21 Best Candidate Relationship Management Software Reviewed In 2024
Best Candidate Relationship Management Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 21 tools reviewed.
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Finding the right candidate relationship management software can be tough with so many options out there. You want to attract, engage, and manage candidates effectively but need to figure out which tool fits best.
To help you get started on your software shopping journey, I used my experience with various HR software and workplace management tools to test and review the top solutions on the market. In this post, I aim to simplify your decision-making process and streamline processes by sharing my in-depth reviews of each tool.
Whether you’re an SMB or a large enterprise, I’m confident that you’ll find your next candidate relationship management software in this article.
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Best Candidate Relationship Management Software Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| TalentLyft | From $124.17/month for 10 active jobs | Website |
| 100Hires | From $75/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Rakuna Recruiting CRM | Pricing upon request | Website |
| SmartCRM | Pricing upon request | Website |
| TextUs | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Avature | Pricing upon request | Website |
| iCIMS Candidate Experience Management | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Gem | Pricing upon request | Website |
| SenseHQ | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Grayscale | Pricing upon request | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow to Choose a Candidate Relationship Management Software
As you work through your own unique software selection process, keep the following points in mind:
- User-Friendly Interface: Candidate relationship management (CRM) software should have an intuitive and easy-to-use interface. This ensures that your hiring team can quickly adapt to the new system without extensive training. For example, a user-friendly interface can help recruiters easily navigate through candidate profiles, track application statuses, and manage communication, thereby reducing the learning curve and increasing productivity.
- Customization Options: Every organization has unique recruitment processes and requirements. Look for CRM software that offers customization options to tailor the system to your specific needs. This flexibility allows you to create custom workflows, fields, and reports that align with your recruitment strategy.
- Integration Capabilities: Ensure that the CRM software can integrate with your existing applicant tracking system (ATS), HR management system (HRMS), email platforms, and job boards. This integration facilitates smooth data flow and reduces manual data entry, saving time and minimizing errors.
- Reporting and Analytics: Strong reporting and analytics capabilities are essential for tracking and measuring the effectiveness of your recruitment efforts. Look for CRM software that provides detailed insights into key metrics such as time-to-hire, source of hire, and candidate engagement. These analytics help you identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions.
- Data Security and Compliance: Given the sensitive nature of candidate information, data security, and compliance are paramount. Choose CRM software that offers robust security measures such as data encryption, access controls, and compliance with privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA.
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Deel
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Rippling
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
ClearCompany
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6
Best Candidate Relationship Management Software Reviews
Below, I give complete overviews of the top candidate relationship management software. Each review will walk through the pros and cons of each tool, their features, and their best use cases.
TalentLyft is a recruitment software that integrates sourcing tools, recruitment marketing, talent CRM software, applicant tracking, and advanced hiring analytics into one platform.
Why I picked TalentLyft: TalentLyft uniquely integrates recruitment marketing with an applicant tracking system, making it a versatile tool for recruiters. This combination allows for a streamlined hiring process, from attracting top talents to tracking their progress. Additionally, its user-friendly interface, automation capabilities, and strong analytics help improve candidate engagement and streamline recruiting efforts.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include applicant tracking system, recruitment marketing, talent CRM, employee referrals, career site builder, social media recruiting, email automation, advanced analytics, customizable templates, and mobile recruiting.
Integrations include LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, Google for Jobs, Facebook, Twitter, Slack, Microsoft Outlook, Gmail, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced analytics
- User-friendly interface
- Comprehensive toolset
Cons:
- Learning curve for new users
- Limited language support
100Hires is a candidate relationship management software designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It uses AI to attract, interview, and hire the best candidates at a faster rate.
Why I picked 100Hires: 100Hires provides AI-powered recruitment capabilities tailored specifically for SMBs. The software offers advanced AI functionalities like job description generation, candidate ranking, and automated follow-ups, which are important for small to medium-sized enterprises looking to optimize their recruitment processes.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include AI-generated job descriptions, application forms, interview questions, automated interview scheduling, and multi-channel campaigns with automated follow-ups. The software also provides a centralized database for all candidate information and advanced search and filter capabilities to identify the right talents.
Integrations include Gmail, Google Calendar, Zoom, Typeform, Slack, Microsoft Outlook, Twilio, Zapier, Gusto, and ZeroBounce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multi-channel campaigns
- Automated interview scheduling
- AI-generated job descriptions
Cons:
- Basic reporting capabilities
- Limited customization options
Rakuna Recruiting CRM is a candidate relationship management software designed to empower recruiting teams to engage with prospective talents.
Why I picked Rakuna Recruiting CRM: Rakuna Recruiting CRM is known for its specialized focus on campus and event recruiting, which sets it apart from other candidate relationship management software. Its features are tailored to enhance the candidate experience at career fairs and job expos, making it the best tool for this use case.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include proactive candidate engagement, analytics, smart candidate organization, and personalized targeted email campaigns.
Integrations include Greenhouse, Lever, iCIMS, SmartRecruiters, Workday, BambooHR, ADP, SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle Taleo, and Microsoft Outlook.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Personalized email campaigns
- Smart candidate organization
- Proactive candidate engagement
Cons:
- Limited free features
- Focused on enterprise users
SmartCRM is a recruitment CRM software designed to help businesses proactively source and nurture talent communities. It enables companies to build and manage pools of qualified candidates ahead of hiring demand.
Why I picked SmartCRM: SmartCRM stands out with its focus on proactive talent sourcing and nurturing, which is important for maintaining a steady pipeline of potential candidates. This tool is best for businesses that want to stay ahead in the competitive hiring landscape by continuously engaging with prospective talent.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include building talent pools organized around specific hiring needs, tracking campaign performance, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements through a single candidate record from CRM through ATS.
Integrations include LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, Google for Jobs, Monster, Facebook, Twitter, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Talent pool management
- Compliance tracking
- Proactive talent sourcing
Cons:
- Not ideal for small businesses
- Limited user interface customization
TextUs is a business SMS platform designed to enhance engagement with consumers, candidates, and workers. The software offers strong features that facilitate real-time, two-way communication, and integration with CRM and ATS systems.
Why I picked TextUs: TextUs provides an advanced business text messaging solution that integrates smoothly with existing CRM and ATS systems. Its ability to drive engagement through real-time, two-way communication makes it stand out from other candidate relationship management software. Additionally, the software offers a feature-rich platform that supports campaigns, automation, and personalized messaging, which are important for maintaining high levels of candidate and customer interaction.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include two-way texting, scheduled messages, campaign management, and automation tools that streamline communication processes.
Integrations include Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics, Workday, Greenhouse, Bullhorn, JobDiva, Avionté, Zoho CRM, and Pipedrive.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced automation features
- Seamless CRM/ATS integration
- Real-time two-way texting
Cons:
- No email integration
- Primarily text-based communication
Avature is a candidate relationship management software that offers a wide range of solutions for sourcing, attracting, engaging, tracking, hiring, managing, and retaining candidates.
Why I picked Avature: Avature is known for its exceptional ability to provide customizable recruitment marketing solutions. Unlike other tools, the software stands out due to its flexibility and advanced feature set that allows organizations to create tailored recruitment campaigns. This makes it the best choice for companies looking to personalize their recruitment marketing efforts.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced recruitment marketing tools, customizable landing pages and microsites, and strong automation capabilities.
Integrations include LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google Analytics, SAP SuccessFactors, Workday, Oracle Taleo, Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce, and Zoom.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time analytics
- Advanced automation
- Highly customizable
Cons:
- Limited user interface customization
- Complex setup
iCIMS Candidate Experience Management is a strong CRM software providing diverse solutions and products for businesses. It includes a suite of tools designed to streamline the recruitment process and enhance the candidate experience.
Why I picked iCIMS Candidate Experience Management: iCIMS Candidate Experience Management stands out for its ability to integrate various recruitment functions into a single, cohesive system. It offers a wide array of features, including marketing campaign automation, career sites, and AI-driven insights, which collectively provide a seamless and efficient recruitment process.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include marketing automation, career sites, digital assistant, and video studio.
Integrations include ADP, Infor, Microsoft Office, UKG, Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle, LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multi-channel engagement
- AI-driven insights
- Comprehensive talent cloud
Cons:
- May require extensive setup
- Limited customization in some features
Gem is a candidate relationship management system designed to help companies build hire-ready pipelines by discovering, nurturing, and engaging talent across their network.
Why I picked Gem: Gem provides standout AI-driven candidate rediscovery capabilities, which set it apart from other CRM tools. The software’s ability to leverage AI to suggest search queries and rediscover past candidates makes it a powerful tool for recruiters looking to maximize their existing talent pool. Along with maintaining current and past relationships, this feature helps teams reduce the time and effort spent on sourcing new talent, leading to faster hiring processes.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include AI-driven candidate rediscovery, dynamic talent pool creation, and enriched candidate profiles with automatic data refresh. It also offers advanced tracking of candidate interactions across multiple platforms, providing recruiters with a complete view of each candidate's journey.
Integrations include Greenhouse, Lever, LinkedIn, Indeed, Gmail, Outlook, Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Workday.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced tracking
- Dynamic talent pools
- AI-driven rediscovery
Cons:
- Complex setup process
- Limited customization in email templates
SenseHQ is a talent engagement platform that offers AI-powered candidate relationship management software. Its ability to automate and personalize communication at scale helps to ensure timely and relevant interactions with candidates.
Why I picked SenseHQ: SenseHQ provides strong AI-powered talent engagement capabilities, which set it apart from other candidate relationship management software. The platform's ability to automate and personalize communication at scale makes it an excellent choice for companies looking to enhance their recruitment processes. Along with these perks, the software’s strong focus on AI-driven engagement ensures that candidates receive timely and relevant interactions, improving overall candidate experience and satisfaction.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include AI-driven candidate matching, automated communication workflows, referral management, and real-time analytics.
Integrations include Taleo, Workday, Greenhouse, SAP SuccessFactors, and Bullhorn.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time analytics
- Automated workflows
- AI-driven engagement
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Focused on staffing firms only
Grayscale is a candidate relationship management software that streamlines communication between recruiters and candidates, enhancing the hiring process. It offers real-time texting, automation, and ATS integrations to improve candidate engagement and response rates.
Why I picked Grayscale: Grayscale provides a strong focus on conversational AI and texting, which sets it apart from other candidate relationship management software. This tool offers a smooth communication experience, making it easier for recruiters to engage with candidates through their preferred channels.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include AI-driven SMS campaigns, automated interview scheduling, and pre-boarding communication.
Integrations include Greenhouse, SAP SuccessFactors, and Workday.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Pre-boarding communication
- Automated interview scheduling
- AI-driven SMS campaigns
Cons:
- Requires integration setup
- Limited to text-based communication
Other Candidate Relationship Management Software
Below is a list of additional candidate relationship management software that I shortlisted. While they didn’t make the top 10, they’re still valuable and worth further research.
- Greenhouse
Best for enterprise-level hiring solutions
- NetSuite
Best for added ERP integration
- BambooHR
Best for good HR management features
- Workable
Best for collaborative hiring features
- Lever
Best for integrated ATS and CRM capabilities
- Zoho Recruit
Best for Zoho integration
- Recruit CRM
Best for recruitment agency tools
- SeekOut
Best for AI-powered talent sourcing
- HireVue
Best for video interviewing
- HiBob
Best for employee engagement tools
- Ashby
Best for data-driven recruiting insights
Related HR Software Reviews
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Candidate Relationship Management Software Selection Criteria
The criteria for choosing a candidate relationship management software should directly address buyer needs and common pain points, ensuring that the software serves its intended purpose effectively. As an expert who has personally tried and researched these tools, here are the requirements I use when evaluating software:
Core Functionality: 25% of total weighting score
- Candidate Tracking
- Communication Tools
- Analytics and Reporting
- Integration with Other HR Tools
- Automated Workflows
Additional Standout Features: 25% of total weighting score
- AI-Powered Candidate Matching
- Advanced Analytics and Predictive Insights
- Customizable Dashboards
- Mobile Accessibility
- Integration with Social Media Platforms
Usability: 10% of total weighting score
- Intuitive User Interface
- Drag-and-Drop Functionality
- Customizable Workflows
- Easy Navigation
- Minimal Learning Curve
Onboarding: 10% of total weighting score
- Availability of Training Videos
- Interactive Product Tours
- Chatbots for Instant Support
- Webinars for In-Depth Training
- Pre-Built Templates for Quick Setup
Customer Support: 10% of total weighting score
- 24/7 Availability
- Multiple Support Channels (Email, Phone, Chat)
- Dedicated Account Managers
- Comprehensive Knowledge Base
- Fast Response Times
Value For Money: 10% of total weighting score
- Competitive Pricing
- Flexible Subscription Plans
- Transparent Pricing Structure
- Free Trial Availability
- Discounts for Long-Term Commitments
Customer Reviews: 10% of total weighting score
- Overall Satisfaction Ratings
- Specific Feedback on Usability
- Comments on Customer Support
- Reviews on Feature Effectiveness
- Testimonials on ROI and Value
Trends for Candidate Relationship Management Software
Here are some trends I’ve noticed for candidate relationship management software, plus what they might mean for the future. I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs to tease out the most important insights.
- AI-Powered Candidate Matching: AI algorithms are now being used to match candidates with job openings more accurately. This reduces the time spent on manual screening and improves the quality of hires.
- Predictive Analytics: Predictive analytics tools forecast candidate success and retention. This helps HR teams make data-driven decisions and minimizes hiring risks.
- Mobile-First Platforms: Mobile-first platforms allow candidates to apply and communicate via their smartphones. This caters to the increasing number of mobile users and enhances the candidate experience.
- Integration with Social Media: Integration with social media platforms helps in sourcing passive candidates. It expands the talent pool and also provides more data points for candidate evaluation.
- Personalized Candidate Engagement: Personalized engagement tools tailor communication to individual candidates. This increases candidate satisfaction and also boosts the likelihood of acceptance.
These trends are shaping the future of candidate relationship management software. Staying ahead of changes in the human resources industry ensures that organizations can attract and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive market.
What is Candidate Relationship Management Software?
Candidate relationship management software is a tool designed to help organizations manage and nurture relationships with potential job candidates. Recruiters and HR professionals use it to build talent pools, engage with candidates, and streamline the hiring process.
The software typically includes components such as candidate databases, communication tools, and analytics. These features help users track candidate interactions, automate follow-ups, and measure the effectiveness of their recruitment strategies.
Features of Candidate Relationship Management Software
When shopping for a new candidate relationship management software, there are some key features you should keep in mind to help you get the most out of your solution. This includes:
- Automated Communication: This feature allows for timely and consistent communication with candidates, ensuring they are kept informed throughout the recruitment process.
- Candidate Database: A centralized database to store and manage candidate information, making it easy to access and update candidate profiles.
- Pipeline Management: This helps in tracking the progress of candidates through different stages of the recruitment process, ensuring no candidate is overlooked.
- Analytics and Reporting: Provides insights into recruitment metrics, helping to identify areas for improvement and measure the effectiveness of recruitment strategies.
- Integration with Job Boards: Seamlessly integrates with various job boards, making it easier to post job openings and manage applications from multiple sources.
- Customizable Templates: Offers pre-designed templates for emails and other communications, saving time and ensuring consistency in messaging.
- Mobile Accessibility: Allows recruiters to access the software from mobile devices, ensuring they can manage recruitment tasks on the go.
- Social Media Integration: Enables sharing job postings on social media platforms, expanding the reach to potential candidates.
- Collaboration Tools: Facilitates collaboration among recruitment team members, ensuring everyone is on the same page and can contribute effectively.
- Compliance Management: Ensures that the recruitment process adheres to legal and regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance.
These features are vital for a successful candidate relationship management strategy, as they help streamline the recruitment process, improve communication with candidates, and provide valuable insights into recruitment performance. By leveraging these features, organizations can enhance their ability to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits of Candidate Relationship Management Software
With candidate relationship management software, companies are able to build stronger relationships with potential candidates, improve their hiring efficiency, and create a more engaging candidate experience. But these aren’t the only benefits of this software type. Other perks include:
- Enhanced Candidate Engagement: CRM software allows recruiters to maintain continuous and personalized communication with candidates. This ensures that candidates feel valued and informed throughout the recruitment process, leading to a more positive candidate experience.
- Improved Talent Pool Management: By centralizing candidate data, CRM software enables recruiters to manage and organize their talent pools. This makes it easier to track and analyze potential hires, ensuring that the best candidates are identified and engaged promptly.
- Streamlined Recruitment Processes: CRM software automates many repetitive tasks involved in recruitment, such as sending follow-up emails and scheduling interviews. This not only saves time but also reduces the likelihood of human error, making the recruitment process more efficient.
- Data-driven Insights: CRM software provides valuable analytics and reporting features that help recruiters track key metrics such as time-to-fill, candidate satisfaction, and recruitment ROI. These insights enable organizations to optimize their recruitment strategies and make informed decisions.
- Stronger Employer Branding: By using CRM software, organizations can create a consistent and professional image across all candidate interactions. This helps build a strong employer brand that attracts top talent and fosters long-term relationships with candidates.
By improving candidate engagement, streamlining recruitment tasks, providing data-driven insights, and strengthening employer branding, CRM software helps organizations attract and retain the best talent in a competitive job market.
Costs & Pricing of Candidate Relationship Management Software
Understanding the costs and pricing of candidate relationship software is essential for selecting the right tool for your needs. Below is a table outlining the different plans, prices, and features associated with candidate relationship software.
Plan Comparison Table for Candidate Relationship Management Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Limited candidate tracking, basic email templates, and restricted reporting capabilities. |
| Basic Plan | $20/month | Basic candidate tracking, resume parsing, email templates, and reporting tools. |
| Standard Plan | $50/month | All Basic Plan features, plus advanced analytics, customizable workflows, and integration with job boards. |
| Premium Plan | $100/month | All Standard Plan features, plus AI-driven insights, automated candidate outreach, and multi-user collaboration tools. |
| Enterprise Plan | Custom Pricing | All Premium Plan features, plus bespoke features, dedicated account management, and priority support. |
When choosing a plan, consider your budget, the scale of your recruitment needs, and the level of support you require. This way, you can be sure you’ll find the right software according to your specific needs, all within your given price range.
Candidate Relationship Management Software FAQs
Here are answers to common questions that can clarify how these tools work and help you choose the best option for your needs.
How does candidate relationship management software help in maintaining compliance with data protection regulations?
Candidate relationship management software often includes features designed to help maintain compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR or CCPA. These features may include secure data storage, consent management, and the ability to easily delete or anonymize candidate data upon request. Additionally, audit trails and access controls ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive information.
Can candidate relationship management software assist in diversity and inclusion initiatives?
Yes, candidate relationship management software can support diversity and inclusion initiatives by providing tools to track and analyze diversity metrics within your talent pool. It can help identify gaps in your recruitment process and suggest strategies to attract a more diverse range of candidates. Additionally, CRM software can facilitate unbiased communication and engagement with candidates from various backgrounds.
What are the reporting and analytics capabilities of candidate relationship management software?
Candidate relationship management software typically offers advanced reporting and analytics capabilities. These tools allow you to track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as candidate engagement rates, time-to-hire, and source effectiveness. Customizable dashboards and reports provide insights into the effectiveness of your recruitment strategies, helping you make data-driven decisions to improve your hiring process.
How can candidate relationship management software enhance candidate engagement?
Candidate relationship management software enhances candidate engagement by automating personalized communication and follow-ups. It allows recruiters to send targeted messages, schedule regular check-ins, and provide timely updates on the hiring process. By maintaining consistent and meaningful interactions, CRM software helps build strong relationships with candidates, keeping them engaged and interested in your organization.
How does candidate relationship management software support collaborative hiring?
Candidate relationship management software supports collaborative hiring by providing a centralized platform where team members can share candidate information, feedback, and notes. It often includes features such as role-based access, task assignments, and collaborative evaluation tools. This ensures that all stakeholders are aligned and can contribute effectively to the hiring process, leading to more informed and cohesive hiring decisions.
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