As a hiring manager, it is not always easy to fill each position. There are some positions that are easier to fill than others because they require less experience and credentialing than others. Specialty positions require a certain type of person and sometimes, there are just not enough to go around. So what can you do when you don’t have enough candidates to interview for the job? Below are 3 things you can do when you can’t fill the job.

Think Outside the Box

If you are having a hard time finding a qualified candidate that meets the requirements and has the certifications for a specialty position, consider looking in other areas with room to train. Is there other types of jobs with the same basic skill set that you can train in a specialty? For example, if you are hiring for a sleep tech – open your search up to medical assistants or nurses and offer sleep technician training to those candidates. The basic skill set needed to assist patients is similar enough to get them started, and with a little training or a quick course, you are not only filling the position, but also increasing their resume which is an added bonus for your new employee.

Look Inside

Is there an amazing employee already working within your office that could be trained and/or promoted to this new position? For example, if you have an awesome Receptionist or scheduler that shows great leadership and organizational skills, they could be offered a promotion to Office Manager. A receptionist position is easier to fill than an office manager position but with enough experience and devotion, they can learn the parts of the job needed to succeed. Hire someone that already knows and understands the office work dynamic and give them training to do the more difficult job.

Offer a Reward for Referrals

If you have employees in your office that work a specialty position, they are likely going to know others that can do the same thing. Many people develop relationships throughout school and training. Offer a small reward to those that can give referrals (starbucks gift card, gas card, etc.) and an even larger reward for the employee who’s referral gets hired (gift card for a steak dinner, $50 bonus, etc). Often a good incentive will entice your employees to work hard helping you. This will open up new avenues to potential candidates that you may have not been able to access yourself.

It can be difficult at times to fill certain positions. When you are having a hard time finding qualified candidates, don’t get discouraged. Look outside the box and approach the way you recruit from a different angle. A little creativity may help you find an amazing candidate that you wouldn’t have found otherwise.