All signs point to a strong employment outlook for December and May college graduates, according to career experts at West Virginia University.

At WVU , the stars are aligned,said Bob Kent, director of the WVU Career Services Center.Graduates are experiencing the most expanded job market growth in over 25 years.

Kent pointed to a recent poll by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, which showed that nearly 94 percent of employers describe the job market as good (47 percent), very good (40 percent) or excellent (6.5 percent).

Consulting services firms, engineering and surveying firms, and building materials and construction companies reported the most need for new graduates.

Employers surveyed cited the continuing improvement of the economy and business growth as factors in the healthier job market. Increased sales and government spending, lower interest rates and new construction are feeding the positive outlook, Kent said.

The poll also showed recruitment of college graduates has climbed by 14.6 percent with some of the largest increases in business, technical, health and teaching positions, and federal government hiring has increased by 19 percent due to pending retirements.

Geographically, the Northeast, Southwest and Northwest are enjoying especially strong job markets for new college graduates. Boston, California, Oregon and Washington are recovering from several years of sluggish markets.

Meanwhile, employers continue to pay more to keep pace with their competitors. The highest increase is 9 percent for aerospace and aeronautical engineers. Chemical engineering is up by 4 percent; accounting, 4 percent; liberal arts, 4 percent; and business, 3 percent.

While students face a positive market, Kent cautioned competition remains fierce, and graduates should be careful not to sit back and wait for an employer to come to them.

Employers are seeking graduates who are team players,he said.They need balance, direction, leadership qualities, and excellent technical and communication skills.