Workforce & Culture
On Target Caution Below Plan No Target
1.1.e Days to fill a vacant positionWhat This Graph Tells Us
This graphs shows us the average number of days required to fill a position. Time to hire is calculated from the date the hiring requisition is approved, until the new hire's first day on the job.
Why This Measure Matters
The time it takes to fill vacancies reflects both recruitment efficiency and the County’s competitiveness in attracting top talent. Shorter recruitment times reduce service disruption and prevent existing staff from becoming overextended—helping maintain engagement and morale. Improving this metric strengthens Skagit County’s ability to recruit effectively and sustain a fully staffed, high-performing workforce.
What’s the Story?
Per an April 2025 Wall Street Journal report, the average time to fill local government jobs is 130 days, compared to 36 days in the private sector.
That extended timeframe contributes to candidate drop-off and frustration.
Skagit County's goal of 45 days is aggressive. We are committed to reducing time to hire and improving communication with job applicants.
Over the last calendar year, Skagit County has hired 94 employees, with an average time to hire of 60 days. In Q3 of 2025, we averaged 42 days – just under our goal.
Target
45 days
Reporting Frequency
Quarterly
For more information on the Skagit County Strategic Plan, please contact:
Jenn Rogers, Communications Manager
[email protected]
(360)-416-1300
For more information on the Skagit County Strategic Plan, please contact:
Jenn Rogers, Communications Manager
[email protected]
(360)-416-1300