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May 20, 2011

The Talent Mismatch

~ written by Bruce Rowles, Experis

This recession has cast a new light on talent supply and management around the world. Unemployment is persistently high in developed and even in many developing countries, yet organizations worldwide report difficulty filling key positions. So the immediate problem is not the number of potential candidates. Rather, it’s a talent mismatch.

There are not enough sufficiently skilled people in the right places at the right times. Simultaneously, employers are seeking ever more specific skill sets and combinations of skills – not just technical capabilities alone but perhaps in combination with critical thinking skills or other qualities that will help drive the organization forward.

As a result, the “right” person for a particular job is becoming much harder to find. Talent is elusive. It is everywhere and nowhere, and the problem shows no signs of easing.

Top 10 Jobs Employers Have Difficulty Filling Worldwide

1. Skilled Trades
2. Sales Representatives
3. Technicians
4. Engineers
5. Accounting & Finance Staff
6. Production Operators
7. Administrative Support Staff
8. Management/Executives
9. Drivers
10. Laborers

Source: Manpower Inc. Talent Shortage Survey, 2010

Furthermore, employers facing ongoing, systemic talent shortages—such as those in the healthcare and energy industries – are not going to fill the gaps one hire at a time. Instead, they must recalibrate their mindsets to consider candidates who may not meet all of the job specifications, but whose capability gaps can be filled in a timely and cost-effective way.
Training is vital.

A commitment to reskilling and upskilling current and potential employees will enable organizations to expand the available pools of talent, ensure that their workforces continue to be appropriately skilled and keep employees engaged in their work.