in what goes on in the company. Asking questions also gives you the opportunity to find out if it is the right place for you.
• Don't Appear Desperate - Maintain the three "C's" during an interview: cool, calm and confident. You know you can do the job; make sure the interviewer believes you can, too.

For additional information regarding Minneapolis-specific statistics on Monster, please contact Kevin Mullins, 978-461-8751.

About Monster

Monster, headquartered in Maynard, Mass., is the leading global careers website, recording over 49.1 million visits during the month of August 2003, according to independent research conducted by I/PRO. Monster connects the most progressive companies with the most qualified career-minded individuals, offering innovative technology and superior services that give them more control over the recruiting process. The Monster global network consists of local content and language sites in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, Singapore, Hong Kong, France, Scotland, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Luxembourg, India, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, and Finland. Monster is the official online career management services sponsor of the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team. More information about Monster is available at www.monster.com or by calling 1-800-MONSTER.

About Monster Worldwide

Founded in 1967, Monster Worldwide, Inc. is the parent company of Monster(R) , the leading global online careers property. The company also owns TMP Worldwide, the world's largest Yellow Pages and Recruitment Advertising agency network and provider of direct marketing services. Headquartered in New York with approximately 4,500 employees in 19 countries, Monster Worldwide's clients include more than 90 of the FORTUNE 100 and more than 490 of the FORTUNE 500 companies. Monster Worldwide (NASDAQ: MNST - News) is a member of the S&P 500 Index. More information about Monster Worldwide is available at www.monsterworldwide.com.

Special Note: Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for historical information contained herein, the statements made in this release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding the company's strategic direction, prospects and future results. Certain factors, including factors outside of our control, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including economic and other conditions in the markets in which we operate, risks associated with acquisitions, competition, seasonality and the other risks discussed in our Form 10-K and our other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which discussions are incorporated in this release by reference.

CONTACT: Monster
Kevin Mullins, 978-461-8751
kevin.mullins@monster.com

Weber Shandwick Worldwide
Jackie Pigliucci, 617-520-7066
jpigliucci@webershandwick.com