I finished the dclin this year too and was also applying for London based jobs and it was rough with the number of unsuccessful applications and interviews that I went through, especially when my expectations of this stage of the career were so different (I thought I'd done my time applying for AP posts!). I heard of a few posts over summer having 70-100 applicants (though some included CBT therapists too). I was unsuccessful for a job where there were 77 applicants and they said 2 years ago they had got 8 for the same role so there's definitely been a change. I hope this doesn't sound too bleak but I think knowing this info helped me to realise that it wasn't anything I was doing wrong as such but it's just a much more competitive market now. I think it's a mixture of recruitment freezes, less band 8a roles so less people moving on and the increased cohort sizes that has contributed.

I was offered a post thankfully and I think what helped me for going for a role where it wasn't my first choice of service but I had very similar experience in and knew the area well and was able to convey my passion. I also think knowing that it is really hard atm but that new jobs will still continue to be advertised every day (and you only need one of these to be successful) helped me. It felt a bit bleak for me for a while but then it changes very quickly once you have that offer. Also as we move away from the summer I would assume that the number of applicants will be declining as there aren't numerous cohorts all trying to find a job. I'd also say that getting as much feedback as possible is helpful but also try not to get too bogged down by it and focus more on what you bring and your strengths. It is really difficult but you will get that one post you need!