NACE Index Shows Small Improvement in College Hiring

by TMT Newswire

BETHLEHEM, PA—The hiring outlook for new college graduates shows signs of improvement, according to results of monthly poll conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

Results of NACE’s latest poll, reported as an index, show that the index for college hiring stands at 87.2—up slightly from 86.8 in the October poll. (See Figure 1.)

“The uptick is small, but when coupled with other signs, suggests improvement in the outlook for college hiring,” says Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director.

“Currently, 28 percent of employers report plans to increase their college hiring, compared to approximately 26 percent in our October poll, and just 17 percent when we polled employers in August,” says Mackes.

NACE’s poll also gauges recruiting activity. The current index for recruiting activity is 89.8, down slightly from 92.6 in the October poll, and points to a further decline in recruiting activity over the December – February period.

However, “that’s not surprising given the timeframe for the poll,” says Mackes. “Most organizations focus recruiting activity in the fall, and many return to campus for the spring. The December to February period is generally slower in terms of recruiting activity, and the index may simply reflect that.”

NACE’s next poll will be conducted December 2, 2009 - January 4; 2010; results will be reported on NACE’s web site (www.naceweb.org).

About the NACE Index:

Each month, NACE polls its employer members and reports the results as an index for college hiring and an index for recruiting activity. Index scores range from 0 to 200 (100 represents no change; scores below 100 represent an expected decrease; scores above 100 represent an expected increase).

The most recent poll was conducted November 2 through December 1. NACE polled 309 of its employer members on their recruiting and hiring activity over December, January, and February; 44.3 percent percent, or 137, responded.

About NACE:

Since 1956, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has been the leading source of information about the college job market. NACE is headquartered in Bethlehem , Pennsylvania . NACE maintains a virtual press room on its web site.

CONTACT:

Ed Koc, ext. 164, or Mimi Collins, ext. 119, 800/544-5272
ekoc@naceweb.org; mcollins@naceweb.org

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