Rising job vacancies for graduates - graduate jobs

An increasing number of professional job vacancies, particularly in accountancy, has been hailed as a "good sign" for graduates.

A poll by Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) found the number of graduate openings is anticipated to rise by 2.6% this year, compared to last year's total.

AGR chief executive Carl Gilleard said: "There are some very encouraging signs for graduates. Not only have starting salaries increased, albeit slightly, the number of vacancies continues to increase which can only be seen as a good sign. I am cautiously optimistic about today's findings, which provides a welcome indication that the graduate recruitment market is beginning to overcome the impact of the recession."

The survey asked about 200 member companies about their graduate job vacancies, finding that many job prospects are in accountancy or professional areas, which offer a fifth of the predicted vacancies.

The figures are also good news for companies, with two-thirds (66.7%) saying they expect their vacancy quota for the year to be filled.

On average, bosses now have to wade through 83 applications for each job vacancy. This figure has jumped from 49 applications two years ago, and is almost treble the amount recorded in 2008 (31).

Candidates leaving university without at least a 2:1 are likely to miss out, as almost three-quarters of firms say this is a minimum requirement.

Copyright Press Association 2011