Companies step up new grad recruiting

Those donning caps and gowns this year may have more to celebrate than their new college diplomas. Forty-one percent of executives surveyed say their firms are more active in recruiting university graduates now than they were five years ago. Only 13% report slowing their college recruiting efforts, reports Accountemps, a Menlo Park, Calif.-based specialized staffing service for temporary accounting, finance, and bookkeeping professionals.

"As the hiring environment has become increasingly competitive, demand for recent graduates also has risen," notes Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps and author of Managing Your Career For Dummies. "Yet, the best positions still go to the most resourceful job seekers. An active employment search that includes extensive networking can help candidates learn about unadvertised job openings and determine which organizations have the most to offer them."

Messmer recommends new graduates look beyond compensation and job title when evaluating employment offers. "Education doesn't end with graduation. The first position out of college should provide learning opportunities that will serve as building blocks for future career success."

He suggests considering the following questions:

Will I have a mentor? Will your direct supervisor be supportive of your professional growth? Will this person be your career coach?

Do I have the ability to advance? Is there a clear career path for you in the company? Does the firm have a history of promoting from within?

Are there opportunities to learn? Will you be able to expand your knowledge and expertise through structured training and professional development programs offered by the company?

Is the culture a fit? Will you be comfortable in the work environment? Is the atmosphere a good match for your personality? Is the department team oriented or do most people work individually?

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COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning