Abstract: Based on 2017 placement data from a national survey of 33 higher education institutions in 21 provinces of China, this paper studies the employment of graduates and its influencing factors. The empirical research results show that, first, the overall employment of college graduates in 2017 is relatively stable, with relatively high job-major correlation and job satisfaction. Second, the overall placement rate of college graduates is 84.6%. Compared with the data in 2015, the proportion of graduates who have signed employment agreements is higher, and the proportion of graduates taking advanced studies either domestically or abroad has been significantly increased. Third, when it comes to the locations of employment, graduates still prefer the eastern or other large cities, and enterprises are the most important units employing graduates. Finally, human capital attributes (such as high academic performance, experience of working as a student cadre, a higher degree and career-related certificates) get better return on investment in the labor market. Besides, family background is an important influencing factor, while labor market conditions in different places and industries are also significant determinants of graduates' job-hunting outcomes, starting salary levels and job satisfaction.

Key words: graduates'employment, job-hunting outcomes, starting salary, job satisfaction