Demand for junior recruitment consultants has disappeared, according to rec-to-rec recruiters.

Jonathan Mullin, director at rec-to-rec company Holland & Tisdall, told Recruiter recruiters are not taking on candidates with less than a year’s experience.

“Recruitment companies are still hiring, however, they are not so keen on juniors. What they are looking for is quite specific niche market guys, people with more than a year’s experience,” he says, adding the company is focusing on placing international and specialised positions.

Julie O Neill, joint managing director at rec to rec recruiter McCall, told Recruiter she has noticed a similar trend.

“Typically very experienced hires are more preferable to spending time teaching and training new hires. Recruitment agencies appreciate those who have worked in a difficult environment before and know how to make changes.”