Hard to Fill Roles – Recruitment Solutions

If you’ve ever had a role sit vacant longer than expected, you’re not alone.

Businesses tell us they are finding it increasingly difficult to secure the right staff— even when the role is business-critical, the budget is approved, and the job description is clear. The assumption is often simple: “There just aren’t any candidates out there.”

In reality, the challenge is usually more complex.

Why roles really stay open

Some of the most common reasons hard-to-fill roles remain vacant include:

• Job briefs that are too rigid for the current market

• A disconnect between the “ideal” candidate and what’s realistically available

• Strong candidates being screened out too early

• Multiple recruiters approaching the same brief in the same way

When everyone is fishing in the same pool, results rarely change.

A real example: when thinking differently worked

Recently, we partnered with a client who was struggling to fill a finance accountant position. Despite engaging several recruiters, reviewing multiple shortlists, and conducting interviews, the role remained unfilled.

When we reviewed the brief, we could see exactly why.

We introduced a candidate who didn’t match the job description 100% on paper. However, after in-depth discussions with both the candidate and the client, it was clear there was strong alignment in capability, attitude, and long-term potential.

We recommended a conversation.

The client trusted the process, agreed to an interview, and quickly saw what we saw. The outcome? The role has now been filled, and the candidate is about to commence.

This is a clear example of how flexibility, insight, and experience can solve hiring challenges others miss.

Why traditional recruitment methods fall short

Job advertising and database searches alone rarely engage the full talent market — particularly passive candidates who are already employed but open to the right opportunity.

Effective recruitment today requires:

• Proactive talent engagement

• Honest conversations about expectations and flexibility

• The confidence to challenge briefs when needed

Recruitment isn’t about volume — it’s about relevance.

The real cost of waiting

Every week a role remains vacant impacts productivity, team morale, and business momentum. Over time, pressure builds and businesses are forced into rushed decisions — often leading to poor long-term outcomes.

A smarter way forward

Hard-to-fill roles don’t always need more candidates — they need a different perspective.

At Recruit Personnel, we work closely with businesses to rethink hiring strategies, explore transferable skills, and focus on long-term fit rather than box ticking.

If a role has been open longer than it should be, it may be time for a different conversation.

Contact our team to have a chat about how we can help you with your recruitment strategies.

02 4934 9900