The past several years have been tough on graduating college students. While the economy has pulled out of recession, that hasn’t made jobs easier to find for prospective employees relatively new to the work force. This year’s graduates, however, might have an easier time finding a job. According to a survey of companies by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, there could be a 2 percent increase in hiring this year. Of course, that 2 percent rise won’t leave too many employee experts clicking their heels, particularly with about a third of companies saying they actually plan to cut back on hiring. Still, any increase is better than none, and the folks behind the survey are cautiously optimistic. “We see more respondents saying their plans are firm,” says Andrea Koncz, employment information manager for the National Assocaition of Colleges and Employers. “We take that as a positive. It’s good news for this year’s grads and for next year’s.” (ABC News)

Paul Asay has covered religion for The Washington Post, Christianity Today, Beliefnet.com and The (Colorado Springs) Gazette. He writes about culture for Plugged In and wrote the Batman book God on the Streets of Gotham (Tyndale). He lives in Colorado Springs with wife, Wendy, and two children. Follow him on Twitter.