WASHINGTON DC (WUSA) -- Tom Moore and Brandon Labman started their staffing company when they were undergrads at George Mason. ROCS (Responsible Outgoing College Students) is a business that helps local students find jobs in the summer and after graduation.

Business has been getting better. Labman says, "We're actually, most recently, seeing candidates get multiple offers."

ROCS finds jobs for students in small and large companies, government contractors, accounting firms and non-profits.

Technology skills are a big plus on a resume. "A lot of companies that are bringing in some contracts, they need to ramp up...the majority are IT positions. The IT people are definitely getting the competing offers," says Labman.

To find that first, professional job, Moore recommends "using your network. Talk to as many people as you can... (ask) is this where I want to spend my 40 hours plus each week?" When you land that interview, college students should do their homework about the company. "With Facebook and Twitter and blogs and there are so many job review sites now that you can really learn a lot about a company before you even walk into their office," says Moore.

More companies are looking to hire new college grads this year. The National Association of Colleges and Employers finds more than half of companies will boost the number job offers extended to new college grads, the first time in more than a year. Another study finds starting salaries are expected to be up 3.5 percent.

Written by Jessica Doyle
9NEWS NOW & wusa9.com