Employers are optimistic about hiring for the class of 2025, planning to increase their intake by 7.3% compared to previous years, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). This marks a significant turnaround after consecutive decreases in hiring intentions noted in earlier surveys for the fall of 2023 and spring of 2024, which saw declines of 1.9% and 5.8%, respectively.
Key Highlights
- Sector Growth: Strong increases in hiring are anticipated particularly in the finance and manufacturing sectors.
- Improved Economic Climate: The overall macroeconomic environment is showing signs of improvement, with lower inflation rates, cooling interest rates, and rising stock prices contributing to a more favorable job market for graduates.
- Employer Sentiment: Approximately 57.1% of employers intend to maintain their hiring levels for recent graduates, while 27% plan to increase their hiring. Only 16% expect to reduce their hiring efforts.
- Talent Pipeline Focus: Employers cite a commitment to succession planning and the importance of maintaining talent pipelines as primary reasons for the increase in hiring.
- Salary Increases and Bonuses: Over 40% of employers are expected to raise salaries for the class of 2025, and more than 52% plan to offer signing bonuses—marking the highest level since 2019.