Career decisions aren’t permanent, so why fear them?
By Kathleen Winsor-Games
After more than five years of hearing bad news about high unemployment, you may have given little thought to the growing talent gap, or areas where employers are having difficulty filling jobs.
Yet, according to the Manpower 2015 Talent Shortage Survey, there are significant areas where skill gaps exist, and positions remain open for lengthy periods of time. Would it surprise you to know that 32 percent of U.S. companies are currently having difficulty filling jobs based on a shortage of candidates with the right qualifications and experience? The bottom line cost to businesses is reflected in the inability to meet client needs, loss of competitive edge and a loss of productivity – all factors that are getting the attention of hiring managers.
Where talent gaps exist.
According to the Manpower survey, the top areas of candidate shortages include: Skilled Trade Workers, such as mechanics and electricians; Sales Representatives; Engineers, especially mechanical, electrical and civil engineers; Technicians, such as medical or field technicians; Truck Drivers or Heavy Equipment Drivers; Management/Executives; Accounting & Finance Staff; Office Support Staff; IT Staff and Production/Machine Operators.
Notice that talent gaps exist at all levels of organizations, including entry level, executive level, and in between. Furthermore, degreed and non-degreed workers are in short supply.
Be the solution. How can your career benefit from this news? Follow the latest developments for your industry and function to learn more about current and coming talent gaps. Dive more deeply into industry magazines, white papers and surveys to help pinpoint more specific opportunities by geography and specific company. Where do your strengths, experience and interests intersect with the needs of your company and target industry? What skill can you build upon or add that positions you well to fill skill gaps as your company or industry grows?
For example, in the field of engineering, eight major categories of engineering jobs have a positive growth outlook and are experiencing talent shortages, from entry to senior level. In-demand roles range from junior level cost estimators, to CAD (computer aided design) designers and senior level engineers. Take the time to grasp the challenges and opportunities specific to your field so you can be in the right place at the right time.
Does your team have skill gaps? If your performance is
dependent on building a team that faces a talent shortage, find out what steps your company has taken to mitigate those gaps. Is your company offering paid internships or training programs to develop a talent pipeline? Can you recruit from untapped talent pools, such as veterans, minorities, people with disabilities, parents returning to the work force after raising children or senior workers? If your company is in an industry that is historically maledominated, what more could you do to identify and cultivate talented women to help fill the gap?
If you find yourself at a company with no interest in developing strategies for long-term talent development, don’t despair. Your research can point the way to those companies leading the way in managing the talent gap.