I wonder how much of that is basic economics? In a hot market, juniors get hired to fill a role with the idea that OJT will bring them up to speed soon enough to be better than an empty chair. When there are plenty of applicants, companies can be more selective.

My advice to new grads: Internships!!! Think ahead and use a couple summers to prove yourself to one or two potential employers. Where I work, a lot of our NCG pipeline is intern-driven.