The number of job openings was just over 3.8 million on the last business day of February, down 348,000 year-over-year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. There were almost 4.2 million job openings in February 2007.

The job openings rate was 2.7% in February compared with 2.9% in February 2007.

There were just over 4.6 million hires in February, down 162,000 from 4.8 million in February 2007, according to the BLS. The hires rate in February was 3.4%, down from 3.5% a year ago.

Separations edged down 39,000 year-over-year to almost 4.5 million in February. The separations rate was unchanged year-over-year at 3.3%.