When an employer hires an employee, the employer is 'filling' a position. They have 'found someone' for a position but If they cannot find anyone that they think is suitable for the job or even if there is no one who wants the job, the position can be considered a 'hard-to-fill position'. What are some 'hard-to-fill positions' in your country?

Hi Rose! In this context "Hard to fill" means difficult. Its used when it's difficult to find a person for a certain job or role. example: "I need an employee that will be able to work Friday and Saturday nights." Finding that kind of employee could be a "hard to fill" position because people don't like working Friday and Saturday nights.

Good question! A position is "hard-to-fill" when it is difficult to find a person for the job. This could either be because 1) the job is not desirable or 2) because they need a very special person to fit the job perfectly. For example, perhaps the caretaker for a hive of man-killing bees would be a hard-to-fill position (...because no one wants to apply and get killed by bees!) On the other hand, a senior biotech engineering job might also be hard-to-fill (...because it requires a very special set of skills that only a few people possess.) Best of luck with your studies!

In English when there's a job opening, the position is waiting to be "filled" by a person who can perform that job. A hard-to-fill job opening is one where it's difficult to find applicants suitable for the job.