The number of graduates applying for each graduate job has reached the highest number ever recorded by the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR).

According to the summer edition of the AGR’s bi-annual survey, the number of applications for each graduate job now stands at 83 on average. By comparison, the average number of graduate applications per vacancy was 69 in 2010, 49 in 2009 and 31 in 2008.

However, the survey shows that graduate vacancies are predicted to increase by 2.6% this year [2010-11]. This follows an increase of 8.9% in 2010, and signals sustained recovery of the graduate recruitment market.

The average starting salary has also increased slightly (by 2%) to £25,500, the first increase since 2008.

Carl Gilleard, chief executive of the AGR, says: “There are some very encouraging signs for graduates. Not only have starting salaries increased, albeit slightly, the number of vacancies continues to increase, which can only be seen as a good sign.

“I am cautiously optimistic about today’s findings, which provides a welcome indication that the graduate recruitment market is beginning to overcome the impact of the recession.”