Over the past 13 weeks, the applications for U.S. unemployment benefits only rose above 300,000 one time. In November, 321,000 new jobs were added; the highest number seen in the last three years. In addition, the average hourly wage saw the largest gain in 17 months increasing by 9 cents to settle at $24.66.
See "Weekly US Unemployment Aid Applications Fall to 294,000", Josh Boak, ABC News, December 11, 2014