HOW LONG DOES THE HIRING PROCESS REALLY TAKE?

If you are thinking about a new job or a new hire before Christmas, the clock is already ticking. 

Christmas industry shut down is just 11 weeks away... 

That might sound like plenty of time, but the reality is that hiring takes longer than most people think. 

So, what does the timeline look like? 

1. Getting the role ready: 1 week 

Before a role goes to market, there needs to be agreement internally around the position, responsibilities, reporting lines, salary and what you are looking for. 

This stage is often underestimated. A vague brief can make the recruitment process slower because you are not attracting or assessing the right people from the outset. 

2. Finding and engaging the right candidates: 1–2+ weeks 

In a specialist market, the right person isn't always actively looking. 

This is where recruiters add value. We are not just searching a database for someone with the right job title. We are speaking with people in the market, understanding their motivations and identifying whether the opportunity genuinely fits. 

And if you are looking for a particular skill set, project experience or level of seniority, it can take time to find the right match. 

3. Interviews and decision-making: 1–2 weeks 

Once you have met suitable candidates, there can be multiple interviews, stakeholder discussions and internal approvals. 

This is one of the most common places we see momentum lost. 

A candidate can be engaged, interested and available but if the process takes too long, they may have other opportunities progressing. 

4. Offer, references and negotiations: around 1 week 

Finding the person is only half the job. Once you have identified your preferred candidate, you still need to complete references, finalise the package and get the offer accepted. 

This can sometimes move very quickly. It can also take longer than expected, particularly where there are multiple decisionmakers involved. 

5. Notice period: often 4 weeks 

And then there's the part you can't control. 

Many experienced candidates in property and construction have four-week notice periods. 

So, a candidate who accepts a role today may not actually start for another month. 

Suddenly, those 11 weeks until Christmas don't look so long... 

For employers 

If you know you need an additional Project Manager, Development Manager, Corporate Services professional or support hire, don't wait until November to start thinking about it. 

The longer you leave it, the more likely you are to run into: 

• Limited candidate availability 

• Longer decision-making timelines 

• Candidates taking other opportunities and counteroffers  

• Four-week notice periods 

• Christmas shutdowns 

• Key decision-makers being away 

Getting the process started now doesn't mean you have to rush a decision. 

For candidates 

The same applies if you are considering your next move. 

You don't necessarily need to be actively job hunting. A confidential conversation with a recruiter can give you a clearer picture of what's happening in the market and what opportunities might suit you. 

Kylie’s view 

From our experience, the journey from shortlisted CV’s to a candidate starting can easily stretch beyond seven weeks, depending on the role, interview process and notice period. 

That's why our advice to both clients and candidates is simple: 

If you want something to happen before Christmas, start now.