Kansas University Career Fair organizers said Wednesday that hiring activity had picked up but still was below pre-recession levels.

“We’re moving forward,” said Mary Andrade, assistant director of KU’s Career and Employment Services department. “We’re not in a standstill anymore, but you still hear about a lot of people losing jobs. It is definitely not a comfortable position yet.”

Many of the several hundred students and community members who attended the fair Wednesday in the Kansas Union Ballroom agreed that the job market was better but still tough.

“Right now, I’d say it is not so great, but I really do think things are looking up for the future,” said Joni Jorgensen, a Wichita senior in engineering at KU.

Engineering, information technology and other technical positions are among the least in demand, Andrade said. She said management and management-trainee positions were beginning to become more available while retail positions had remained fairly strong throughout the down economy.

About 115 companies were represented at the fair, which continues from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. today. Andrade said that number was down from 142 a year ago.

Several employers who attended the fair did not have positions available.

Linda Kehres, a human resources representative with Topeka-based Capitol Federal Savings, said the bank had few openings but was accepting applications to keep on file.

“They say the economy is turning around, but sometimes it is hard to see,” Kehres said. “I think we’re on an uptick, but I don’t think we are where we need to be yet.”

Sara Smith, left, a marketing assistant for Peoples Bank, chats with Kansas University student Camille Andress in front of a display set up for the career fair at the Kansas Union. The display caught many students' attention on Wednesday. About 115 companies were represented at the fair, which continues today.

Other employers, though, were enthusiastic about the job market’s outlook.

“We’re hiring in almost every one of our departments,” said Matte Burke, a vice president of Pulte Homes, a development company based in Michigan. “We have jobs. At this time last year we weren’t hiring. But we have economists we pay well and they tell us that the economy is on the way to recovery.”

Several students at the fair said landing a job required some strategic thinking and patience.

“It doesn’t seem like there are a lot of jobs available, but there are a lot of internships,” said Jake Yadrich, a Kansas City, Kan., senior. “So I’m looking for an internship because it might be a good way to get my foot in the door.”

Andrade also suggested that job seekers be flexible in the type of job, look professional and be prepared to answer questions about their qualifications.

“You have to be competitive,” Andrade said. “These companies are here to get the best and the brightest.”

Job market improving, students attend career fair KU Career Services