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With skills shortages, rising salary expectations, and a candidate-driven market, the pressure is on to fill roles swiftly without sacrificing quality. 73% of employers feel compelled to prioritise speed over precision. But a rushed decision can prove costly. A single bad hire may set a business back 1.5 to 4 times the employee's annual salary, not to mention the wider impact on team morale, productivity, and customer satisfaction. If you're wondering how to reduce time to hire without compromising on quality, you're not alone.
At Goodman Masson, we help organisations across the UK recruit high-calibre professionals through a combination of specialist insight, consultative support, and tailored solutions. Here are our practical tips to help you hire smarter.
To secure the best people, it helps to understand what they want, what they're being offered elsewhere, and how external trends are shaping the market. Right now, traditional hiring models are being reshaped by both technology and candidate expectations.
For example, data from our recent report on AI in the Workplace, reveals that 52% of employers are already piloting AI in some form. This is not only influencing how businesses operate but also shaping the skills employers are seeking. At the same time, 84% of employees say that learning AI and digital skills is "important" or "very important" when considering new roles. It is essential to scope roles with these emerging competencies in mind.
Candidates are also placing more value on remote options, flexible working hours, and purposeful work. As a result, successfully competing for talent is no longer just about offering the highest salary, but about positioning the role as a long-term career move.
Accurate salary benchmarking, combined with realistic role scoping, ensures you're making attractive offers from day one. That means benchmarking salaries against real-time market data and building development pathways that reflect where the industry is headed.
Action tip: Use current market data to align your offer with candidate expectations. Download our 2026 Salary Guide to ensure your roles remain competitive.
One of the most effective ways to reduce time to hire is to improve internal efficiency.
A slow or fragmented process not only deters strong candidates but also reflects poorly on your brand. The best talent doesn’t wait long, and with multiple offers on the table, your timeline matters. A streamlined process can reduce delays, improve candidate engagement, and increase your chances of securing the right person quickly.
Here are a few strategies to consider:
Partnering with a specialist recruiter can significantly reduce time to hire by ensuring only high-quality, pre-qualified candidates are presented. At Goodman Masson, we bring sector-specific knowledge and a deep understanding of what drives in-demand talent to move.
Candidates are looking beyond pay. They want to work in places that align with their values, provide meaningful work, and support personal development. Businesses that can clearly communicate their culture, values, and growth opportunities stand a better chance of attracting and retaining top talent.
The skills landscape is also evolving. The World Economic Forum anticipates that AI proficiency will be one of the fastest-growing competencies through to 2030. Forward-thinking candidates are actively seeking employers who prioritise upskilling and long-term learning.
Key candidate drivers include:
This makes it even more important for hiring managers to highlight not just the role, but the full employee experience. During the hiring process, communicate how your organisation supports growth, innovation, and wellbeing and back that up with examples.
Action tip: Build culture into every stage of your hiring process. Use job descriptions, careers pages, and interviews to reinforce your organisation's purpose and values. Candidates want to envision where they belong, make it easy for them.
Hiring the right person isn’t just about finding someone with the right skills. It’s about securing a candidate who fits your culture, shares your ambitions, and can thrive in your environment.
Our approach is built on four pillars:
Whether you're searching for your next executive hire or building out an entire team, our consultative approach means you’re never alone in the process.
With pressure mounting, it's natural to ask how to reduce time to hire. But the better question is: how can we do it without sacrificing quality?
At Goodman Masson, we're here to help you answer that.
Progress starts with the right people. Let’s find them, together. Explore our recruitment solutions or contact us today to book a consultation.
Discover how to reduce time to hire while maintaining quality. Expert tips to improve recruitment strategy and secure top talent fast.
