How long does it take to get hired permanently?

Getting hired into a permanent job can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on the role, industry, and hiring process. The key factors that determine how long it takes to get hired permanently include:

What is the average time it takes to get hired for a permanent job?

On average, it takes about 1-3 months to go through the full hiring process and get hired into a permanent role. However, it can take less or more time depending on the specific circumstances. Some key factors that influence the timeline include:

  • Type of role – Entry level and lower-skill roles tend to have a shorter hiring process of 2-6 weeks, while specialized, managerial or executive roles can take 3-6 months.
  • Industry – Companies in fast-paced industries like tech and startups tend to hire more quickly than corporations or companies in slower, more traditional industries.
  • Company size – Larger companies typically have a longer hiring process of up to 12 weeks, while smaller companies can hire in 4 weeks or less.
  • Number of candidates – When there are fewer qualified applicants, companies tend to expedite hiring. A large pool slows it down.
  • Interview stages – More interview rounds lead to a longer process. 4-6 weeks is common for 3-5 interviews.
  • Assessments – Psychometric and skills testing adds 1-2 weeks to the hiring timeline.
  • Background checks – Companies that conduct extensive background checks usually require 2-4 extra weeks.

Taking all these factors into account, the typical permanent job hiring process takes 6-8 weeks on average, but could be as short as 2 weeks or as long as 6 months depending on the role and company.

What are the main stages of the hiring process?

The hiring process for most permanent jobs follows these typical stages:

  1. Application – Submitting a job application and resume, either online or in-person.
  2. Screening – An initial call or automated screening to review qualifications and fit.
  3. Interview(s) – One or more in-depth interviews, often with multiple interviewers.
  4. Assessments – Testing job-related skills with assignments, tests or exercises.
  5. Background check – Employer screens criminal history, references, employment history.
  6. Offer – Employer extends a verbal or written job offer.
  7. Negotiation – Applicant and employer negotiate final terms of employment.
  8. Acceptance – Applicant accepts the offer terms officially.
  9. Onboarding – New hire completes paperwork and starts orientation and training.

However, each company structures their hiring process differently. There may be more or fewer stages, conducted in varying order. The number of interviews and types of assessments also vary widely across industries and roles.

What is a typical timeline for each hiring stage?

Here is an approximate timeline for each common stage in the hiring process:

  • Application – 1-7 days for candidate to submit
  • Screening – 1-7 days after application
  • Interview(s)
    • Phone screen – 30-60 minutes, scheduled 1-7 days after screening
    • 1st round – 60-90 minutes, scheduled 7-14 days after screen
    • 2nd round – 2-5 days after 1st round
    • 3rd round – 2-7 days after 2nd round
    • Executive – 1-2 weeks delay after final round
  • Assessments – Varies, but often 1 week after interviews
  • Background check – 1-2 weeks after assessments or final interview
  • Offer process
    • Verbal offer – 0-2 days after background check
    • Written offer – 1-5 days after verbal offer
    • Negotiation – Up to 1 week
    • Acceptance – Within 0-5 days of final written offer
  • Onboarding – 1-4 weeks before start date

There is significant variation at each stage depending on individual circumstances. For example, scheduling interviews can take weeks if coordinating availability with multiple hiring managers. Top candidates may expedite the process by quickly responding and following up. Context like company holidays or travel can also delay timelines.

What factors speed up or slow down the hiring process?

Elements that typically accelerate hiring include:

  • Urgent open positions that need to be filled quickly
  • Low number of qualified applicants
  • Seeking generalist or entry-level roles with minimal screening
  • Candidate proactively communicating, confirming details
  • Hiring manager prioritizing and fast-tracking process
  • No assessments or background checks required

Common factors that extend the hiring timeline are:

  • Highly specialized or executive roles with extensive screening
  • Large applicant pool to sort through and filter
  • Multiple complex interviews and assessments
  • Layered decision making with several managers involved
  • Candidate unresponsive or delaying process
  • Legal compliance factors like equity screens
  • Company bureaucracy or inefficient processes

What is a reasonable amount of time to expect the hiring process to take?

Most experts agree that a “reasonable” hiring process takes 2-3 months for most permanent professional roles. However, it depends on the variables. For example:

  • Entry level or hourly roles: 1-2 months
  • Specialized individual contributor roles: 2-3 months
  • Management and executive roles: 3-6 months

Any process shorter than 4-6 weeks or longer than 4-5 months indicates an unusually expedited or protracted hiring effort respectively.

How can you politely follow up to check on your application status?

It’s reasonable to want updates during an extended hiring process. You can politely follow up by:

  • Waiting at least 1 week between outreach attempts to avoid pestering
  • Checking in via email vs phone to allow recruiter time to respond when able
  • Sending a quick note reaffirming your interest and fit
  • Avoiding demanding language like “any updates” – stay gracious
  • Re-confirming next steps and timeline expectations
  • Explaining that you’re eager about the role and company

With persistence but patience, candidates can stay engaged while respectfully seeking status updates from an employer.

How long is too long for a hiring process to take?

There are no fixed rules on when a hiring process becomes unreasonably lengthy. However, these are some general benchmarks to indicate an excessive process:

  • 1-2 months – Entry level and hourly roles
  • 3-4 months – Professional individual contributor roles
  • 5-6 months – Specialized technical and manager roles
  • 6+ months – Executive and C-suite positions

If a hiring process exceeds these timeframes, candidates should politely seek to understand why and whether delays indicate issues with the role or company itself that need clarification.

What should you do if the process seems to be taking too long?

If the hiring process drags on excessively long without clear explanations for the delays, some options to consider include:

  • Asking the employer or recruiter to explain the reasons for the extended timeline.
  • Reconfirming the employer’s level of interest and plans to make a final decision.
  • Requesting a reasonable timeframe estimate in writing from the company.
  • Exploring whether the role or qualifications have changed substantially during the process.
  • Asking what outstanding steps remain and how long those will take.
  • Determining internal hiring processes and requirements that influence timelines.
  • Evaluating whether to continue pursuing the opportunity or withdraw from the process.

This open and direct communication can help determine if an excessively prolonged hiring process reflects problems or changes with the role itself. Candidates can then make informed decisions whether to keep waiting or walk away.

Conclusion

Getting hired for a permanent job typically takes 1-3 months, with the process extending up to 6 months for some roles. Factors like company size, position seniority, interview stages, assessments and background checks impact timelines. While reasonable follow-up is fine, an excessive delay beyond 3-6 months usually indicates deeper issues and merits direct discussion with the employer.

Here is a summary of the key points:

Entry level roles 1-2 months
Professional roles 2-3 months
Management roles 3-6 months
Executive roles 6+ months

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