There has been a 130% increase in the number of job applicants over the past two years, according to new figures from student and employer matchmaking site www.studentgems.com.

The study of 872 businesses found that companies receive an average of 120 applications for each job advertised, with businesses witnessing a 130% increase in responses to job advertisements, while 16% recorded a 78% increase.

The rise in applications has caused the shortlisting process to more than double, with an average of 10 candidates being interviewed for each position.

Sue Harrison, co-founder of studentgems.com, says: “We encourage students at university and college to gain as much relevant experience as possible, which is one of the reasons we set up studentgems.com. Then, when the time comes for interviews, their CV is loaded with relevant evidence to show they are suitable for the position. Employers are taking great care in the interview process and ensuring they hire the right person for the job.”