<p>"Forty-three percent of employers plan to hire recent college graduates in 2009, down from 56 percent in 2008, according to CareerBuilder’s Annual College Job Forecast.</p>
<p>The survey was conducted among 2,543 hiring managers and Human Resource professionals from February 20 and March 11, 2009.</p>
<p>“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…</p>
<p>If you’re a recent college graduate looking for work, here are 25 companies who are hiring new graduates this year*:</p>
<p>Allstate
Industry: Insurance
Estimated new graduate hires: 800</p>
<p>Open positions: Claims adjuster trainee; financial analyst; investment analyst; actuarial assistant; application developer (IT), business analyst (IT)</p>
<p>Candidate qualities: General requirements include excellent written and verbal communication; organizational skills; strong computer skills; and ability to manage relationships in a fast-paced environment while demonstrating persistence and problem-solving skills. Educational requirements vary based on position.</p>
<p>ARCADIS
Industry: Engineering
Estimated new graduate hires: 30-40</p>
<p>Open positions: Geologists, environmental scientists, engineers (civil, geological, geotechnical and transportation)</p>
<p>Candidate qualities: Internship experience in related engineering and science fields; knowledge of field based on experience and degree program; excellent verbal and writing skills; and demonstrated leadership on academic projects, honor societies and extracurricular activities.</p>
<p>Cbeyond
Industry: Technology
Estimated new graduate hires: 250</p>
<p>Open positions: Sales associates</p>
<p>Candidate qualities: Energetic, entrepreneurial-minded professionals with outstanding interpersonal skills, a strong competitive attitude, excellent written and verbal communications skills, self motivation, exceptional work ethic and interest in management opportunities.</p>
<p>DISH Network
Industry: Television Entertainment Provider
Estimated new graduate hires: 40-70</p>
<p>Open positions: Various</p>
<p>Candidate qualities: Candidates that possess intelligence, energy and a need to achieve. Looking for those that can bring bright ideas and a unique perspective to the organization and customers and recognize them with greater responsibility, faster advancement, higher visibility and more rewards…
[Employers</a> hiring the Class of 2009 - CNN.com](<a href=“http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/worklife/05/25/cb.whos.hiring.2009class/index.html]Employers”>Employers hiring the Class of 2009 - CNN.com)</p>