Job vacancies rose 12% in March on the previous month, according to the latest Totaljobs Barometer.

The figures reveal postings peaked at 134,000 jobs in March in Q1. However, there were on average 21 applications per post.

John Salt, a director at totaljobs.com, says: “We’re surprised at the pace of the recovery, but we have a lot of ground to make up before the balance tips back in favour of jobseekers. It is still an employer’s market, and competition for positions will remain high until jobs growth outstrips jobseeker demand.

“Our forecast for the second quarter is for a dip in activity due to Easter and the Royal Wedding, but we are confident that the recovery will continue and we can look forward to a period of solid growth. Our advice for jobseekers is to remain confident and not be daunted by the competition.”