This year’s crop of graduates are delaying their job hunt, according to careers advisory service Graduate Prospects.

While most expressed fears about competition and a desire to start earning, only 27% say they are seriously seeking work, with 58% saying they are still “getting a feel” for the job market.

Mike Hill, chief executive of Graduate Prospects, said he was encouraged by the high proportion – 86% – of graduates with work experience, but was worried about the lack of forward planning. “Those students who leave it too late could get left behind,” he said.

But the Association of Graduate Recruiters’s graduate recruitment survey reveals that graduate vacancies have risen by 15.5%, while the number of applications per vacancy has dropped.

Carl Gilleard, chief executive of the AGR, said: “The days of escalating starting salaries for graduates appear to be over. Employers are providing graduates with training and development and a package that is competitive rather than extravagant.”