Manpower’s Annual 10 Hardest Jobs To Fill Survey

The most in-demand jobs these days: engineers, machinists and skilled trades.

Some highlights from Manpower's press release:

Engineers, machinists and skilled trade workers are among the nation’s most challenging positions to fill, according to survey findings released by Manpower Inc.

“From our research it is clear that across the country employers are experiencing a mismatch between the talent their businesses need and the skills and abilities potential employees possess,” said Jonas Prising, President of Manpower North America.

The 10 Hardest Jobs to Fill, as reported by U.S. employers for 2008, are

1.     Engineers
2.     Machinists/Machine Operators (10)*
3.     Skilled Trades
4.     Technicians (4)
5.     Sales Representatives (1)
6.     Accounting & Finance Staff (8)
7.     Mechanics (3)
8.     Laborers (9)
9.     IT Staff
10.  Production Operators
*Rank in 2007 Top 10 Hardest Jobs to Fill

For the third consecutive year, sales representatives, technicians, accountants/finance staff and machinists remain on the Hardest to Fill list, confirming that job seekers with specific skill sets are still in demand. Second on the list in 2006, engineers found themselves in the number one position this year, after dropping off completely in 2007. Employers are also finding it difficult to fill openings for skilled trades people, IT staff and production operators, all new to the 2008 list.

I think Melanie Holmes, Vice President, World of Work Solutions for Manpower North America, is right when she observes, “It is essential for companies to find a balance where they are attracting and retaining aging workers while still developing innovative recruiting programs targeting young professionals, especially those interested in technical and trade careers,” and that, "[c]ompanies want employees who have the soft skills, work ethic and culture traits that fit their company."

The findings come from a global study in which more than 42,500 employers across 32 countries were surveyed in late January 2008.

PS