The college hiring index rebounded in February from its dip in January. The hiring index for February 2010 is 96.4, almost back to the December 2009 peak of 98.2. The January index had dropped to 86.4.

The February numbers are more consistent with the trend established during the fall, which pointed to a stabilizing job market for college graduates. January appears to have been an anomaly in the overall trend. Also, as was the case in December, the percent of respondents citing an expected increase in hiring (26.8 percent) was higher than the percent of respondents who stated that their hiring would be lower (25.9 percent).

The overall recruiting activity index for February 2010 is 97.3, which is consistent with December 2009 (95.4) and the January 2010 (98.6) index figures. A possible explanation for that consistency in recruiting activity: Employers appear to be committed to recruiting for their internship programs, even if they expect to forgo or reduce full-time college recruiting.

Survey results are reported as an index with scores ranging from 0 to 200: 100 on the index represents no change in hiring prospects; scores below 100 represent an expected decrease in either recruiting activity or hiring levels; and scores above 100 represent an expected increase in the short-term level of recruiting or college hiring. The current poll was conducted February 1 – March 1. NACE polled 286 of its employer members; 102, or 35.7 percent, responded. NACE is conducting its next poll March 1 through April 1. Results will be reported in Spotlight Online and on www.naceweb.org.