A growing number of U.S. companies are struggling to staff their teams, with 44% of hiring managers reporting open positions they cannot fill. This marks a notable rise from 36% in the fall of 2025 and is the highest figure since the fall of 2023, according to a recent survey from Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll.
The time required to secure new talent has grown, even as many roles remain vacant. Data indicates that 43% of managers report that hiring takes longer now than it did two years ago. For 26% of these employers, the recruitment cycle—from initial resume review to final decision—now stretches to at least four weeks.
The operational friction extends to the outcome of these searches. On average, 21% of open positions are closed without a candidate being selected. Furthermore, 27% of hiring managers note that more than a quarter of their available jobs go completely unfilled. Despite these delays, the number of interviews per candidate has actually decreased, dropping to an average of four from five in the spring of 2023.
While businesses often turn to technology to manage large volumes of applicants, an over-reliance on digital filters can inadvertently create barriers that discourage qualified individuals. The persistence of these systemic delays suggests that many organizations are struggling to align their internal recruitment workflows with the realities of the current labor pool.
Related: Canada slaps tariffs on US imports
Candidates report that the modern recruitment experience often feels impersonal.
Approximately 31% of job seekers find handling an automated hiring process a challenge, noting that these tools make it difficult to feel heard by a person. An equal share of applicants suspects that some companies are collecting resumes without a genuine intent to hire, effectively stalling their job search. Discrepancies in job fit further complicate these efforts.
Statistics show that 28% of seekers feel their overqualification hinders them, while 22% believe being underqualified holds them back. Additionally, 21% of applicants expressed concern that artificial intelligence is taking open positions and affecting their next job opportunity.
Bob Funk Jr., CEO, president and chairman of Express Employment International, stated that the organization is working to balance speed, quality and the right fit. He added that technology provides the most value when paired with thoughtful, human interaction. Clear communication remains a primary factor in helping candidates determine if an opportunity aligns with their professional goals, according to the findings.
