U.S. job openings increased slightly in August, and hires and separations were little changed, according to the U.S. Labor Department's latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey.

Seasonally adjusted job openings rose to a new series high of 7.1 million in August from the upwardly revised figure in July.

Private sector openings jumped to 6.5 million from 6.4 million, with construction, information, financial activities, professional and business services, and education and health services posting increases.

The job openings rate inched up to 4.6% from 4.5%. The hires rate went up to 3.9% from 3.8%, while the total separations rate held steady at 3.8%.