The class of 2009 will encounter a tough job market as graduation approaches.

Many companies are playing it safe and hiring fewer workers during these uncertain economic times. Only 43 per cent of employers anticipate employing recent college graduates in 2009, compared to 56 per cent of managers in 2008 and 79 per cent in 2007, according to a CareerBuilder.com survey that questioned 2,543 hiring managers and human resources professionals.

Entry-level salaries will most likely be affected by the economic downturn as well. Of those managers hoping to hire new graduates, 21 per cent plan to reduce starting wages, while 68 per cent hope to maintain the same salaries as last year. On the other hand, 11 per cent of employers hope to increase wages this year.

“While recent college graduates are facing a highly competitive job market right now, there are still opportunities out there,” said Brent Rasmussen, president of CareerBuilder North America. “The biggest challenge is showing relevant experience, which employers say is one of the most important factors they look for in applications from recent college graduates. This isn’t limited to professional work experience, so don’t get discouraged.”

Employers say that they will look at these types of activities as relevant work experience for graduates:

. internships;

. part-time positions in a different area;

. participation in school organisations;

. class work; and

. involvement in sports.

During the application and interview procedures, employers said the top mistake made by recent college graduates is acting bored or overconfident. Dressing inappropriately comes in at a close second and no knowledge of the company ends in third.

Other errors by grads include:

. not turning off cellphones or electronic devices;

. asking the wrong questions at the interview;

. inquiring about the salary before the company even considers the candidate for the job;

. leaving unprofessional photos and content on social networking sites, blogs, etc; and

. forgetting to send a “thank you” note after the interview.

– Creators News Service