Good CRM software acts as a cornerstone for managing candidate relationships, improving the effectiveness of recruitment strategies, and driving successful hiring outcomes. It offers a centralized platform where recruiters can track their interactions with prospects and automate various stages of the hiring process, from sourcing candidates to onboarding new hires. With the recruitment landscape becoming more competitive, the need for CRM systems that offer seamless integration with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and provide valuable insights has never been higher.
The selection of a suitable CRM for recruiting hinges on its ability to offer robust features that cater to the unique needs of talent acquisition. Modern CRM software is expected to not only manage contacts efficiently but also to provide advanced features such as automation for repetitive tasks and pipelines for managing applicants. Moreover, decision-makers look for tools that can yield actionable insights based on data analytics, which can inform recruitment strategies and enhance decision-making processes.
What we cover
What Are the Benefits of Using CRM Software for Recruiting
Recruiting CRM software equips agencies and in-house recruitment teams with tools for staying organized and efficient. Here are some of the top benefits:
- Enhanced Candidate Management: CRM platforms allow for a centralized database where recruiters can maintain comprehensive profiles of candidates. This makes it easier to manage and nurture candidate relationships over time, which is crucial for building a talent pipeline.
- Streamlined Communication: With integrated communication tools, recruitment CRMs enable consistent interactions with candidates. This streamlines the recruitment process and ensures that potential hires stay engaged.
- Automated Tasks and Workflows: Automation is a key feature of CRM software. It reduces the time spent on repetitive tasks, such as scheduling interviews or sending follow-up emails. This increases productivity, allowing recruiters to focus on more strategic activities.
- Valuable Insights and Reporting: Recruitment CRMs often include reporting capabilities that provide insights into the recruitment process. Data-driven reports can inform future hiring strategies and help optimize operations.
- Improved Collaboration: Multi-user access means that teams can work together more effectively. Notes, statuses, and historical communication are accessible to all relevant team members, fostering collaboration and reducing duplication of effort.
General Pricing of CRM Software for Recruiting
Recruiting CRM software offers a range of pricing models to suit various business needs. They typically offer multiple pricing plans, including Free Trial options for organizations to test the software before committing to a purchase.
Standard Plan offerings often serve as the entry-level option ideal for small businesses or startups. Prices in this tier can vary but are usually designed to be affordable, with some services offering rates as convenient as $10 per user, per month. Features might include basic applicant tracking and communication tools.
The Professional Plan tends to be more robust, providing advanced features such as job board posting and integrated email systems. Users may see prices around $85 per user, per month for this level of service. Companies may prefer this plan for the added functionality tailored to more active or mid-sized recruiting efforts.
For larger organizations, the Enterprise Plan often includes customizable workflows, extensive support, and scalability to meet the demands of a high volume of applicants and jobs. Enterprise solutions like HubSpot can command higher prices, quoted around $1,600/month. However, they often allow for a massive database of contacts without storage limits.
Lastly, some CRM providers entice users with a Free Tier, which may come with limitations on features or data but can serve as an enduring trial for very small firms or individual recruiters.
| Plan Type | Key Features | Price Point |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Plan | Basic tracking and communication tools | Starting from $10/user/month |
| Professional Plan | Job board posting, bulk emails, templates | Around $85/user/month |
| Enterprise Plan | Customizable, scalable solutions for large firms | Approximately $1,600/month |
| Free Tier | Limited features, suits individuals or small firms | $0 (with feature/data limitations) |
Features to Look for in CRM Software for Recruiting
When selecting the best CRM software for recruiting, certain features stand out as essential for streamlining the hiring process. These enable recruiters to optimize interaction with candidates and manage recruitment activities efficiently.
- Applicant Tracking: A core feature, this allows for monitoring of the entire recruiting cycle from job posting to hiring. It should offer comprehensive functionality to track multiple job openings and the status of applications.
- Resume Parsing: To efficiently manage a large influx of applications, resume parsing helps by extracting detailed candidate profiles from their resumes automatically, saving time and reducing manual errors.
- Integration: The best CRM software should seamlessly integrate with other tools used in the recruiting process, such as job boards, background checks, assessment platforms, and interview scheduling tools, ensuring a unified workflow.
- Workflow Automation: This feature automates repetitive tasks such as emailing candidates and scheduling interviews, allowing recruiters to focus on more strategic aspects of their role.
- Talent Pool Management: Effective CRM software should enable recruiters to build and maintain a talent pool, making it easier to source candidates for future job openings based on qualifications and past interactions.
- Reporting and Analytics: It must provide robust reporting tools and analytics to track various metrics and improve recruiting strategies over time, leveraging the power of artificial intelligence for predictive insights.
Top Recommendations
Freshsales is a user-friendly CRM software that aids businesses in automating sales processes and fostering customer relationships.
Pipedrive is a sales-focused CRM software designed to help businesses manage and optimize their sales processes efficiently.
Zoho is a cloud-based suite of business software applications offering solutions for CRM tailored to streamline business operations.
Best CRM Software for Recruiting
Recruitment CRM software serves as an indispensable tool for hiring teams, optimizing the process of attracting, engaging with, and onboarding candidates. These systems efficiently manage contacts and applicant information, streamline communication, and often integrate with other tools to create a comprehensive recruitment workspace.
Best CRM Software for Recruiting (At a Glance)
| Software | Focus Area | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshsales | Sales CRM adapted for recruiting with an intuitive interface | Lead scoring, email tracking, customizable system | Sales teams adapting CRM for recruiting needs |
| Bullhorn | Staffing and recruitment industry CRM and ATS | Integration with job boards and social media, ATS functionality | Recruitment agencies and staffing firms |
| Zoho Recruit | Comprehensive ATS with CRM capabilities for recruiters | Candidate sourcing, resume management, workflow automation | Recruiters needing comprehensive ATS with CRM features |
| Recruiterflow | CRM and ATS for a streamlined hiring process | Candidate pipelines management, engagement tools | Recruitment agencies and in-house recruiters seeking streamlined processes |
| PCRecruiter | Versatile CRM and ATS for all sizes of recruitment agencies | Candidate sourcing, engagement, management tools | Recruitment agencies of all sizes for candidate and client management |
| Crelate Talent | ATS and CRM for managing candidates and business development | Workflow automation, customization options | Staffing and recruiting agencies focusing on candidate and business development |
| Lever | Talent relationship management combining ATS and CRM | Engage candidates pre-vacancy, build relationships | Organizations looking to foster long-term talent relationships |
| SmartRecruiters | Talent Acquisition Suite focusing on recruiter productivity | Recruiter productivity tools, candidate experience focus | Companies focusing on enhancing recruiter productivity and candidate experience |
| JobAdder | Recruitment management platform with CRM for client and candidate management | Simplify recruitment process, manage relationships | Agencies and in-house teams simplifying their recruitment process |
| Avature | Strategic HR initiatives including recruiting and talent management | Customization, automation for talent nurturing | HR departments focusing on strategic talent management and recruiting |
| iCIMS Talent Cloud | Cloud platform for recruiting with CRM to build and nurture talent pools | Build/nurture talent pools, candidate engagement | Organizations aiming to build and maintain talent pools effectively |
| Greenhouse | Optimizing the entire recruiting process and improving hiring outcomes | Data-driven decisions, structured interviewing, scorecards, robust analytics, integration capabilities | Organizations of all sizes looking to streamline recruitment workflows, promote diversity, and improve candidate experience |
| JazzHR | Efficient recruiting and applicant tracking for SMBs | Streamline hiring process, improve candidate experience | SMBs seeking efficient applicant tracking and recruiting solutions |
1. Freshsales
Key Features:
- AI-based lead scoring
- Advanced analytics and reporting
- Built-in phone and email
Rating: 4.5/5
Pros:
- Intuitive user interface
- Extensive automation capabilities
- Strong mobile app support
Cons:
- Limited customization options for reports
- May be pricier for small businesses
- Learning curve for advanced features
Pricing: Starts from $15/user per month, billed annually.
Freshsales is an intuitive and dynamic CRM platform initially designed for sales teams but has gained popularity in recruiting for its adaptability and ease of use.
It offers advanced features such as lead scoring, email tracking, and a highly customizable system, allowing recruitment teams to manage candidate relationships effectively.
Its AI-based insights and automation capabilities streamline the recruitment process, making it easier to prioritize candidates and follow up efficiently.
Freshsales stands out for its user-friendly interface, which simplifies the adoption process and enables teams to start improving their recruitment workflows quickly.
Verdict: Freshsales CRM shines in providing recruitment agencies with a user-friendly interface and robust feature set. It also stands out for its AI capabilities that enhance the efficiency of recruitment workflows.
Check out Freshsales CRM here!
2. Bullhorn
Key Features:
- Applicant tracking and sourcing
- Relationship management tools
- Real-time reporting and analytics
Rating: 4.2/5
Pros:
- Seamless LinkedIn integration
- Extensive customization
- Good third-party integrations
Cons:
- Can be complex to initially set up
- Potentially overwhelming feature set
- Customization may require additional cost
Pricing: Custom pricing, based on the client’s needs.
Bullhorn is a leading CRM and applicant tracking system (ATS) specifically designed for the staffing and recruitment industry.
It provides comprehensive solutions for managing the entire recruitment lifecycle, from job submission to candidate placement. Integration with job boards and social media platforms enhances its capability to source top talents effectively.
Bullhorn’s cloud-based platform offers real-time data access and collaboration tools, making it easier for teams to work together and make informed decisions.
Its scalability and flexibility make it suitable for agencies of all sizes, ensuring they can adapt to changing market demands.
Verdict: Bullhorn’s strong suit is its comprehensive suite of recruitment tools and CRM capabilities, ideal for large agencies.
3. Zoho Recruit
Key Features:
- Multichannel candidate sourcing
- Automated workflow processes
- Candidate pipeline management
Rating: 4.3/5
Pros:
- Highly customizable
- Budget-friendly for small to mid-sized businesses
- Intuitive UI/UX design
Cons:
- Occasional lag in the system
- Limited integrations with third-party services
- Some advanced features locked behind higher-tier plans
Pricing: Starts at $25/user per month, billed annually.
Zoho Recruit combines a comprehensive ATS with CRM capabilities tailored for recruiters, offering a suite of tools to manage job openings, source candidates, and automate workflow processes.
Its features include candidate sourcing, resume management, and extensive customization, allowing recruiters to tailor the platform to their specific needs.
Zoho Recruit’s integration with the broader Zoho ecosystem and other third-party applications extends its functionality, making it a versatile tool for recruitment agencies and in-house HR teams seeking an all-in-one solution for their hiring processes.
Verdict: Zoho Recruit is distinguished by its affordability and customization, making it suitable for SMEs looking to grow their teams.
4. Recruiterflow
Key Features:
- Chrome extension for sourcing
- Drag-and-drop pipeline management
- Email automation and tracking
Rating: 4.4/5
Pros:
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- Robust candidate sourcing tools
- Good customer support
Cons:
- Limited reporting capabilities
- May feature a limited job board outreach
- Some integrations could be improved
Pricing: Monthly plans start at around $69 per user.
Recruiterflow is a modern CRM and ATS designed to streamline the hiring process for recruitment agencies and in-house recruiters. It offers tools for managing candidate pipelines, enhancing candidate engagement, and automating communication.
Its user-friendly interface and customizable workflows help recruiters organize their processes more efficiently, while its reporting features provide valuable insights into performance metrics.
Recruiterflow’s ability to integrate with email platforms and job boards further streamlines the recruitment workflow, making it an excellent tool for teams looking to enhance productivity and candidate experience.
Verdict: Recruiterflow excels with its effortless usability and focus on sourcing and pipeline management, making it a favorite among proactive recruiting teams.
5. PCRecruiter
Key Features:
- Customizable workflows and forms
- Integrated job posting and candidate sourcing
- Comprehensive search and match capabilities
Rating: 4.1/5
Pros:
- Highly flexible and scalable
- Robust search functionality
- Offers a wide range of features
Cons:
- The interface can feel outdated
- Might be overwhelming for beginners
- Incremental costs for add-on modules
Pricing: Contact the provider for a quote.
PCRecruiter caters to recruitment agencies of all sizes and HR departments with its versatile CRM and ATS features. It supports candidate sourcing, engagement, and management, offering tools for database searching, job posting, and interview scheduling.
PCRecruiter’s flexibility in configuration and customization allows it to adapt to the specific workflow needs of its users, making it a robust platform for managing complex recruitment processes.
Its integration capabilities with various job boards and LinkedIn enhance its sourcing effectiveness, solidifying its position as a comprehensive tool for recruitment professionals.
Verdict: PCRecruiter’s adaptability and breadth of functionalities cater to agencies that desire a tailored recruitment solution.
6. Crelate Talent
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop workflow interface
- Robust candidate search and tagging
- Mobile application for on-the-go access
Rating: 4.2/5
Pros:
- Streamlined candidate management
- Strong mobile capabilities
- Responsive customer service
Cons:
- Reporting features could be expanded
- Limited job board integrations
- Moderate learning curve for some features
Pricing: Starts at $69/user per month.
Crelate Talent is an ATS and CRM solution that focuses on managing candidates and business development for staffing and recruiting agencies.
It provides workflow automation, customization options, and tools for candidate engagement and relationship management.
Crelate’s emphasis on simplicity and efficiency, combined with powerful features like email integration, job board posting, and detailed reporting, make it a compelling choice for agencies looking to optimize their recruitment processes and grow their business.
Verdict: Crelate Talent is recognized for its mobile accessibility and ease of use, fitting for those recruiters constantly in the field.
Check out Crelate Talent here!
7. Lever
Key Features:
- Candidate nurturing and relationship management
- Powerful reporting and analytics
- Robust integration ecosystem
Rating: 4.3/5
Pros:
- Contemporary and sleek interface
- Focus on candidate experience
- Great for collaborative hiring
Cons:
- Higher cost barrier
- Some features require advanced understanding
- Analytics may be too complex for smaller teams
Pricing: Custom pricing based on organization size and needs.
Lever is a recruiting software that combines the functionality of an ATS and CRM to enable talent relationship management. It is designed to engage candidates before vacancies arise, helping organizations build meaningful relationships and nurture talent pools.
Lever’s emphasis on collaboration and candidate experience makes it unique, offering features like one-click sourcing, interview scheduling, and comprehensive reporting.
Its ability to integrate with various HR tools and platforms further enhances its utility, making Lever an excellent choice for companies focused on fostering long-term talent engagement.
Verdict: Lever stands apart for its forward-thinking approach to recruitment, championing a candidate-centric experience.
8. SmartRecruiters
Key Features:
- Global posting and candidate sourcing
- Collaborative hiring features
- Extensive marketplace with integrations
Rating: 4.4/5
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Strong emphasis on collaboration
- Large integration marketplace
Cons:
- Can become expensive as company scales
- Reporting can be improved
- May be feature-overwhelming for smaller teams
Pricing: Quote-based pricing depending on the size of the enterprise.
SmartRecruiters’ Talent Acquisition Suite is designed to improve recruiter productivity and enhance the candidate experience. It offers a holistic platform for attracting, selecting, and hiring top talent, emphasizing user-friendly design and powerful integration capabilities.
SmartRecruiters stands out for its extensive marketplace of pre-integrated apps, allowing companies to extend the platform’s capabilities according to their specific needs.
Its focus on collaboration and mobility enables recruitment teams to work effectively from anywhere, making it a versatile choice for modern, dynamic organizations.
Verdict: SmartRecruiters excels with its attention to collaboration, making it a solid fit for teams aiming for centralized hiring processes.
Check out SmartRecruiters here!
9. JobAdder
Key Features:
- Job posting and applicant management
- Mobile recruitment capabilities
- Integration with various job boards and HR tools
Rating: 4.0/5
Pros:
- Straightforward and intuitive
- Good automation of routine tasks
- Strong job distribution network
Cons:
- Custom reports need improvement
- Limited customization of email templates
- Customer support responsiveness can vary
Pricing: Pricing upon request from the vendor.
JobAdder is a cloud-based recruitment management platform that simplifies the recruitment process for agencies and in-house teams. It emphasizes ease of use and efficiency, providing tools for job posting, candidate management, and client engagement.
JobAdder’s focus on mobile accessibility and user experience ensures recruiters can work flexibly and respond quickly to candidates and clients.
Its integration with a wide range of job boards and HR tools, along with its robust support and training resources, make JobAdder a comprehensive solution for improving recruitment workflows.
Verdict: JobAdder’s ability to streamline job postings and applicant management makes it a strong contender for time-conscious recruiters.
10. Avature
Key Features:
- Advanced CRM functionality
- Talent pool building
- High-level customization and scalability
Rating: 4.2/5
Pros:
- Extremely customizable
- Good focus on passive candidate engagement
- Comprehensive suite of features
Cons:
- Can be complex, with steep learning curve
- Pricing may be higher for the level of customization
- Implementation requires time and training
Pricing: Available upon request, generally tailored to the client.
Avature is a highly customizable CRM platform designed for strategic HR initiatives, including recruiting and talent management. It offers powerful automation and customization options to nurture talent pools and improve candidate engagement.
Avature’s suite of tools supports complex workflows and processes, making it suitable for large organizations with sophisticated talent acquisition strategies.
Its emphasis on social recruiting, onboarding, and employee referrals demonstrates its commitment to leveraging modern approaches to attract and retain top talent.
Verdict: Avature CRM is known for its configurability and focus on holistic candidate engagement, suited for organizations with intricate hiring strategies.
11. iCIMS Talent Cloud
Key Features:
- Advanced communication tools
- AI-driven talent matching
- Scalable recruitment marketing
Rating: 4.3/5
Pros:
- Broad functionality for recruitment marketing
- Robust talent pool nurturing
- Strong analytics and reporting tools
Cons:
- User interface could be more intuitive
- Initial setup and customization can be time-consuming
- Pricing can be on the higher end
Pricing: Begins at a base subscription, with add-ons available for an additional cost.
iCIMS Talent Cloud is a cloud-based platform offering a suite of recruiting solutions designed to attract, engage, and hire great talent. It provides CRM capabilities to build and nurture talent pools, enhancing candidate engagement through personalized communication.
iCIMS stands out for its scalability, comprehensive integration options, and commitment to providing a platform that supports the entire talent acquisition lifecycle.
Its focus on innovation and customer service has made it a preferred choice for organizations looking to streamline their recruiting processes and improve outcomes.
Verdict: iCIMS Talent Cloud is noted for its comprehensive recruitment features and advanced marketing tools, ideal for growing employer brands.
Check out iCIMS Talent Cloud here!
12. Greenhouse
Key Features:
- Structured interview kits
- Detailed analytics and reporting
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) tools
Rating: 4.5/5
Pros:
- Focus on structured interviewing and DEI
- User-friendly dashboards and reporting
- Robust integration platform
Cons:
- More expensive than some competitors
- Some features have a learning curve
- DEI tools may require additional training
Pricing: Custom pricing is provided based on company size and specific needs.
Greenhouse is a premier applicant tracking system (ATS) and recruiting software that enhances the hiring process through data-driven decisions, structured interviewing, and a focus on diversity and inclusion.
Its standout features include robust integration capabilities, consistent candidate evaluation scorecards, and in-depth analytics, all designed to streamline recruitment, improve candidate experiences, and support building diverse teams.
Ideal for organizations of varying sizes, Greenhouse distinguishes itself with a user-friendly interface, extensive support resources, and a commitment to best hiring practices.
This platform is celebrated for enabling streamlined workflows, fostering team collaboration, and helping companies attract and retain top talent in a competitive market, making it a comprehensive solution for modern hiring challenges.
Verdict: Greenhouse is lauded for its commitment to DEI and structured interviewing processes, making it a leader in modern recruitment methodologies.
13. JazzHR
Key Features:
- Customizable job applications and workflows
- Candidate sourcing and interviewing tools
- Employer branding customization
Rating: 4.1/5
Pros:
- Cost-effective for SMEs
- Simple to use and easy to navigate
- Custom workflows enhance recruitment processes
Cons:
- Reporting can be less comprehensive than competitors
- Integration options are limited
- May not scale as well for very large organizations
Pricing: Plans starting from $39 per month.
JazzHR is tailored for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), offering efficient recruiting and applicant tracking solutions. It focuses on streamlining the hiring process, improving candidate experience, and enhancing collaboration among hiring teams.
JazzHR’s features include job posting, candidate screening, and interview scheduling, all designed to reduce administrative burdens and improve hiring efficiency.
Its affordability, ease of use, and strong customer support make JazzHR an attractive choice for SMBs seeking to optimize their recruitment efforts without significant investment.
Verdict: JazzHR is celebrated for balancing functionality with cost, particularly appealing to budget-conscious businesses seeking to optimize their recruitment.
FAQs
What are the benefits of using a free recruitment CRM system?
A free recruitment CRM system is designed to manage and improve the engagement with both active and passive candidates. It effectively streamlines the hiring process, from sourcing to onboarding, and provides a centralized platform for talent databases, improving the efficiency of recruitment operations.
How do recruitment CRMs differ from traditional CRMs?
Recruitment CRMs are tailored specifically for the hiring process, focusing on candidate relationship management. Unlike traditional CRMs that manage customer relationships for sales and marketing, recruiting CRMs emphasize candidate tracking, communication, and recruitment workflow automation tailored to recruiting agencies and staffing firms’ needs.
Can a recruiting CRM integrate seamlessly with an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?
Recruiting CRMs are often built with integration capabilities in mind, allowing them to seamlessly merge with an ATS. This integration helps recruiters maintain consistent data flow, track applicants through the recruitment process, and optimize their hiring strategies.
