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How Much Time Are You Investing in the Hiring Process? 

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In today’s competitive talent market, filling open positions quickly with the right candidates is paramount. But have you ever stopped to consider the true time to hire? It might surprise you to learn just how much time is spent on reviewing applications, conducting interviews, and onboarding new hires.  

Let’s delve into some aspects of the hiring process, exploring the statistics on time commitment and the impact it can have on your bottom line. By understanding the true time to hire, you can adopt valuable strategies to streamline your hiring practices and bring top talent on board faster and more efficiently. 


Related: The Cost Of Not Getting A Hire Right the First Time 


The Truth About the Hiring Process 

The time it takes to hire a new employee can vary greatly depending on the industry. While some industries, like hospitality, might boast a swifter hiring process (typically around 10 days) others can take considerably longer, ranging from 6 to 9 weeks on average. If you’re looking for more hiring insights, our Complete Guide to Hiring Employees can help optimize your hiring process to help you save you time, money, and reduce attrition.  

Let’s look at two of the most important aspects of the hiring process that could be delaying you from finding the right candidate with efficiency. 

Application Review 

For hiring managers and recruiters, identifying top talent begins with a thorough review of applications, which can number in the hundreds for each corporate job opening.  

So, what does this mean? You’re spending around five minutes looking at these applications which is 20+ hours of sifting through resumes. This highlights the importance of a well-defined recruitment strategy and clear job descriptions that attract qualified candidates. Other tactics may include: 

  • Implementing skills assessments or requiring short video introductions to filter out unqualified applicants before they reach the formal screening stage. 
  • Leveraging Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These systems can significantly streamline the application process and automate tasks like resume screening, and keyword searches. 
  • Utilizing a Staffing Agency can be your secret weapon for a faster, more efficient hiring process.

By optimizing your application process, you can free up some time to hire and implement valuable resources that focus on hiring top talent. 

The Interview Process 

The interview process is undoubtedly crucial for evaluating a candidate’s fit for the role and company culture. 47% of candidates are rejected because they only have a vague idea about the role and what the company does. A potential pitfall? The time it takes to conduct multiple rounds of interviews.  

The average interview process length can be anywhere from 24-38 days with there being around 2-3 phases. Here are a few ways to help maximize your time: 

  • Focus on Efficiency: Face-to-face interviews can typically last for around 40-60 minutes. Consider combining interview stages whenever possible! 
  • Structured Interviews: Developing a set of standardized interview questions for each stage helps maintain consistency and allows for a more objective evaluation of candidates. This approach also helps to ensure all applicants are given a fair chance to showcase their skills and experience. 
  • Candidate Experience Matters: Remember, the interview process is a two-way street. Communicate clearly with candidates about interview timelines and expectations. A positive interview experience, even for those who aren’t selected, can leave a lasting impression and contribute to your employer brand. 

By streamlining the interview process, you can reduce the overall time to hire while still ensuring you secure the best talent for your team

The Enemy of Progress: Turnover 

61% of employees have reported the realities of their new job differed from what their interview portrayed. While a lengthy hiring process might seem necessary, the hidden consequence of not prioritizing intentionality risks increasing employee turnover and negative word-of-mouth reviews from previous candidates. Here’s what we’ve found:  

  • Top Talent Seeks Opportunity: Qualified candidates often have multiple options. A slow hiring process can send the message that your company may not be serious about hiring, causing them to look elsewhere. 
  • Onboarding Challenges: New hires need time to adjust to their role and company culture. When a significant amount of time lapses between the offer stage and the start date, enthusiasm can dwindle, potentially leading to a higher chance of them leaving soon after starting or rejecting your offer all together. 
  • Losing Momentum: It can take weeks or even months to fill a vacant position with the traditional hiring approach. This gap can leave existing team members feeling overwhelmed and overworked, leading to decreased morale and productivity. 

Keeping these takeaways in mind can not only save time and resources but also create a more positive experience for qualified candidates and give your existing employees hope that more help is on the way! This can ultimately reduce turnover and build a stronger, more engaged workforce. 

Streamline Your Hiring Process 

By implementing the strategies discussed in this blog post, you can significantly reduce your time to hire while still creating a useful experience for your candidates. Remember, a faster hiring process doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. In fact, by attracting top talent quickly and efficiently, you’ll be well on your way to building a strong, engaged workforce that drives success for your business. 

If you’re still unsure on how to optimize your hiring process, that’s what we’re here for! We’ve been in the staffing business for over 20 years and have a team of experts waiting to source, interview, and hire however many candidates it takes to fulfill your needs. Connect with us today to get started! 

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Need Hiring Help?

Reach out to Insight Global today. We can find you qualified candidates in as little as 48 hours! Questions? Call us toll-free: 855-485-8853