Why Hiring Quickly Matters More Than Ever — And How We're Doing It in Half the Time

Here we are in mid-2025, and the hiring landscape is more competitive and more complex than it’s been in years. Top talent is more selective, more cautious, and more costly. With ongoing wage inflation, employer National Insurance increases, and tighter hiring budgets, every headcount needs to deliver impact fast.

But the best candidates won’t hang around. Businesses that move quickly and decisively are the ones securing them. That’s why we’re proud to say the average time it takes SF Recruitment to fill a role is just 23 days, nearly half the UK average of 46 (LinkedIn) or 44 (Total Jobs).

This isn’t about rushing. It’s about precision, pace, and protecting your team from the cost of waiting too long.

What 46 Days Without a Hire Really Looks Like for Your Business

We recruit across finance, technology, engineering, and professional services and no matter the sector, the symptoms of a lingering vacancy are often the same:

• Staff burnout. When someone leaves, their workload doesn’t. It gets redistributed, often leading to fatigue and frustration.
• Lost productivity. Projects stall, decisions are delayed, and growth slows.
• Costly pressure. Whether it’s temporary cover, delayed revenue, or a panicked hire; every day without the right person comes at a price. Hiring quickly matters. But quality still leads the way.

Why We Hire Faster Without Cutting Corners

At SF Recruitment, we’ve spent over 25 years placing people into jobs they love. That experience, combined with a forward-thinking approach, gives us the edge when it comes to moving quickly and getting it right. Here’s why:

• We’re tuned in. In just the last six months, 9,094 new candidates have registered with us, and we’ve held over 36,000 candidate conversations across our offices. We know the market because we’re speaking to it every day.
• We don’t just post jobs - we get results. We consistently achieve higher than average response and application rates across job boards and have an exceptionally high engagement rate on LinkedIn and other platforms. Our digital community is active, and we’re proud to be part of it.
• We invest in smart technology. Our tech stack, including AI-powered CV tools, helps us source, process, and spec candidates more efficiently, without compromising on quality.
• We specialise. Every consultant here is a sector expert. That means no learning curve, no wasted time - just focused, knowledgeable support from day one.
• And above all, we care. We treat every role like it’s critical because to your team, it is!

Quick, Not Rushed

We often say to clients: you can hire quickly without sacrificing quality. You just need the right partner; someone who understands your industry, your business, and your urgency.

At SF Recruitment, we’re not just filling jobs. We’re building teams, backing businesses, and helping our clients move forward and we’re proud to be doing it in half the time.

If you’re feeling the impact of an unfilled vacancy or want to understand how we work, let’s talk. We’re ready when you are.

By Rebecca Parnell, Managing Director at SF Recruitment