These two stories published one day apart, indicate the reality of the 'jobs recovery'.

US Airways Spurs Job Rush as 16,500 Vie for 450 Vacancies
}By Brooke Sutherland - Jan 11, 2013
"US Airways Group Inc. (LCC), the carrier seeking to merge with AMR Corp. (AAMRQ)’s American Airlines, received more than 16,500 applications for 450 flight attendant positions in its biggest hiring push for the job since 2010.
. . .
Flight attendant positions, which are typically lower paid, are attracting a surge in interest as exotic alternatives in a still weak labor market, said Gary Chaison, professor of industrial relations at Clark University. The U.S. unemployment rate held at 7.8 percent in December after the November figure was revised up from a previously reported 7.7 percent.
. . .
“It’s not your dream job but it’s a job,” Chaison, who is based in Worcester, Massachusetts, said in a telephone interview. “Particularly when there are so many people graduating from colleges who are having difficulty finding jobs,
. . .
“The interest around it has been astounding,” Mohr [spokesperson] said of the positions in a telephone interview. . . . "
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-11...-vacancies.html


Thousands apply for 200 Target jobs
MST Jan 12, 2013

" . . . Candidates only have a one in 35 chance in getting a job, but many have said they're confident they can stand out from the pack. . . . "
http://www.koat.com/news/Thousands-apply...l?absolute=true