Jobs Exist But Are Harder to Fill, Hiring Managers Say

HR Dive · United States · Aug 18, 2026

A new Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey finds 43% of U.S. hiring managers say it's taking longer to fill open positions than two years ago, with 44% reporting jobs they simply cannot fill — the highest level since fall 2023. An average 21% of open roles are closed without being filled, and hiring timelines stretch to at least four weeks. Job seekers cite frustration with automated processes and suspicion that companies are collecting resumes without genuine intent to hire, while a separate Eagle Hill Consulting report warns that increased workforce mobility may be imminent as workers grow dissatisfied with current roles.