There were 5.5 million jobs open in the United States this September, the best month for job openings since 2000.

Nonetheless, national hiring rates dropped in September, with half a million of these job opportunities left unfilled. 

This trend includes industries as diverse as insurance and mining.

A gap between job type and available skill set may be to blame. Some industries have simply grown faster than the educational programs in which their future employees are trained.

It's a sticky situation for employers and job candidates alike, and it's one drawing attention in the media and on the Presidential campaign trail. 

Read full article at US News & World Report.