The number of U.S. job openings fell by approximately 700,000 year over year in July to a total of more than 3.4 million, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Tuesday. There were approximately 4.1 million job openings in July 2007.

The job openings rate was 2.4% in July compared with 2.9% a year ago.

The number of hires fell by approximately 756,000 year over year in July to almost 4.1 million, according to the BLS. The hires rate was 3.0% in July compared with 3.5% a year ago.

Separations declined by 254,000 to more than 4.3 million in July year over year. The separations rate was 3.1% in July compared with 3.3% a year ago.