The number of US job openings in November edged up 1.3% from October to 5.5 million, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of hires also rose 1.1% from October.

The job openings rate — a measure of job openings compared with total employment — remained at 3.7% in November from October.

MarketWatch reported that although job openings were little changed in November, there were other signs of a stronger job market. Openings have moved sideways for a few months as the job market seems to be coming closer to full employment. Hires had lagged behind, which many economists interpreted as a signal that employers were having trouble finding the right workers for their open positions, but are picking up again.

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