MILWAUKEE -- A new survey finds shortages of qualified workers are problems in the U.S. and around the world.

The employment firm Manpower Inc. surveyed 33,000 employers in 23 countries and found that 44 percent of U.S. employers and 40 percent worldwide are having trouble filling positions because of a lack of suitable talent.

The Milwaukee-based firm said the top job employers having trouble filling is for sales representatives.

"Employers are telling us that they are not just looking for bodies to fill sales jobs, they want experienced sales people who know their respective industries and can drive revenues," said Jeffrey A. Joerres, chairman and CEO of Manpower Inc.

Mexico, Canada and Japan are the countries where employers reported the qualification gaps were most serious.

"The talent shortage is becoming a reality for a larger number of employers around the world, and this is only going to get worse over the next several decades, as demographic shifts and other factors continue to reduce the number of people who are willing and able to participate in the workforce," said Joerres.

Here are the top 10 jobs that employers are having difficulty filling, according to Manpower.

1. Sales representatives
2. Engineers
3. Technicians (primarily production/operations, engineering and maintenance)
4. Production operators
5. Skilled manual trades (primarily carpenters, welders and plumbers)
6. IT staff (primarily programmers/developers)
7. Administrative sssistants/Personal assistants
8. Drivers
9. Accountants
10. Management/Executives

Manpower said workers with talent in any of the hot job categories should expect to see their salaries and compensation increase.

"Anyone who is currently searching for a new job or a different career path should seriously consider the results of this survey, and set their sights on getting the education and training required to pursue one of these promising career paths," Joerres said.