Hiring the right candidate is one of the most important decisions a business can make—but if your hiring process drags on too long, you risk losing top talent. So, how long should the hiring process really take in today’s competitive landscape?
In this blog, we’ll break down average time-to-hire statistics, why delays happen, and how to speed things up without sacrificing quality. We’ll also explore how working with a staffing agency can give you a serious edge in efficiency.
Average Time-to-Hire: What the Data Says
According to SHRM, the average time-to-hire in the U.S. is around 36 days. However, this varies greatly by industry, company size, and job level.
Here’s a breakdown of average time-to-hire by industry based on recent data from Genius’s 2024 Hiring Report:
The longer the process, the more likely you are to lose candidates. In fact, 62% of job seekers lose interest if they don’t hear back within two weeks of a first interview, according to Robert Half.
Average Time-to-Hire: What the Data Says
Let’s face it—most delays are internal. Here are some common culprits:
1. Too Many Decision Makers
When hiring involves multiple department heads or excessive rounds of interviews, it slows everything down.
2. Lack of Process Clarity
Without a structured hiring process, steps like resume review, interview scheduling, and offer approvals become bottlenecks.
3. Manual Recruitment Methods
If you’re still sorting resumes manually or emailing candidates individually, you’re wasting hours that could be automated.
How to Speed Up the Hiring Process
1. Create a Structured Hiring Workflow
2. Use Pre-Screening Tools
Platforms like Vervoe or TestGorilla help filter qualified candidates faster with skills-based assessments.
3. Shorten the Interview Process
Limit interviews to 2–3 rounds max. One phone screen and one in-person or Zoom interview is usually sufficient for most roles.
4. Build a Talent Pipeline
Don’t wait until a job opens up to start recruiting. Use a CRM tool like Beamery to nurture passive candidates and reduce sourcing time.
How Working with a Staffing Agency Can Help
A staffing agency can cut your time-to-hire by 33% on average, according to The Recruitment Org. Here’s how:
1. Access to Pre-Vetted Talent
Staffing agencies maintain ready-to-go candidate pools, reducing time spent sourcing and screening.
2. Industry-Specific Expertise
Specialized recruiters understand your market, job requirements, and cultural fit—bringing you top talent faster.
3. Streamlined Onboarding
Agencies often handle background checks, documentation, and compliance, accelerating your onboarding process.
4. Flexible Hiring Options
Need someone now? Temp or contract-to-hire placements allow you to fill gaps quickly without long-term commitment.
Final Thoughts
The hiring process should ideally take no more than 2–3 weeks for most roles. Dragging it out not only costs you money but also scares off top candidates.
If you’re feeling the drag, it’s time to streamline. Use recruitment tech, cut unnecessary steps, and don’t hesitate to lean on the expertise of a staffing agency. In today’s fast-paced market, speed isn’t just nice to have—it’s a hiring advantage.
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