Abstract Aim The current healthcare climate has adversely impacted the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals, particularly Senior House Officers (SHOs), who play an important role in the provision of ENT services. Consequently, there has been a shift in the characteristics of applicants for SHO positions. We examined applicant characteristics for a Trust Grade ENT SHO position at The Royal London Hospital. Method Data was collected from all applications made for the position, evaluating qualifications, experience, academic achievements, skills, and fitness to practice. Essential characteristics included a medical degree, surgical experience, <2 years' ENT experience, foundation program completion, and English proficiency. Desirable features encompassed MRCS exam success, NHS experience, peer-reviewed publications, teaching and research qualifications, and participation in audits and quality improvement projects. Results There were 110 applicants; 94% qualified outside the UK. Whilst 74% met all essential criteria, significantly fewer satisfied desirable criteria such as passing surgical membership examinations (0-5%) and prior NHS experience (7%). 2% to 4% reported experience of performing basic ENT procedures under supervision, and only 4% reported previously assisting in theatre. 1 applicant satisfied all desirable characteristics. Conclusions The current healthcare climate has significantly impacted the characteristics of the ENT SHO workforce. A lack of NHS experience and limited ENT exposure necessitates intensive support for new SHOs. Departments must consider how to balance the provision of support, for example with the implementation of registrar hot weeks or funding for additional staffing, with key economic and educational interests.