The number of U.S. job openings fell by approximately 507,000 year-over-year in May for a total of more than 3.6 million, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. There were approximately 4.1 million job openings in May 2007.

The job openings rate was 2.6% in May compared with 2.9% a year ago.

The number of hires fell by approximately 574,000 year-over-year in May to approximately 4.3 million, according to the BLS. The hires rate was 3.1% in May compared to 3.5% in May 2007.

Separations declined by approximately 161,000 to almost 4.4 million in May compared with the same month a year ago. The separations rate was 3.2% in May compared with 3.3% in May 2007.