Job creation is off to a strong start for the year.

Recruiting firm Robert Half surveyed more than 2,000 United States hiring managers. Sixty percent of them say they plan to add permanent staff.

But many employers say it is taking longer to fill positions. They say one reason is that more applicants are depending on artificial intelligence to write resumes and cover letters.

"There are so many resumes coming in now and many of them looking very similar, that it's taking companies longer to go through and longer to vet things to make sure people really have the skills that are on their resume,” says Dawn Fay, Robert Half operational president.

Fay recommends that applicants reach out directly to hiring managers, along with filling out an application.

She says that if an applicant does land an interview, they should ask what the company’s timeline is to fill the position so that they have a better understanding of the timing.