Time is a funny thing. Lao Tzu once said, “Time is a created thing, to say ‘I don’t have time’ is like saying ‘I don’t want to.’” For hiring managers in startups, that hits home. It’s not that they can’t save time—they’re just choosing not to. Maybe they don’t know about time-saving tools or maybe they’re too stuck in their ways. But understanding that time management is all about choices is key. Making the right choices can speed up hiring and make things way more efficient.

Is time your enemy when hiring? No problem! We’ve picked up some tactics that will help you save time and make your hiring process smoother.

Tactic 1: Use Smart Applicant Tracking Systems

Start using an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This software handles the heavy lifting—things like reading resumes, managing candidates, and automating processes. Instead of getting buried in paperwork, you can spend your time finding the right fit for the role.

Tactic 2: Online Tests and Screening

Before meeting candidates face-to-face, send them online tests or screening questions. This helps filter out the best talent right from the start. You can tailor the tests to specific skills or experiences relevant to the role. This way, you spend less time on candidates who won’t be a good fit and focus on those who can hit the ground running.

Tactic 3: Source Candidates from the Right Places

Another huge time-saver? Looking for candidates in the right places. If you need developers, head to GitHub or Stack Overflow—where the talent you need is hanging out. By focusing your efforts where the best candidates are, you skip the guesswork and get straight to the point.

Tactic 4: Use Automated Scheduling Tools

Forget the endless back-and-forth emails. Automated scheduling tools let candidates choose interview slots that work for them, cutting out the middleman and speeding up the entire process. Less email, more action.

Tactic 5: Clear Communication Channels

Communication is key. Make sure your process is transparent—let candidates know how you’ll be reaching out, whether by email or phone and how long they can expect to wait. Clear communication keeps things moving and prevents unnecessary delays.

Let’s take a look at a real-world example. SKIINLY Solutions Inc., a small software company, shaved 30% off their hiring time by adopting some smart strategies. They used AI-powered hiring software to sift through resumes fast, implemented online screenings, and even asked current employees for referrals. These steps not only helped them hire faster, but also improved their team’s quality and morale. By saving time, they could focus on growing their business instead of getting bogged down in endless hiring cycles.

What Happens When Hiring Takes Too Long?

If you’re in a startup, delayed hiring can hit you hard. Here’s why:

• Delayed Hiring: Vacant positions mean critical work isn’t getting done, slowing down progress.

• Increased Costs: Dragging out the hiring process often means spending more on job ads or paying overtime to existing staff.

• Missed Talent: If you take too long, the best candidates will get snatched up by your competitors.

• Team Burnout: Your current employees can get frustrated or overworked while they wait for much-needed reinforcements.

• Tarnished Reputation: Word spreads fast. If your hiring process is slow and clunky, candidates will take notice—and you could scare off future talent.

For startups and SMBs, speeding up the hiring process isn’t just nice—it’s essential. Tools like AI-powered software, online testing, and sourcing candidates from the right places can make a world of difference. Just look at SKIINLY Solutions. By working smarter, not harder, they built a stronger, happier team and gave their company room to grow.

And remember, the cost of dragging your feet on hiring is high. Vacant positions lead to missed opportunities, overworked teams, and a damaged reputation. Time may be a created thing, but the sooner you master it, the faster your business will thrive.