Hiring Headaches: 93% of Managers Say the Process Takes Longer Than Two Years Ago

Core Insights - The hiring process is becoming increasingly time-consuming and costly, with 93% of U.S. hiring managers indicating it takes longer now than two years ago [1][2][3] - Companies are facing challenges in hiring skilled talent, with 92% of managers reporting difficulties in landing qualified candidates [3] - Hiring mistakes are prevalent, with 30% of managers admitting to errors in the past two years, primarily due to inadequate assessment of technical skills and cultural fit [3][4] Hiring Process Challenges - The survey conducted by Robert Half involved over 2,200 U.S. hiring managers, revealing that evaluating candidates' applications (51%), checking references or conducting background checks (47%), and scheduling interviews (43%) are the most time-consuming aspects of hiring [5][7] - The percentage of managers planning to expand their teams has decreased from 63% to 57% in the last six months, indicating a moderation in hiring plans [3] Recommendations for Improvement - Companies are advised to establish clear timelines and deadlines before posting job openings to streamline the hiring process [8] - Leveraging contract professionals can help maintain project momentum and prevent burnout among existing team members [8] - Partnering with staffing firms can enhance the hiring process by providing access to a broader pool of qualified candidates, ultimately improving the quality of hires [8]