New research from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half shows that hiring is becoming increasingly time-consuming, as 93% of hiring managers said the process takes more time now than it did just two years ago.
In a survey of more than 2,200 U.S. hiring managers, they were asked which parts of the process are taking more time. They said:
- Evaluating candidates’ applications (51%)
- Checking references or conducting background checks (47%)
- Scheduling and conducting interviews (43%)
“In today’s environment, companies need to strategically evaluate and streamline their hiring process—especially when staffing multiple roles,” Dawn Fay, operational president of Robert Half, said in a statement. “With more applications coming in for time-sensitive positions, hiring can feel overwhelming. A flexible staffing model that includes both permanent and contract talent can help meet immediate needs while keeping teams productive.”
While hiring plans among organizations has moderated—57% of managers plan to expand their teams in the second half of the year, down from 63% six months ago—92% indicate it remains difficult to land skilled talent. And without a thoughtful approach, hiring mistakes can be costly, Robert Half said.
According to the survey results, 30% of managers have admitted to making a hiring mistake in the past two years, with the most common missteps being a failure to properly assess technical skills (54%) and not evaluating a candidate’s fit with the company culture (46%). More than half (57%) said the hiring mistake contributed to additional turnover on the team.
To help firms streamline hiring and avoid costly errors, Robert Half recommends:
- Setting timelines: Before posting the job, establish clear timelines and deadlines for your team. Communicate effectively with everyone involved to strategically plan and save time.
- Leveraging contract professionals: If hiring is taking too long, consider bringing in specialized contract professionals to bridge the gap. They can keep critical projects on track and help prevent burnout among your core team.
- Partnering with a staffing firm: Collaborating with an experienced talent solutions firm can help streamline the hiring process and expand access to a deeper pool of candidates with the right skills—saving you time and improving the quality of your hires.
“In a market where there’s less margin for error, hiring mistakes can be detrimental to team morale and growth,” Fay added. “When existing team members need to compensate for lost productivity, it can lead to burnout, disengagement, and employee turnover.”
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Tags: Hiring, hiring managers, Payroll, Small Business
