Modern technology has made the job of a recruitment consultant more difficult and pressurised, according to the manager of JPA's commercial division.

Charlie Ryan, who set up the division in June last year as JPA looked to expand from its traditional rec-to-rec base, says technology has meant that "seconds count" when looking for candidates, leading to greater pressure.

"Technology means there's a phenomenal amount of pressure," Ryan told Recruiter. "For example, everyone has access to the same job boards, the same candidates, and so seconds count."

Ryan says it's important to "exceed the boundaries" of service and JPA has recently started confidence workshops for its candidates.

"They've been going very well," he adds.