Have you heard? The economy hit a new record this summer.
Officially, there are now more job openings than job seekers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, America has 6.7 million job openings and 6.35 million unemployed. This is the first time on record that the number of job openings has been higher than the number of job seekers.
But that’s not the only record our economy has broken lately. Records show this is our longest-ever streak of job growth.
Which industries have excess jobs?
All that growth is good. But employers also want to fill their job vacancies. Some of the industries already had excess vacancies before the economic upswing; the tight job market highlighted the issue more.
Here are some of the industries impacted most, experts say:
Construction. Even though it pays well and doesn’t require a college degree, construction doesn’t seem to be attracting as many younger workers, according to this article
Truck Drivers. By 2022, the shortage in trucking is expected to top 100,000; this is mostly due to retiring Baby Boomers. This industry has been forced to look at innovative ways attract new hires.
Other industries feeling the crunch include farming and emergency dispatchers. Whether it’s the life-and-death nature of dispatch work or just the seasonal demands of farming, how can employers find a good crew?
What can employers do?
It’s no question. Hiring in a tight job market like this is a challenge. But that doesn’t mean it’s always impossible.
One survey reports that most employers say they’re willing to look beyond traditional requirements in this tight labor market, accepting other credentials in lieu of a traditional college degree. Others are relaxing typical job requirements to help fill vacancies and opting for “skills-based hiring.”
In a tight job market, one thing remains important, don’t skimp on the screening process. Getting qualified candidates verified quickly can mean the difference between a good team and a great one. Pick a partner like ClearStar that can help keep the process both simple and professional. Contact us today!
