Some roles just do not shift. Not because your team is not capable, but because even the best in-house strategies have limits. If a vacancy keeps going nowhere, it is time to step back and look at what is getting in the way.

1. You’re Not Set Up for Niche or Senior Roles

In-house teams are built for volume. They are great at handling junior or repeat roles where the spec is clear and the process is fast.

But when it comes to senior clinicians, governance specialists or complex multi-site posts, the same approach does not cut it. These candidates do not sit on job boards. They do not click apply. They need to be headhunted, approached with context and engaged properly.

That takes time, insight and the right networks. Most internal teams are not resourced to do that. And that is not a criticism. It is just where the limits start to show.

2. There’s No Time for Strategy When You’re Chasing Numbers

You might know this feeling well. Constant targets. Roles refilling themselves. Requests from every direction.

When recruitment becomes delivery at all costs, there is no time to stop and fix what is not working. But the trickier roles do not respond to speed. They need a clear brief, a sharper message and someone who can spot gaps before they cause delays.

That takes more time than most in-house teams can give.

3. Candidates Are Saying No Behind the Scenes

You have posted the job. Sent out the role. Followed up.

Still, no progress.

Often, it is because the right people are quietly opting out. Maybe the salary is too low. Maybe they heard the team is overstretched. Maybe they are just unsure what the job really involves.

You will not always hear this. But a recruiter with market trust will. We have those conversations early so you are not left wondering why nothing is moving.

4. Your EVP Doesn’t Match the Market

Everyone believes they are a great place to work. But candidates are more selective than ever.

They want flexibility. Supervision. Career progression. A manageable caseload. If your messaging does not address what matters to them, they will simply scroll past.

We help you shape the role so it reflects what candidates care about right now. Not what mattered five years ago.

5. Your Supplier List Might Be Part of the Problem

If your PSL has not changed in years, ask yourself if it is still working. Some agencies are fine for volume. But that does not mean they are right for complex or strategic hires.

We are not here to overhaul your process or get in the way. We are here to support the roles that need deeper sector experience and a different kind of delivery.

Some Roles Need More Than Good Intentions

If a role is still sitting open after every route has been tried, it is not about effort. It is about approach.

We support internal teams on the roles that keep dragging. The ones that will not fill. The ones where reputation and fit matter more than volume or speed.

Need help with a role that will not move?

We work with in-house teams and clinical leads to fill the roles that sit open too long.

At Recruiting Heads, we do not do generic. We help healthcare leaders fill senior roles in Occupational Health, Wellbeing and H&S quickly, quietly and properly.

No waffle. No juniors. Just two seasoned recruiters who know the sector inside out.