CareerBuilder News Release (04/25/12)

A new study from ASA corporate partner CareerBuilder and CareerRookie.com concludes that the college graduating class of 2012 is heading into a better job market than alumni of the previous three years. More than half of employers (54%) reported they plan to hire recent college graduates in 2012, up from 46% in 2011, 44% in 2010, and 43% in 2009.

“This is the first time since the recession that we’re seeing a majority of employers planning to add recent college graduates to their employee roster,” says Brent Rasmussen, president of CareerBuilder North America. “Companies across industries are placing a strong emphasis on recruiting fresh talent for technology-related roles and positions designed to drive revenue—and they’re willing to pay more for high-skill, educated labor.”

Of those employers that plan to hire recent college graduates, 29% expect to offer higher starting salaries than they did in 2011. While employers were most likely to report that they would pay between $30,000 and $40,000, a significant portion (28%) will extend offers exceeding $50,000.