US online job ads fell by 157,700 in July to approximately 4.61 million, according to The Conference Board’s report on online job ads released today.

The Conference Board’s measure of online job ads is aimed at tracking demand for labor. However, the organization noted there has been a declining trend in the number of online job ads that may not reflect the broader trend in the US labor market. “Based on changes in how job postings appear online, The Conference Board is reviewing its [help wanted online jobs] methodology to ensure accuracy and alignment with market trends," the organization said.

Using data from the current measure, all of the largest 10 online occupational categories posted decreases in July; the decreases were widespread across virtually all states and metro areas.

Sales and related ads posted the largest loss, down by 27,300 to a total of 461,400. They were followed by computer and mathematical science ads, which fell by 20,700 to 510,000.

“Transportation and material moving” ads posted the smallest loss, down by 1,000, followed by “education, training, and library” ads, with a loss of 1,700.