Time to fill in hiring is more than a performance metric — it’s a key business indicator. Whether you’re managing a healthcare clinic, dental practice, or executive team, a long time-to-fill directly impacts your ability to serve patients and hit revenue targets. This post breaks down what time to fill really means, how it’s calculated, and what hiring managers can do to reduce it without sacrificing quality.
What Is Time to Fill in Hiring?
Time to fill refers to the number of calendar days between when a job requisition is approved and when a candidate accepts the offer. It answers a critical operational question: How fast can we get talent in place?
It’s different from:
- Time to hire – measures from candidate application to offer acceptance
- Time to productivity – how long until the new hire adds value
Why Time to Fill Matters in Healthcare
In medical, dental, and executive search environments, every unfilled position adds pressure to your existing team. A long time-to-fill can lead to:
- Increased burnout
- Revenue loss from canceled appointments
- Decreased patient satisfaction
- Slower organizational growth
Industry Benchmarks
Here’s what national averages look like:
- All industries: ~36 days
- Healthcare roles: often 49–60+ days
- Executive roles: 75+ days is common
Source: SHRM Benchmarking Report
5 Proven Ways to Reduce Time to Fill
- Build a Warm Candidate Pipeline: Tap into passive candidates through staffing partners like The AGA Group™.
- Streamline Interview Rounds: Keep momentum with fewer, more structured interviews.
- Use a Temp-to-Perm Strategy: Evaluate talent while covering operations.
- Clarify Decision-Making: Align hiring criteria in advance.
- Partner with a Specialized Firm: Agencies like The AGA Group™ have vetted talent ready to go.
How The AGA Group™ Can Help
We specialize in reducing time to fill by:
- Maintaining a pipeline of qualified healthcare professionals
- Using pre-screened, credentialed candidates ready for immediate placement
- Offering direct hire, temp, and executive search services
Our Kansas City and Missouri clients often fill roles in half the time compared to DIY methods.
Ready to Fill Your Open Role Faster?
If your team is struggling with a lengthy hiring process, we’re here to help. Contact The AGA Group™ today to explore staffing solutions that reduce your time to fill and improve your team’s productivity.
About the Author
About the Author
Greg Ikner is the President of The AGA Group™, a healthcare services firm specializing in medical, dental, and executive search staffing throughout Kansas and Missouri. With over 45 years of recruiting experience, Greg helps organizations reduce hiring risk and fill positions faster with top-tier talent. Learn more at www.agasolutionsgroup.com.
