Did you know that your hiring process could be costing you tens of thousands per year? According to a 2022 survey, employers spend an average of $4,700 per hire. Many spend two to three times the target annual salary per new position, resulting in annual costs upwards of $100,000.
Despite advancements in Applicant Tracking Software (ATS), recruiters face 75-150 resumes per position and hours of interviews. Combining informed human design with automated processes and AI tools can reduce acquisition costs and turnover rates.
For a 7-step plan to improve your hiring processes, keep reading!
Step 1: Calculate Your Current Hiring Costs
To improve your hiring process, start with a detailed spreadsheet of costs, including:
- Hard Costs: Job ads, HR software, recruitment outsourcing, and more.
 - Soft Costs: Time spent, productivity losses, and the cost of bad hires.
 
Hard Costs vs. Soft Costs
| Hard Costs | Soft Costs | 
|---|---|
| Job board postings | Time spent writing job descriptions | 
| Recruitment agency fees | Resume screening (avg. 8 seconds) | 
| ATS and HR software subscriptions | Interview time and admin tasks | 
| Background checks | Productivity loss during hiring | 
How to Calculate Costs
- Add all hard and soft costs.
 - Choose a time frame (1-3 years recommended).
 - Divide the total by the number of hires.
 
Formula:
Cost Per Hire = Total Recruitment Costs ÷ Number of Hires
Step 2: Optimize Your Candidate Screening Process
Smart screening requires more than an ATS.
Create a Screening Rubric
Include:
- Must-have qualifications
 - Preferred skills and experience
 - Cultural fit indicators
 
Automate Screening
Use AI-powered platforms to:
- Filter applications
 - Analyze language skills
 - Provide objective evaluations
 
Step 3: Simplify the Interview Process
Standardize Interview Structure
- Role-specific question banks
 - Evaluation criteria and scorecards
 - Clear decision-making protocols
 
Leverage Technology
- Scheduling tools
 - Automated communications
 - AI-powered analysis
 
Step 4: Enhance Candidate Experience
Focus on:
- Clear communication
 - Respecting candidates' time
 - Providing feedback
 
Step 5: Tailor In-Person Interviews
Incorporate:
- Skills-based assessments
 - Job shadowing
 - Problem-solving workshops
 
Step 6: Automate Your Offer Stage
Use tools like:
- DocuSign
 - WorkDay + ChatGPT
 - BambooHR
 
Step 7: Streamline Pre-Boarding and Onboarding
Leverage automation for:
- Background checks
 - Onboarding schedules
 - Interactive welcome materials
 
Conclusion
Combining automation, AI, and human oversight can improve recruitment efficiency while reducing costs.
Ready to take action?
Book a free demo to see how VireUp's AI-powered platform can streamline your hiring process!

