Nearly 70 percent of respondents to a recent survey on hiring by MDM expect to bring on new employees in 2013. The results of the survey – conducted the week of Feb. 24, 2013 – were encouraging and indicate positive expectations for business conditions this year.

Distributors were planning to add staff in the areas of outside sales (68%) inside sales (43%), warehouse (36%) and customer service (32%).

However, many respondents said that the biggest challenges include finding candidates with experience in the industry, appropriate pay expectations, getting distribution on the radar of candidates that might come from outside of the industry, and getting younger people involved.

In her MDM article, Looking for Qualified Talent? Consider Industrial Distribution Programs, Lindsay Konzak gives a few suggestions for where to look for qualified help. 

The National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) and IFPS (International Fluid Power Society) have career centers with a number of resources companies can use to seek candidates for employment, including the NFPA website (as long as you are a member), and fluid power industry focused recruiters/search firms like FluidPowerJobs.com Bosco-Hubert & Associates, and GRS Recruiting.

NAHAD (National Association of Hose & Accessories Distributors) is an Alliance Partner of The Industrial Careers Pathway (ICP), which links students to career paths in industrial distribution through partnerships with local educators and employers. Distributors benefit by providing a pipeline of qualified entry-level candidates and quality training for current employees.

LinkedIn is a great resource for finding potential hires. The following LinkedIn groups all have job boards for posting positions: FluidPowerJobs.com, Automation.Com, Fluid Power Network, FPDA, Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Industrial Automation & Controls Network, Industrial Distribution, International Fluid Power Society, Modern Distribution Management’s Independent Distributor Network, Modern Fluid Power (Hydraulic, Pneumatic & Motion Control), Power Transmission Network, Pumps & Systems, among many others. Some of these are closed groups, so you will have to apply for admission before having access.

GRS Recruiting has a blog with hiring advice. What has worked for your company in looking for new hires and qualified help? Share your tips!