Australian employers are facing a talent shortage with 45% of managers claiming difficulty finding the right person for key roles. In a 2010 Manpower survey studying the shortages in talent pools internationally, 31% of employers worldwide said they are having trouble filling critical positions within their organisations.
But the talent shortage in Asia is 10% higher than the global average, with almost half of Australian businesses reporting problems in recruiting people with the right skills.
The survey was conducted with 35,000 employers in 36 countries in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa.
The top three jobs in demand - skilled trades, sales representatives and technicians - have remained a constant over the past four years, signifying an increasing gap between the demands of employers and the talent pool.
Manpower's survey found employers have become more specific about their employees’ required skills set, on top of the basic technical capabilities.
This means that more than ever, employees need to stay relevant and up-to-date with market trends and training.
Manpower suggested that companies could widen their talent suit by considering skilled migrants who will benefit from further training and development.
Find courses in sales, or enter a skilled trade as an apprentice.