Pushing An Open Door?

With official data showing UK employment at an all-time high and jobseekers enjoying a record number of vacancies to choose from, new analysis has identified the top 20 roles employers find hardest to fill...

While many careers remain highly competitive, in some sectors the number of people looking for work isn’t keeping up with demand from employers. With fewer candidates applying for jobs, vacancies can take longer to fill.

Indeed - the world’s largest job site - analysed tens of thousands of UK vacancies being advertised in January, and identified the 20 roles most likely to have been listed for more than 60 days.

The hardest to fill was football coach, with half of these vacancies still unfilled after two months. Just a whisker behind was veterinary nurse - which had of vacancies still open after 60 days.

UK’s top 20 hard to fill roles:

1. Football Coach

2. Veterinary Nurse

3. Volunteer

4. Optician

5. Collection Agent

6. Optometrist

7. Surgeon

8. Seasonal Associate

9. Graduate Assistant

10. Hair Stylist

11. Dog Walker

12. Flight Attendant

13. Sandwich Maker

14. Beauty Consultant

15. Optical Assistant

16. Secondary School Teacher

17. Visual Merchandiser

18. Solicitor

19. Dentist

20. Patrol Officer

Bill Richards, UK Managing Director at Indeed, commented: “Britain’s job creation boom means more of us are in work than ever before. But with job vacancies at a record high too, in some areas employers are engaged in a full scale battle for talent.

“From the jobseekers’ point of view, these ‘hard to fill’ roles may be worth considering if you’re contemplating a career move. While some require highly specialised skills, others do not; and with potentially lower levels of competition and some tempting salaries on offer, landing one of these jobs could boost both your career and your bank balance.”