Though many workers are having a tough time finding suitable employment in today’s uncertain economy, companies also face challenges finding highly skilled people, a new report says.

According to the fourth annual Employment Dynamics and Growth Expectations Report by Robert Half International and Internet jobs site CareerBuilder.com, employees rated the level of challenge in finding a job at 3.56 on a sliding scale of 1 to 5. Similarly, employers rated the level of challenge in finding qualified candidates at 3.47.

“A dual hiring environment seems to be taking shape,” says Max Messmer, chairman and chief executive of Robert Half International, a recruiting firm that specializes in accounting and finance careers.

“Job seekers in some fields are competing aggressively for open positions, giving employers the edge in those segments of the hiring market, Messmer says.

“At the same time, however, companies continue to face a shortage of highly skilled professionals in fields such as technology and accounting,” he says.

That’s likely because workers with the talents companies need aren’t willing to leave secure jobs unless hard-up employers make very lucrative offers.

Among key findings of the report:

• More than half of employers said it is challenging to find skilled professionals today; Generation Y workers are the most difficult to recruit.


• Closely mirroring responses from employers, more than half of workers said it is challenging to find a job today.


• Nearly two-thirds of workers are more likely to try to negotiate a better compensation package today than last year.


• A lack of qualified workers and the higher cost of gas/commuting were among the top factors impacting companies’ ability to recruit skilled labor.


• Many employers are likely to offer reduced work schedules, “bridge” jobs and consulting arrangements as an alternative to retirement.


• The time to fill open positions ranges from four to 14 weeks, with senior-level roles demanding the most time.


• Six-in-10 employers estimate at least a quarter of applicants who contact them aren’t qualified.