One of the most common questions I get from hiring managers is how long should this search actually take? It is a fair question. And most recruiting firms will not give you a straight answer.
So here it is.
The Honest Benchmark
For a mid to senior level AI, Data Science, or Engineering role, a quality search should take four to eight weeks from kickoff to offer accepted. That is the honest number.
If someone tells you two weeks they are cutting corners on vetting. They are sending you warm bodies not right fits. And if your search is stretching past three months something is broken. Either the criteria, the process, or the recruiting partner.
What a Search Done Right Actually Looks Like
We kick off with a deep dive on your role, your team, your tech stack, your culture, and what success looks like in this hire. We ask the questions most recruiters never think to ask.
Two weeks later you have a focused shortlist in your hands. Not a flood of resumes. A tight list of candidates who have been sourced, screened, and genuinely vetted for your specific role. Week four your initial screens are done. Week six your final rounds are complete. Week seven you know exactly who your top candidates are. Week eight an offer is out.
Why Timeline Matters More Than You Think
Every week a critical AI or Data role sits open has a real cost attached to it. Lost productivity. Delayed projects. Added pressure on your existing team. A search that drags on is not just frustrating. It is expensive.
The difference between a four to eight week search and a four to six month one is not luck. It is the quality of your recruiting partner.
The Bottom Line
Done right. No shortcuts. No surprises. That is the SUD standard. If your current search is stalling or your recruiting partner cannot give you a clear timeline, it might be time for a different conversation.
I’m Sunil from SUD Recruiting. The human behind AI and Data hiring.