In a recent press release dated June 18, 2025, talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half unveiled worrying insights from their latest survey. Conducted among over 2,200 U.S. hiring managers, the study reveals that a staggering 93% of managers believe the hiring process now takes longer than it did just two years ago. This trend is concerning as companies strive to remain agile and responsive to critical business initiatives.

2. Stretched Timelines in the Hiring Process

When delving deeper into the specific phases of the hiring process that are experiencing delays, the survey results highlighted the following:

Evaluating candidates' applications: 51% of managers reported this stage has extended in duration.

Checking references or conducting background checks: 47% noted an increase in the time spent here.

Scheduling and conducting interviews: 43% found this aspect of the process more time-consuming.

Dawn Fay, operational president of Robert Half, emphasized the need for companies to strategically evaluate and streamline their hiring processes. "In today's environment, companies need to strategically evaluate and streamline their hiring process—especially when staffing multiple roles," she stated, pointing out how overwhelming the surge in applications can be, particularly for time-sensitive positions.

3. The Cost of Hiring Mistakes

Despite a slight moderation in hiring plans among U.S. companies—where 57% of managers plan to expand their teams in the latter half of the year, down from 63% six months ago—92% of managers continue to face challenges in securing skilled talent. The consequences of hiring errors can be significant, with 30% of managers admitting to making a hiring mistake within the past two years. The most common pitfalls include:

Failure to properly assess technical skills: 54% of managers cited this as a frequent mistake.

Neglecting to evaluate a candidate's fit with the company culture: 46% acknowledged this misstep.

The repercussions of these mistakes are not negligible; over half (57%) of managers noted that hiring errors contributed to increased turnover within their teams. Fay pointed out, "In a market where there's less margin for error, hiring mistakes can be detrimental to team morale and growth," highlighting the potential for burnout and disengagement among existing team members who must compensate for lost productivity.

4. Recommendations for Streamlining Hiring

To address these challenges and avoid costly hiring errors, Robert Half has put forth several recommendations for employers:

Setting Timelines: Establish clear timelines and deadlines before posting job openings. Effective communication among team members can help streamline the planning process and save valuable time.

Leveraging Contract Professionals: In cases where hiring delays are significant, companies should consider engaging specialized contract professionals. This approach can maintain critical project momentum while alleviating burnout among permanent staff.

Partnering with a Staffing Firm: Collaborating with an experienced talent solutions firm can enhance the efficiency of the hiring process and provide access to a broader pool of qualified candidates, ultimately improving the quality of hires.

5. Conclusion

As the hiring landscape continues to evolve, the insights from Robert Half's survey underscore the increasing challenges managers face in securing top talent. With a focus on strategic hiring practices and a willingness to adapt, companies can mitigate these difficulties and ensure they remain competitive in an ever-changing market. For more detailed insights on overcoming hiring challenges and understanding the demand for skilled talent, Robert Half's Demand for Skilled Talent report is available for exploration.

Robert Half (NYSE: RHI) stands as the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions and business consulting firm. Their mission is to connect highly skilled job seekers with rewarding opportunities across various sectors, including finance, accounting, technology, marketing, and more. The firm, along with its subsidiary Protiviti®, has earned recognition as one of *Fortune®*'s Most Admired Companies™ and one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For over the past year.

Original press release