If you’re struggling to fill key positions in your company, you’re not alone – so we’re going to dig in to why your job openings aren’t filling and how to hire faster. Many hiring managers and company leaders find themselves in a cycle where job postings linger unfilled for weeks—or even months. While the talent market is competitive, there are often internal roadblocks contributing to slow hiring.
At Sherpa, we specialize in helping businesses overcome these hiring challenges by connecting them with top Accounting, Finance, HR, Business Transformation, Marketing, and Executive Support professionals. Let’s break down why your roles may be staying open and how you can accelerate the hiring process.
1. Your Hiring Process Is Too Slow
The Problem: A lengthy hiring process can cause you to lose top candidates to faster-moving companies. Even worse – it can also negatively affect your employer brand according to a recent article. If it takes weeks to schedule interviews or finalize offers, high-quality candidates may already be off the market or moved on from your company. Need proof? According to Alissa Farrow, Sales and Delivery Excellence Director at Sherpa, “I’ve had multiple candidates tell me recently how frustrating it is to go through six or more rounds of interviews—only to be rejected in the end. The length of the hiring process, both in time and the sheer number of interviews, is becoming a real pain point for job seekers”
The Fix:
- Streamline decision-making by setting clear timelines and aligning key stakeholders early.
- Work with a specialized recruiting partner like Sherpa to pre-screen and present only the most qualified candidates, reducing time-to-hire.
2. Your Job Description Doesn’t Attract the Right Candidates
The Problem: If your job description is too vague, overly complex, or unrealistic, you may be unintentionally discouraging the right candidates from applying. A recent Insight Global piece stated that more than half of job seekers indicate that the quality of a job description influences their decision to apply. In a nutshell, your description needs to be polished and pertinent. According to Scott Pullen, AVP Staffing Services at Sherpa, “A well-written job description should clearly relay the requisite skills and qualifications and encourage applicants to quantify their mastery of them in their resume or application. Trying to get to those who are truly qualified for the job ultimately helps recruiters/hiring managers hire the right candidate faster.”
The Fix:
- Focus on must-have qualifications instead of a wish list of skills.
- Highlight what makes your company and role attractive—culture, career growth, and benefits.
- Use clear and inclusive language to ensure a diverse applicant pool.
3. Compensation and Benefits Aren’t Competitive
The Problem: In a job market where candidates have choices, compensation and benefits play a significant role in decision-making. If your salary or perks are below market rate, candidates may look elsewhere. According to Lisa Hildreth, Sherpa Managing Director, “In Charlotte’s competitive job market, top talent isn’t just looking for a paycheck—they’re looking for a total package. Companies that offer competitive salaries, flexible work options, and career growth opportunities are the ones winning the hiring race.”
The Fix:
- Benchmark salaries against industry standards to ensure you’re offering competitive pay.
- Consider flexible work arrangements, professional development, and other perks that enhance your offer.
- Partner with Sherpa for market insights to ensure you’re attracting top talent with the right compensation package.
4. You’re Not Casting a Wide Enough Net
The Problem: Relying solely on job boards or internal referrals may limit your candidate pool, especially for specialized roles.
The Fix:
- Expand your reach by leveraging professional networks, LinkedIn, and industry-specific talent pools.
- Work with a recruiting firm like Sherpa that has access to a vast network of vetted professionals ready to step in.
5. You’re Waiting for the “Perfect” Candidate
The Problem: While hiring managers naturally want the best talent, waiting for an ideal candidate with every qualification can lead to extended vacancies and lost productivity.
The Fix:
- Focus on hiring candidates with strong core skills and a willingness to learn rather than an exact skill match.
- Consider contract-to-hire or consulting talent to fill gaps while you search for long-term solutions.
How Sherpa Can Help
Filling critical roles shouldn’t be a time-consuming and frustrating process. At Sherpa, we specialize in helping companies like yours find top-tier Accounting, Finance, HR, Business Transformation, Marketing, and Executive Support professionals—quickly and efficiently. Now that we’ve taken a look at why your job openings aren’t filling and how to hire faster, let’s talk about how Sherpa can help. Our team:
✔ Pre-screens and delivers highly qualified candidates, reducing your time-to-hire.
✔ Provides insights on market trends, salary expectations, and hiring best practices.
✔ Offers contract, contract-to-hire, and direct-hire solutions tailored to your needs.
If your open roles have been sitting vacant, let’s talk. Contact us today to find the right talent—before your competitors do.
