The vast majority of creative hiring managers in Canada report that the hiring process takes longer than it did in the past, according to a survey from Robert Half.

The staffing agency’s poll of 204 marketing and hiring managers nationwide shows that 95% of respondents said the hiring process is more drawn out than it was two years ago.

When asked which parts of the hiring process are taking longer, 56% of respondents cited evaluating candidates’ applications and determining who to interview as primary causes. Checking references or conducting background checks (51%) and writing the job application and posting it online (43%) were also factors in delays.

The survey reports that hiring mistakes are also proving costly. Poll data show that it takes more than three weeks on average to recognize a hiring mistake and that poor performance from such employees can result in up to 12 hours of wasted productivity per week across teams.

Additionally, 61% of hiring managers said the bad hire led to turnover in their teams.

Managers said the most common missteps leading to hiring mistakes include: failing to communicate clear job descriptions and role duties (71%), not properly assessing technical skills and qualifications (58%) and relying on the local candidate pool (58%).

The poll results also show that 84% of marketing and creative hiring managers report that it remains difficult to locate the talent they need.

Marketing professionals, with a solid mix of creativity, digital expertise and AI fluency, are making the biggest impact and continue to be in high demand.

Finally, the labour environment is currently more favourable for marketers and creatives with the unemployment rate for the sector at 2.2% compared with 7% in the broader population, according to Statistics Canada numbers.