Not all vacancies in the motor trade move at the same pace.

Some roles attract steady interest and progress quickly through interview stages. Others remain open longer than expected, even when the business is established and the opportunity looks strong on paper.

When that happens, it is rarely down to a single issue.

Location often plays a significant role. A workshop in a rural area will naturally draw from a smaller talent pool than one in a major town or city. Commuting distance, local competition and transport links all influence the number of realistic applicants.

Skill requirements are another factor. As hybrid and electric vehicles become more common, technicians with up-to-date EV qualifications are in higher demand. Where those skills are limited locally, searches can take longer.

Working patterns also shape outcomes. Weekend cover, split shifts or extended hours may narrow the available audience, particularly for experienced candidates balancing other commitments.

Salary alignment matters too. In a competitive market, candidates are increasingly aware of their value. Where remuneration sits below market expectation, applications can slow.

Sometimes internal movement influences timelines. Promoting from within or adjusting responsibilities during a search can extend decision-making.

Understanding these variables helps set realistic expectations from the outset. Not every role should be expected to follow the same timeline.

Where location, salary, skill requirements and decision-making align, processes tend to move steadily. When one of those elements is out of balance, vacancies can remain open for longer than planned.

Being aware of that early often makes the difference between a prolonged search and a more predictable outcome.

If you are planning to hire and want a clearer view of how your role is likely to perform, our local recruitment specialists can offer insight based on what they are seeing in your area. From realistic salary expectations to candidate availability and skill trends, having up-to-date market perspective often makes the process more predictable from the outset.

You can learn more about our specialist consultants and the regions they cover on our Meet the Team page.