My experience is exactly the opposite. In the market I've prospected (France) the applicants have leverage because there is more positions than candidates. Even if there is a lot of candidates, there is a lot more positions. There is even more discrepancies beetween available positions and qualified candidates.

Even if there was not, once a company has eliminated 99% of the candidates and put their mind to hiring you there is a good chance you have a little leverage at negotiating your salary.

I don't think the author work the same jobs than I do.