Hard-to-fill jobs offer career growth potential

According to a Manpower news release, engineers are at No. 1 on Manpower’s 2008 Top 10 Hardest Jobs to Fill list, and production operators are No. 10.

Sales representatives, which were listed as the toughest positions to fill in 2007, fell to No. 5 on this year’s list, and machinists moved to No. 2 this year from No. 10 in 2007.

Employers and job-market analysts expect that strong demand for traditionally hands-on jobs will stay strong, particularly as more baby boomers retire. That’s because too few younger workers are choosing careers that call for technical skills, the release said.

While employers are seeking job-specific skills such as those used by electricians and welders, also in high demand are soft skills, such as problem solving, communication and work ethic.

Solutions to work force needs range from short-term fixes, such as encouraging training for existing workers, examining ways to diversify employment pools by offering flexible work schedules and benefits, and developing workplaces that foster respect among those with different backgrounds.

For the longer term, employers are developing partnerships with schools to make sure students are learning technical and soft skills, and they’re offering more internships, job-shadowing and apprenticeships when appropriate.

The Hardest Jobs to Fill

Manpower recently released its 2008 Top 10 Hardest Jobs to Fill. Listed parenthetically are 2007 rankings for jobs that also appeared on the list last year.

1. Engineers

2. Machinists/machine operators (10)

3. Skilled trades

4. Technicians (4)

5. Sales representatives (1)

6. Accounting and finance staff (8)

7. Mechanics (3)

8. Laborers (9)

9. Information technology staff

10. Production operators

Source: Manpower