Reports indicate that the Austin job market has seen a significant improvement in the number of people who lack a position. The unemployment levels here are lower but the question is why. There are a number of new positions open from some of the top firms and companies in the city. That is promising news. The question people want an answer to, though, is whether the job increases will stick around after the holiday season.

Holiday hiring did help to boost many of the job rates in the city of Austin. Job market statistics, though, may not all be bad. In fact, many companies are predicting to see significant growth throughout 2012 and that may mean that they will continue to hire throughout the remaining of 2011 and into 2012.

There are a significant number of retailers and restaurants that do let go of some hires that are seasonal. However, this occurs virtually every year. The latest figures indicate that the jobless rate in the state of Texas is now at 8.1 percent. This is a drop from the 8.3 percent it was at in November of 2010.

Where did new jobs come from in November of 2011 then? The Austin job market saw an influx of hiring in the areas of transportation, trade and utilities. However, many jobs are attributed to holiday hiring.

Will your position be there in 2012? The Austin job market may be expanding but for those who are holding positions right now, there is a risk of being cut come January. Where are you working and will your position be safe moving forward?