The hard times are not over for those on the job hunt; the number of online ads fell again in December, as The Olivier Internet Job Index hit its lowest point since measurement began in December 1999. Losses were registered in all 21 industry groups with Multimedia Internet and Graphics the hardest hit, suffering a fall of 30 percent. Having suffered concurrent falls, current job advertisements in this sector represent just 15 percent of those on offer two years ago, before the tech wreck. Also of concern was the 21.1 percent slide in the area of Hospitality and Tourism, which usually enjoys a growth spurt over the summer. Although he concedes the figures are a cause for concern, Olivier Recruitment Group director Robert Olivier is predicting a quick end to the downturn. Laying the blame at the feet of International turmoil, a gloomy economic outlook globally, and the business caution often inspired by a federal election, he believes it will not last long into the new year. "The last few months of last year were always going to be difficult," Olivier said. "However, we should start to see things pick up by about February." Olivier points out that the figures reflect other industry measurements, and as such do not show a turn away from online advertising, and although he concedes they latest downturn is at to a certain extent seasonally effected, the Index does not yet have sufficient data to factor in seasonal adjustments. According to the data IT&T by a further 15.5 percent in December, and now represent only 31.4 percent of those advertised when recording began in December 1999. "The more traditional industries such as law and accounting have been the most successful this year, although there have been losses across all sectors," Olivier said. Given the raft of sackings in IT&T in the run up to Christmas, Olivier says the stigma associated with retrenchment no longer exists in the industry, and that job seekers should be entirely honest with prospective employers. "We have to realise times have changed, job seekers will have to be more patient, and probably revise they salary expectations downwards," Olivier said. "A lot of people should take the opportunity to re-skill, or improve their skills in emerging areas." For all job and work-related news, or to search for a job and get information on training, go to ZDNet Jobs. If you have something to say about work and employment issues say it here at the Jobs Forum