Online recruiting activity in L.A. County dipped slightly in November, reflecting a quieting labor market as slowdowns in real estate/construction and defense industries take their toll.

Monster Worldwide Inc.’s monthly local online employment index, released Thursday, stood at 104 in November, down from a record 105 in October but still above the 102 level from November 2005. For its survey, Monster culls online job listings for its own service and 1,500 other Web sites; a reading of 100 is considered baseline.

Of the 22 occupational categories tracked by Monster, 11 fell in November from October, four rose and seven were flat. Among the biggest declines were construction/extraction, military-related industries and legal services. The biggest gainers were food preparation/serving, personal care/service and building maintenance.