Why Slow Hiring is Costing You Millions—and How to Fix It
Hiring top-performing sales and leadership talent in the building products industry is more competitive than ever. The best candidates have options, and if your hiring process drags on for too long, you’ll lose them to competitors who move faster.
Yet, many companies hesitate, delaying decisions with multiple interview rounds, endless internal discussions, and unnecessary hurdles. They believe they're being thorough, but what they’re actually doing is killing deals before they even happen.
💡 The truth? Slow hiring is one of the biggest (and most expensive) hiring mistakes companies make. In an industry where sales and leadership roles drive revenue, hiring delays don’t just cost you talent—they cost you money.
Let’s break down why slow hiring is a revenue killer, how it hurts your company’s reputation, and what you can do to fix your hiring process before you lose another top candidate.
Why “Time Kills Deals” in Hiring
In sales, we often say, “Time kills deals.” The longer a deal sits without action, the less likely it is to close. Hiring is no different.
Here’s why dragging out your hiring process is costing you top talent:
1. The Best Candidates Don’t Wait
Top-performing sales reps and leadership candidates are in high demand—they are not waiting around for a company to take weeks to make a decision.
If your hiring process takes too long, here’s what happens:
✔️ They accept another offer – Faster-moving companies scoop them up.
✔️ They lose interest – Delays make candidates question if your company is serious.
✔️ They stay where they are – If the process drags, they may decide it’s easier to stay put.
Real-World Example:
A client of mine was hiring a Regional Sales Manager. They found a rockstar candidate—someone who had consistently grown revenue by 25%+ in their previous roles. The candidate was excited, but the company’s internal approval process took four weeks. By the time they were ready to extend the offer, he had already accepted another job.
Lesson? If you want top talent, you need to act fast.
2. Open Positions Are Costing You Revenue
Every day that a sales or leadership role goes unfilled, your company is losing potential revenue.
Think about it this way:
🚨 An empty sales territory = lost sales.
🚨 A vacant leadership role = stalled growth.
🚨 Competitors gain an edge while you’re stuck in hiring limbo.
Let’s talk numbers. If your open sales position should generate $1.5 million in revenue per year, every month it stays unfilled costs you $125,000 in lost revenue.
Solution: Calculate the real impact of vacancies so your team understands the cost of slow hiring.
3. Candidates Lose Confidence in Your Company
If your hiring process is slow, it signals disorganization and indecisiveness.
Top candidates want to work for a company that moves with confidence. If they experience:
❌ Disjointed communication (long gaps between interviews)
❌ Endless delays (waiting weeks for feedback)
❌ Too many decision-makers involved (causing unnecessary back-and-forth)
They will start to doubt whether your company is well-run.
The Fix: Show candidates that your company values efficiency by streamlining your process.
How to Speed Up Your Hiring Process (Without Rushing Into Bad Hires)
You don’t need to sacrifice quality to move faster. The best hiring processes are both strategic and efficient. Here’s how to fix yours:
✅ Step 1: Pre-Plan the Hiring Process
- Before you even post the job, map out the entire interview process.
- Set clear expectations for who needs to be involved and how long each step should take.
✅ Step 2: Limit the Number of Interview Rounds
- Aim for 2-3 rounds max—any more, and you risk losing candidates.
- Be ready to make a decision within 48 hours after the final interview.
✅ Step 3: Keep Candidates Engaged Throughout the Process
- Communicate regularly so they know where they stand.
- If candidates feel ignored, they’ll move on.
✅ Step 4: Make Offers Quickly & Competitively
- If you find a great candidate, don’t hesitate—make an offer fast.
- Ensure your compensation package is competitive with industry standards.
The Bottom Line: Speed Wins in Hiring
If you want to hire top talent in building products, you need to move quickly.
✔️ Slow hiring = lost candidates, lost revenue, and lost opportunities.
✔️ Fast, efficient hiring attracts the best talent.
✅ Need Help Hiring Faster?
📩 Schedule a consultation today at www.BuildingGurus.com/Discovery
