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Global Struggle to Find Qualified Candidates

Manpower Inc. releases the results of its third annual talent shortage survey, revealing that 31% of employers globally are finding it increasingly more difficult to fill jobs. The top three candidates most in-demand are skilled manual trades, sales representatives and technicians (technical workers in the areas of production/operations, engineering and maintenance). "This year, the most significant finding in our survey is that the percentage of employers in the Americas having trouble filling positions has dropped more than half compared to last year," says Jeffrey A. Joerres, Chairman and CEO of Manpower Inc. "This dramatic decrease is a reflection of the recent downturn in the U.S. economy. However, the talent crunch is still a very real concern, and employers need to continue their diligence in developing their employer brands and honing their talent strategies during 2008." Furthermore, Joerres adds that "Globally, skilled manual trades edged out sales representatives for the number one hardest job to fill this year. Trades jobs, such as plumbers and carpenters, are now in even shorter supply than last year -- a talent demand that is crossing borders, as well as continents; and companies worldwide continue to search for experienced sales professionals to help generate revenue." According to the survey, the top 5 jobs that employers are having difficulty filling in 2008 compared to 2007 include: Skilled Manual Trades, Sales Representatives, Technicians, Engineers, and Management/Executives. Around the world, the percentage of employers having difficulty finding the right people to fill jobs dropped from 41% last year to 31% this year, yet talent shortages remain extremely prevalent, particularly in Romania (73%), Japan (63%), Hong Kong (61%), Singapore (57%) and Australia (52%). Of all the countries and territories surveyed, Hong Kong reported the largest increase in employers struggling to fill jobs compared to 2007. In the UK, India, Ireland and China, talent shortages are prevalent, but less severe, as employers are still struggling to fill specific positions.