16Sep
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The Five Hardest Roles to Fill and How to Hire for Them

Job seekers today have more choices than ever before. With abundant job openings and various recruiters vying for their attention, it can be difficult for talent acquisition professionals to find the right candidates. The competition for top talent will only intensify in the coming years, making it more critical for companies to stay up-to-date on the latest recruiting trends.

 One of the most challenging aspects of recruiting is finding candidates with the proper skill set. Unfortunately, job seekers often don’t have the necessary skills for the posted positions. This quagmire is especially true for roles that require specific technical skills or experience with new technologies. As a result, talent acquisition professionals must be creative in their recruiting efforts, using both traditional and non-traditional methods to identify potential candidates.

 Another challenge facing talent acquisition professionals is the tight labor market. With unemployment at historic lows, there are more open positions than there are job seekers. This has made it difficult for companies to find qualified candidates, as many job seekers are already employed and not actively looking for new opportunities. To combat this problem, companies must focus on attracting passive candidates who are not actively seeking new employment but could be persuaded to change jobs if the right opportunity presents itself.

The challenges facing talent acquisition professionals are significant, but there are ways to overcome them. By staying up-to-date on the latest recruiting trends and using innovative approaches to identify and attract top talent, companies can ensure that they have the skilled employees they need to succeed in today’s competitive business environment. 

As a talent acquisition manager, you are tasked with the sometimes daunting job of filling various roles within your company. Some are easier than others, but some can seem impossible. You may find yourself asking, “Where do I even begin?” or “Is this role even possible to fill?” Never fear! We are here to help. Below is a list of five of the most challenging roles to fill and how best to go about hiring for them.

1. Sales Associate 

Sales associates are the lifeblood of any company that relies on sales to generate revenue. They are the ones who develop new leads, forge relationships with potential clients, and ultimately close deals. However, finding good salespeople can be difficult. They must be highly motivated, passionate about their work, and possess excellent communication skills. They also need to think on their feet and problem-solve on the fly. 

So, where do you find these mythical creatures? Start by looking for candidates with a proven track record of sales success. This could be in the form of awards, quota attainment, or other measurable metrics. Once you have a few candidates with solid sales experience, conduct phone or video interviews to better understand their communication skills. Finally, invite them for an in-person interview and put them through their paces with real-world scenarios they might encounter on the job. 

2. Customer Service Representative 

Customer service representatives (CSRs) are the face of your company. They are often the first point of contact for customers and clients and play a crucial role in maintaining customer satisfaction. CSRs need to have strong people skills, be patient and understanding, and know how to diffuse difficult situations. They also need a thorough knowledge of your product or services to troubleshoot any problems that may arise effectively. 

When hiring CSRs, screen candidates for soft skills such as active listening, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Then give them a written test that simulates a real customer service interaction. This approach will give you a good idea of their technical knowledge and ability to handle difficult situations. Finally, invite them in for an interview where you can further explore their people skills. 

3. Software Developers 

Regarding tech positions, software developers are always in high demand but in short supply. In today’s business world, almost every company needs software developers to create custom applications, maintain existing systems, and more. The problem is that there are not enough qualified software developers to meet this demand.

To hire a software developer, start by evaluating what skills and experience your ideal candidate would have. Then, post your job on online IT sector job boards such as Dice and tap into your professional networks. You may also want to consider partnering with a staffing agency specializing in placing software developers.

4. Healthcare Workers

The healthcare industry is facing a massive talent shortage. According to AMRI, around 50-60% of healthcare positions are still open after 60 days. This shortage is due in part to the aging population. AAMC’s research shows that the number of Americans over 65 will almost double between now and 2060. As the population ages, there will be an increasing demand for healthcare services. However, the supply of healthcare workers is not keeping pace with the demand. This talent shortage is harming the quality of care that patients receive. To address this challenge, healthcare organizations must find ways to attract and retain top talent. One way is by offering competitive salaries and benefits packages. Another way is by investing in training and development programs. These programs can help existing employees gain the skills they need to meet the job demands. By taking these steps, healthcare organizations can help ensure they have the workforce they need to provide quality care for all patients.

5. Manufacturing Jobs

As the economy continues to rebound, businesses in many industries face a shortage of qualified workers. This shortage is especially true in the manufacturing sector, where many companies struggle to find qualified employees. Several reasons for this shortage include the retirement of baby boomers and the decline of vocational programs. As a result, companies looking to hire manufacturing workers must be creative and open-minded about their hiring processes.

One way to find qualified workers is to partner with local vocational schools or community colleges. By working with these institutions, companies can help train the next generation of workers and ensure they have the skills they need to succeed. 

Another way to address the labor shortage is to tap into new talent pools. For example, many veterans have the skills and experience that manufacturing jobs require. However, they may not be aware of the opportunities that exist in the industry. Manufacturers can connect with this underserved population by reaching out to veteran-specific organizations and networks.

In addition, companies can also look beyond traditional hiring channels and use social media and online job boards to reach a wider pool of potential employees. By being creative and flexible in their hiring process, companies can find the qualified workers they need to keep their business running smoothly.

Transform your current hiring and recruiting strategy

The process of looking for new talent goes beyond simply posting job postings on job boards; it is also critical to understand the industry and the company’s business goals and find a suitable candidate that aligns with the job. Thus, it is often necessary to revisit current recruiting and hiring plans to find the right strategy for upcoming openings. An effective way to fill these challenging roles is by communicating well with team leaders and the HR Team. Additionally, working with a staffing and recruiting agency specializing in your industry or recruiting for a particular role goes a long way in achieving success when recruiting difficult-to-find talent.

At TalentInsight, we design recruiting strategies that are effective in achieving our customer’s recruitment goals. First, our industry-experienced recruiters use their established networks and connections to find those undetected candidates who are not submitting resumes to any job board. Then, utilizing the latest AI sourcing technology, our team can quickly identify potential candidates and reach out to them with personalized messages. As a result, our customers can save time and money while still filling critical positions with top talent. If you’re looking for a partner to help you navigate the increasingly complex recruiting world, contact TalentInsight today. We’ll be happy to assist you in meeting your staffing needs.