New research finds nearly half of surveyed employers cannot fill open roles amid process breakdowns
Employers are struggling to fill open roles at the highest rate in nearly three years, with new research suggesting the hiring process itself may be part of the problem.
A survey by Express Employment Professionals and Harris Poll found 44% of hiring managers currently have positions they cannot fill, up from 36% just six months ago and reaching the highest level since 2023.
At the same time, more than one in five open roles are being closed without a hire, and timelines are stretching, with 43% of hiring managers saying the process now takes longer than it did two years ago.
According to the findings, more than one in four hiring managers say it takes at least four weeks to move from résuméreview to final decision.
Despite this, fewer interviews are being conducted, with an average of four per candidate, down from five in early 2023.
"Hiring has become more complex, and employers are working to balance speed, quality, and the right fit," said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, president and chairman of Express Employment International.
Jobseekers' challenges
Jobseekers, meanwhile, are running into a different set of walls, according to the report.
Nearly one in three say automated systems make it hard to feel heard during the process, and an equal share suspect some job postings exist only to collect résumés rather than fill roles.
Qualification gaps add to the frustration, with 28% saying being overqualified works against them, while 22% say being underqualified does.
Another 21% of jobseekers also believe that AI is taking their positions and affecting their next job opportunity.
The findings point to a system under strain on both sides, where longer timelines and heavier automation are producing fewer hires rather than better ones.
Funk said technology can help "streamline the process."
"But it delivers the greatest value when paired with thoughtful, human interaction. That makes communication more important than ever," he said.
"When the process is clear and timely, employers can keep business moving, and candidates can better understand whether an opportunity is the right fit."
