The number of top graduates on the market is decreasing, according to Soraya Janmohamed, head of graduate recruitment at gradudate recruiter FreshMinds Talent.

Ahead of Thursday’s A-levels results, Janmohamed told Recruiter that employers are finding it harder to recruit top talent. She explained that consequently more gradudate recruiters are looking to hire the top 5% and there are fewer of these graduates to go around.

“The big four accountancy firms are doubling their numbers because they under-hired last year.

Because of scaremongering in the media, graduates are terrified and have gone on to study Masters so a lot of universities have lots of Masters students,” says Janmohamed.

“It is good to do a Masters if you have good commercial experience like an internship. If you only have academic qualifications, you will struggle.

“Competition for talent will increase. The best candidates will get places. Some candidates will have to settle for less renowned universities but if you can get a first from a second tier university, it will stand you in good stead.”