Entry Level Job Search Getting Tougher?
A majority of college students believe that job search is more difficult now than a year ago
MILWAUKEE, WI--March 7, 2006--In spite of an improving economy and a better overall outlook for entry level employment, a majority of college students believe that it is more difficult to find a job now than it was a year ago.
"While the economic data suggests otherwise, the reality is that many college students are finding their own personal job search to be more difficult than they anticipated," stated Brian Krueger, President of CollegeGrad.com. "They are translating their own personal difficulties into a view that job searching must be more difficult in the economy in general.
CollegeGrad.com just released the 2006 Top Entry Level Employers survey results, which showed that Entry Level Employers plan to hire 9.1% more college grads this year over last year. The overall results show that 61% of employers plan to hire more college grads in 2006 than they hired in 2005. 16% plan to hire the same number of college grads as last year and only 23% plan to hire fewer. The Top 500 Entry Level Employers and their 2006 recruiting plans can be viewed online.
Even though top companies are experiencing significant growth, the Class of 2006 is finding strong competition among fellow classmates. Stephanie Jax, Manager of College Relations for Ecolab explains, "I have noticed many changes in the competition on campus and in student demographics. The students that I met on campus this fall were more well-rounded and better prepared for the job search."
Career center professionals who have watched the increasing hiring trend in the entry level market recommend starting the job search early. "While this year is promising to yield positive options for many students, we still see some employers who are being tentative about college recruiting," said Denise Dwight Smith, Career Center Director at the University of North Carolina--Charlotte. "Students will be well suited to start early and pursue those employers as sophomores and juniors who provide valuable internships!"
Carol Schroeder, North Carolina State University Career Center Director, stressed the importance of research and preparation. "The work of carefully researching employment options, including some companies that may not be well known to you, analyzing what you have to offer an employer and preparing to talk about it must be done by each job seeker. And, it doesn't matter if hiring is going full blast or nearly at a standstill: the more you prepare, the better the result!"
Krueger agreed. "There are many lesser known companies with great opportunities who are hiring creative and talented college grads. The jobs are available. Students just need to do the necessary work to find work."
Following are the overall survey results:
Is now a better time to be searching for a job than a year ago?
- No - 51%
- Yes - 49%
The survey was conducted nationally using an online poll placed on the CollegeGrad.com home page during January, 2006. The results are based on nearly 1000 respondents.
About CollegeGrad.com:
CollegeGrad.com is the #1 entry level job site on the Internet and is the leader in the field of entry level research. Brian Krueger is President and Founder of CollegeGrad.com and author of the best-selling book for entry level job search, College Grad Job Hunter.
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