Posted on: 15.11.2025
How did we come to this? I recently reached out to a candidate for a new search. His reply said it all: “I’m tired of the process. It’s always five rounds of interviews and then… nothing.” We’ve normalised this and it’s broken. Too many interview rounds. Too many hoops. And in the end, no decision. The result? Candidates lose trust. Companies lose talent. In 2025, hiring doesn’t need to take longer. It needs to be smarter.
The Myth of the Endless Process
“Yes, but we don’t want to make a mistake.” That’s the most common response we hear from clients. But the truth is: you don’t need five or more rounds to identify weaknesses. You need structure. Clear evaluation criteria. Prepared interviewers who know what they’re looking for. And a short, focused process that respects everyone’s time.
What Great Hiring Looks Like
Modern hiring is about speed, clarity and conviction. It’s about recognising that behind every CV is a human being who deserves better than five steps to nowhere.
A strong hiring process should:
- Define what success looks like before the first interview.
- Include two or three purposeful conversations that assess both capability and culture fit.
- Enable cross-evaluation discussions among interviewers to reach a confident decision quickly.
Why Faster Hiring Wins
In 2025, successful hiring isn’t about longer interview processes, it’s about faster, smarter decisions. The most competitive organisations will attract top talent by running efficient recruitment processes, giving clear feedback and showing confidence in their choices. Speed, structure and respect are what define effective hiring today. Companies that act with clarity and conviction will win the trust of the best candidates.
Partner with Hanson Search to Hire Smarter
At Hanson Search, we partner with organisations worldwide to recruit leaders who bring the right chemistry, cultural fit and vision. If you’re looking to build a leadership team that fits your story, get in touch. Our executive search specialists help businesses hire smarter and stronger for long-term success. Whether you’re hiring top talent or considering your next career move, our team would be delighted to support you.
Nils Geradin is Principal Consultant at Hanson Search, specialising in commercial, sales, and marketing leadership roles across the US and Europe.
Hanson Search is a globally recognised, award-winning talent advisory and headhunting consultancy. Our expertise lies in building successful ventures worldwide through our recruitment, interim and executive search in communications, sustainability, public affairs and policy, digital marketing and sales.
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Hanson Search’s knowledge of the market is up to date and accurate, they understand day to day needs for their clients, but their real USP is the ability to introduce talent that enables ambition & growth.
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Hanson Search is a trusted and valued recruitment partner to MHP Group. They know the business and the teams they work across well and always strive to provide us with the most high-quality candidates.
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The Hanson Search team truly places quality over quantity and it’s refreshing. Their robust screening process means that you may only view a handful of candidates but each one of them has something to offer the role.
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