Nearly half of Costa Rican employers say it’s hard to find adequate staff

A study by consulting firm Manpower found that local employers are having trouble hiring suitable workers, particularly for technical level jobs, and management and executive positions.

According to the study, 46 percent of employers reported problems filling vacancies in their companies mainly because applicants do not comply 100 percent with the required profile or they lack experience.

“Most of the country’s recent graduates are ineligible to be hired. They lack technical skills and work experience. Another situation affecting local businesses is that many candidates are looking for higher wages than those being offered,” Manpower Manager in Costa Rica Ana Gabriela Chaverri said.

The list of the hardest-to-hire workers also includes sales representatives, production operators, engineers, secretaries and personal assistants, factory workers, accounting and finance professionals, and drivers.

A majority of employers —37 percent— said the lack of suitable candidates primarily affects businesses’ ability to provide its services properly, while 28 percent said it reduces their productivity and competitiveness.

For 21 percent of those surveyed, the situation causes high turnover rates that affect motivation and reduce innovation and creativity, the study concludes.