When Hiring Takes Too Long

Lately I’ve been hearing the same story from leaders across sectors — job postings that sit for months, interviews that drag on, and the right candidates who just don’t appear (or disappear partway through the process).

When that happens, it’s easy to blame the market. But often, the real issue starts inside the organization.

Sometimes the message isn’t clear about what the work truly involves. Sometimes the hiring team isn’t aligned on what the position is meant to accomplish. And sometimes, decisions stall because the process feels heavy or uncertain.

People notice that. The best candidates — especially those motivated by purpose — sense hesitation and move on.

Before reposting the same job, pause to ask a few questions:

• What problem are we trying to solve with this hire?

• What are the essential requirements of this job, and what can be taught?

• Does it have to be full-time, or could a flexible or interim arrangement work better right now?

• Does it truly need to be remote, hybrid, or onsite?

• Is this still the role we need, or has the work evolved?

• What kind of person will help us move forward?

Hiring doesn’t need to be rushed or perfect — but it does need to be intentional.