Recruiting a new employee is a process that involves several stages which can be time-consuming. The length of the recruitment process vary greatly depending on many factors such as the industry, the location, and the specific role being filled. It’s important for both recruiters and candidates to understand the average length of the recruitment process, as well as the reasons behind the delays, in order to improve the efficiency of this process.
According to recent surveys, the average length of the recruitment process is different from one country to another. In France, the average recruitment process takes 35 days, while in the United Kingdom, it takes 27 days. On the other hand, In the United States, the process takes only 23 days. These figures vary depending on the companies’ activity, the missions, and the location of the role.
The length of the recruitment process is attributed to different factors. One of the most important reasons is the large number of applications that recruiters receive for a single position. A recruiter has to check all of these applications, screen candidates, conduct interviews, and check references, all of this steps can take up a significant amount of time. Plus, many companies have strict hiring policies and procedures, which can cause delays to process.
Another reason for the length of the recruitment process is the need for multiple approvals from different departments. For example, a hiring manager may need to get approval from human resources, finance, and senior management before making a final decision. The delay here is significant, especially if the departments are differing opinions.
Despite these challenges, recruiters and candidates can take several steps to shorten the recruitment process. For recruiters, it is important to have a streamlined hiring process that includes clear job descriptions and requirements, efficient screening and mapping tools, and a clear timeline for each stage of the process. Recruiters can also consider using technology to automate some of the steps in the process, such as resume screening or scheduling interviews. This is exactly why every HR department should review market tendencies on a regular basis.
For candidates, it is necessary to be prepared and responsive throughout the recruitment process. This includes having an up-to-date resume and all the required documents (Certifications, Cover letter and other), preparing for interviews efficiently, and responding promptly to emails or phone calls. Candidates can also consider the opportunity of networking and building relationships with recruiters or hiring managers, which can lead to more efficient hiring processes.
The recruitment process can be very long, it’s a necessity that recruiters and candidates take the necessary steps to help the process accelerate. The quicker the recruitment, the better it is for everyone.
