If there was a pilot shortage, then no one would have to wait to get a job, I came out of an integrated course with BFSAA with 85% score on ATPL exams and 253 hours, came back to UK and waited about 7 months before I got my first job as a 2/O.
If there really is a shortage, then jobs would come looking for you in your FTOs, not the other way round.