The Washington State Employment Security Department recently announced that Washington's unemployment rate went down from 4.6 percent in May to 4.5 percent in June.

The rate of growth among different industries varied. Areas with the largest employment growth in June were information services, education and health services, professional and business services and construction, which gained 600 jobs.

"April was the record lowest, at 4.4 percent," said Caitlin Cormier, Washington Employment Security Department communications manager. "In May it was higher because more people were in the job market. [That] means more people were looking for jobs and that they had confidence in the market."

The survey estimated that 150,400 people (not seasonally adjusted) are unemployed and seeking work in Washington.

In King County, the unemployment rate is 4 percent.

"It doesn't make a difference if it's seasonally adjusted [in King County]," said Christina Gonzalez, the King County regional labor economist for Washington state. "Our unemployment rate is usually lower. Fortunately for those living in Seattle, there are a lot of available jobs that don't require too much experience or education."

The recent decrease in the unemployment rate means there are more openings available for recent grads who are in job searches, said Don Gallagher, University of Washington Alumni Association career services manager.

Three thousand three hundred new jobs have been created in the state since June 2006. The largest declines for employment were reported in government, wholesale trade and manufacturing.

"Our records go back to 1976, when there were changes made in how [unemployment] was assessed," said Evelina Tainer, Washington State Employment Security Department chief economist. "We can only do comparisons until then. However, these past few months have been the lowest."

Historically Washington has had low unemployment compared to other states, Cormier said. "[Our rate has] also gone down from May of last year," she said. For those who have trouble getting employment, a press release pointed to Work Source, a joint venture of organizations dedicated to addressing Washington state's employment needs.

"Worksource Centers help unemployed get jobs," Gonzalez said. "They offer classes in interviewing and provide access to computers and have career counselors. In King County we have three offices and five affiliates. ...

Affiliates offer fewer services than an office, though. Anyone can show up to Worksource Centers and use their resources."

However, a lower rate does not mean that it's any easier to land a position, Gallagher said. "Regardless of the unemployment rate, the basic ingredients of a successful job search remain the same: building an effective professional network, researching the hiring organization, creating an effective cover letter and resume, good interviewing skills and effective follow-up," he said.