It is increasingly difficult for employers to fill open positions, according to survey results from Express Employment Professionals. The survey of 373 Express clients found 62% said it was “very difficult” or “somewhat difficult” to recruit and fill open positions. This is an increase from a similar survey in the first quarter of 2015, when 60% said “very difficult” or “somewhat difficult.” Notably, the percentage saying “very difficult” increased from 14% to 20%.

Businesses were also asked, “What is the primary reason that your open jobs are not filled?” “Lack of available applicants” was the top response at 36%, followed by “lack of experience” and “lack of hard skills” at 25% and 20% respectively. Another 13% cited “lack of soft skills,” meaning over half of businesses find it difficult to hire because applicants lack the right experience or skills.

According to a survey of Express Employment Professionals franchisees, the top five hardest positions to fill include computer numeric controlled machinist, general laborer, welder, driver with a commercial license and accountant.

“Businesses have been telling us for quite some time that positions are hard to fill, and as the labor market tightens that’s only going to continue,” said Express CEO Bob Funk, “As the survey shows, we also have to recognize that the skills gap remains part of the problem. Businesses have very specific needs, but there just aren’t enough workers with the right skills or experience to go around. This says to me that matching unemployed workers with open jobs will require more job training opportunities. This isn’t just a concern for certain businesses; this is a concern for all Americans who want to see a stronger, growing economy.”

The survey was conducted in July 2015; the respondents are current and former clients of Express Employment Professionals. The survey of 134 Express Employment Professionals franchisees was conducted during the same time period.