Recruiting activity on college campuses will occur at a hectic pace all year long based on reported hiring activity by 994 employers the Recruiting Trends 2007-2008 survey. Seniors in BA/BS programs can expect more opportunities this year with employers expected to increase the number of opportunities 7% over last year. Alternatively, total hiring across all degree levels is expected to increase by a modest 2%.

Small and medium-sized employers are cutting back on their hiring plans because of concerns about the economy. They are particularly worried about the availability of credit, the increasing costs of material and supplies, and the upward pressure on salaries and health care payments. The exception is employers with fewer than 100 employees who are expected to increase hiring by 12%.

The real muscle in this year’s market is being provided by our study’s largest employers (>3,900 employees). These companies have a voracious appetite for labor in anticipation of retirements. Large employers are also carrying forward unfilled positions from last year. Overall, large employers expect to increase bachelor hiring by 9%. Looking at specific majors, these employers expect to increase hiring for engineers by 12% to 14%, business by 13%, and social science/humanities majors by 20%.

This year’s 2007-08 Recruiting Trends includes information on hiring by industry sector including top majors and salary information.