The 90-Day Signal
A VP search that is still active past 90 days without a finalized hire is statistically in trouble. According to Startup Hiring Benchmarks 2026, the industry median for VP search close time is 65-90 days — meaning a search past that window has likely encountered a structural problem, not just a slow pipeline.
The most common structural problems are: a brief that doesn't reflect what you actually need, a candidate pool being sourced against the wrong criteria, or a firm that has deprioritized your search because other searches are more profitable or more straightforward.
Signs the Search Has Stalled
- No new shortlist candidates in the last 3-4 weeks
- Finalists are consistently not quite right, but the brief hasn't been revised
- The search firm reports "still looking" without specific analysis of why candidates aren't meeting criteria
- The CEO has received only candidates from the firm's existing database, not freshly sourced candidates
- Weekly status calls have become shorter and less substantive
What to Do
Request a direct conversation about what's not working
Ask the firm specifically: "Why hasn't this search closed? What is the structural problem?" A firm that has a genuine analysis of the problem and a plan to address it is salvageable. A firm that responds with reassurances and no specific diagnosis may need to be replaced.
Review the brief for accuracy
Brief drift is common — the search was launched against a version of the brief from 8 weeks ago, but your understanding of what you need has evolved. If the brief is no longer accurate, the sourcing is targeting the wrong profile. A brief update can restart a stalled search.
Evaluate whether to run a parallel process
If you have contractual clarity about exclusivity, check whether your agreement allows parallel firms. Some retained contracts are exclusive; others permit adding a second firm after a defined period. Know what your contract allows before making any decisions about adding or replacing firms.
The Sunk Cost Problem
Many CEOs stay with a stalled search firm because they've already paid a retainer. This is sunk cost reasoning. The retainer is gone regardless. The question is: what produces the best outcome from this point forward? A replacement search that closes in 45 days is better than extending a stalled search by another 60 days with the same firm.
See: Recovering a Failed Search | How to Evaluate Search Firms | Majhi Search Framework
"41 days. A $275K search. Two firms failed in 60+ days. That's not luck -- that's a different system."
-- Majhi Group placement record. Read the full process anatomy