Time Kills Deals: The Cost of Slow Hiring

In 2025, the average time-to-hire in Australia is 33 days—but high-calibre candidates are typically gone in 10 days or less. That gap costs companies more than they realise:

• Lost productivity while roles remain unfilled

• Overloaded teams leading to burnout and errors

• Delays in projects and deliverables

• Increased costs from rework or reactive hiring

  A slow hiring process doesn’t just delay growth—it risks losing your ideal candidate to faster-moving competitors.

The Business Case for Speed

Speed doesn't mean cutting corners—it means having a streamlined, intentional recruitment process. The benefits?

• Higher acceptance rates from in-demand candidates

• Reduced dropouts during interview stages

• Better candidate experience and brand perception

• Lower costs per hire due to reduced advertising and admin time

Every day saved in hiring increases your chances of landing top talent.

What Efficient Recruitment Looks Like

1. Clear Role Briefs

A clear, aligned job brief from the start ensures no time is wasted filtering irrelevant profiles.

2. Dedicated Time Slots for Interviews

Block off times with decision-makers early to avoid bottlenecks.

3. Prompt Feedback Cycles

Keep candidates warm by providing feedback within 24–48 hours.

4. Partnering with a Specialist Recruiter

Specialist agencies like Lead Group already have pipelines in place and can fast-track shortlists without compromising quality.

What Lead Group Does Differently

We know every delay has a cost. That’s why we:

• Provide qualified shortlists within 3–5 business days

• Offer transparent timelines and set expectations early

• Have industry-focused consultants with active candidate networks

Our process is built for speed without sacrificing quality—because we understand the industries we recruit in.