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

Rhea-AI Summary

Robert Half's latest survey reveals significant challenges in the hiring landscape, with 93% of U.S. hiring managers reporting longer hiring processes compared to two years ago. The main bottlenecks include evaluating applications (51%), reference checks (47%), and conducting interviews (43%). While 57% of companies plan to expand teams in H2 2025, down from 63%, 92% still struggle to find skilled talent. Notably, 30% of managers admitted to making hiring mistakes in the past two years, primarily due to inadequate technical skill assessment (54%) and poor cultural fit evaluation (46%). These mistakes led to increased team turnover in 57% of cases. The company recommends setting clear timelines, utilizing contract professionals, and partnering with staffing firms to streamline hiring processes and avoid costly errors.

Positive

• 92% of companies acknowledge the high demand for skilled talent, indicating a strong job market
• 57% of managers plan to expand their teams in H2 2025, showing continued growth opportunities
• Companies are becoming more aware of the importance of proper technical and cultural fit assessment in hiring

Negative

• 93% of hiring managers report longer hiring processes compared to two years ago
• 30% of managers made hiring mistakes in the past two years
• 57% of hiring mistakes led to additional team turnover
• Hiring plans decreased from 63% to 57% in six months
• Extended hiring timelines are causing productivity losses and potential team burnout

• Elongated hiring timelines and mistakes are proving costly 

MENLO PARK, Calif., June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As companies strive to stay nimble and deliver on critical business initiatives, new research from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half shows that hiring is becoming increasingly time-consuming—and costly. In a survey of more than 2,200 U.S. hiring managers, nearly all (93%) said the hiring process takes longer now than it did just two years ago.

When asked which parts of the process are taking more time, respondents 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," said Dawn Fay, operational president of Robert Half. "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."

Hiring Mistakes Prove Costly
While hiring plans among U.S. companies 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. Thirty percent of managers admit 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.

"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."

To help employers 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.

To learn more about overcoming hiring challenges and today's most in-demand roles, explore Robert Half's Demand for Skilled Talent report.

About the Research 
The data from the report is from a survey developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm in April 2025. The survey contains responses from nearly 2,200 hiring managers in the United States.

About Robert Half
Robert Half (NYSE: RHI) is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions and business consulting firm, connecting highly skilled job seekers with rewarding opportunities at great companies. We offer contract talent and permanent placement solutions in the fields of finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support, and we also provide executive search services. Robert Half is the parent company of Protiviti^®, a global consulting firm that delivers internal audit, risk, business and technology consulting solutions. In the past 12 months, Robert Half, including Protiviti, has been named one of the Fortune^® Most Admired Companies™ and 100 Best Companies to Work For. Explore talent solutions, research and insights at roberthalf.com.

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SOURCE Robert Half

FAQ

What percentage of managers say hiring takes longer than 2 years ago according to Robert Half (RHI)?

93% of U.S. hiring managers report that the hiring process takes longer now than it did two years ago.

What are the main bottlenecks in the hiring process according to RHI's 2025 survey?

The main bottlenecks are evaluating candidates' applications (51%), checking references or conducting background checks (47%), and scheduling and conducting interviews (43%).

What percentage of managers made hiring mistakes in the past two years according to Robert Half?

30% of managers admitted to making hiring mistakes in the past two years, mainly due to failure in assessing technical skills and evaluating cultural fit.

How many companies plan to expand their teams in H2 2025 according to RHI's research?

57% of managers plan to expand their teams in the second half of 2025, down from 63% six months ago.

What solutions does Robert Half recommend to streamline the hiring process?

Robert Half recommends setting clear timelines, leveraging contract professionals, and partnering with staffing firms to streamline hiring and avoid costly errors.