The numbers are grim. Let’s confront the bad news head on.  Hiring in 2009 is projected to decrease 8% for newly minted college graduates. An abundance of qualified, experienced talent and the largest number of graduating seniors ever, present stiff competition for fewer openings.  A who’s who of industries project dramatically lowered 2009 hiring projections:  Defense (15%), environmental (13%), food (17%), manufacturing (13%), retail (80%), and the government (15%).

Despite the above-mentioned doom and gloom, there are some encouraging industry projections.  Oil and Gas Production and Utilities are projecting an 8% increase in entry-level hiring. Alternative and renewable energy companies provide new opportunities.  Non-profit organizations expect to remain level with their 2008 hiring figures.

Surprisingly, financial services and insurance sectors project a 5% increase in entry-level hires.  Although investment banking is reeling, many regional banks, credit unions and financial services providers are hiring.  A senior HR executive at a large financial services provider confirmed that most customer-facing positions are not impacted by the current business climate.

Additionally, organizations with less than 54 employees project a slight increase in hiring, whereas medium and large companies expect a decrease.