Recruitment firm Robert Walters reported "a large increase in demand for credit assessors for both contract and permanent roles" during the third quarter. The firm said this was "due to banks forecasting increased growth in applications for unsecured, secured and small business lending." Hiring increased in both the Sydney and Melbourne markets in the September quarter. Banks have placed a heavy emphasis on "customer engagement" and took on staff in support roles and relationship management.In Melbourne, there was increased hiring activity in home lending, business banking and commercial banking. There was demand for credit assessors and relationship managers. There has also been growth in lending support areas, such as settlements and collections.In Sydney, the demand is for staff in client services and support functions across retail, business and commercial banking, and superannuation and wealth management.Robert Walters said hiring levels would increase in Melbourne in the December quarter and remain stable in Sydney.In Melbourne, there is likely to be demand for specialists in areas such as analytics and modelling to work in restructures.In Sydney, hiring levels increased "to such a point" in the September quarter that there will not be room for growth in the December quarter.Professional-level bankers in demand include lenders, credit assessors and risk analysts, and candidates with superannuation financial planning skills.