CHICAGO, Oct. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Professional Diversity Network (NASDAQ:IPDN) released its Q3 Diversity Jobs Index and Report (DJR). The quarterly report explores the overall strength of the job market heading into the Q4. It explores the benefits of hiring military veterans and the role of African-Americans in the labor force. The report also looks at employment trends among women, Asians, Hispanics, African-Americans, Veterans, the Disabled and LGBT community members.

"Our military veterans possess many of the intangibles that companies seek in their employees," said Star Jones, President of Professional Diversity Network. "As more veterans transition to the civilian workforce, employers seek them out for their leadership, teamwork and mission-oriented work ethic." Ms. Jones also noted the report's focus on African-Americans, a group that is making steady progress in the hierarchy of corporate America, despite barriers that remain, such as the wage gap and lack of inclusion in business sectors like Information Technology.

Other highlights:

• 100,000 Jobs Mission: In 2011, 11 companies set out to hire 100,000 veterans. They surpassed that goal. Now, more than 200 companies set a goal of hiring 300,000 veterans by 2020.
• African-American Gains: Despite a wage gap and an absence in STEM careers, African-Americans are making strides in the Transportation and Utilities sector as well as the Construction, Public Administration and Financial Activities sectors.
• Average unemployment rate was unchanged from Q2 to Q3. The employment rates for the Disabled and Veterans decreased by .7% and .4%, respectively.

To download a complimentary copy of the full report, visit http://bit.ly/Q3-DiversityJobsReport

About Professional Diversity Network, Inc.
Professional Diversity Network (PDN) is an internet software and services company that develops and operates online professional networking communities dedicated to serving diverse professionals and employers seeking to hire Women, Minorities, Veterans, LGBT and Disabled professionals. PDN's subsidiary, the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW), is one of the largest and most-recognized networking organizations of professional women in the US, with over 775,000 members representing more than 200 industries. For more information visit, www.prodivnet.com.

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SOURCE Professional Diversity Network