However they are not that common.
I'd say they are becoming extremely rare. I have a few openings, but if I look at the applicants that are fresh out of college it is hard to find anyone that cuts the grade, and experience is the least of the problem.
If I we're to draw up a list of putdowns it would be something like this.
1 Make sure that you understand the core of your profession. You should be able to excecute your work without access to Wiki.
2 Be ambitious. But the ambition should be to become the best in your profession not to jump to the next position the quickest.
3 Don't pimp your CV. Some of the CV's I get are laughable, or fall apart after a few calls. A University does not employ students as "General Program Manager" so don't pretend you are.
4 Don't you're whole life on facebook, twitter etc. For my line of work a public facebook or twitter page is a definate no.
5 Be loyal. The guy who hires a college grad is making a substantial investment, which he will only earn back over a matter of years so give him the confidence that you won't be job hopping until then.
But I need a guy I can see creativity and passion shine through.
Very true. Something I also noticed over the years, is that people who really excel in engineering usually have another great passion, whether it is rebuilding old cars, building musical instruments or something crazy.
That is something I specificly look for. People who cannot bring up the passion for something in their spare time, in all likelyhood cannot do that for their job.