22 Best Employee Referral Software Reviewed In 2025
Best Employee Referral Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 22 tools reviewed.
Get free help from our HR software advisors to find your match.
In today's competitive job market, leveraging employee referral programs can be a game-changer for sourcing top talent. The best employee referral software streamlines this process, making it easier for organizations to tap into their employees' networks. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to find the right fit for your company.
Using my extensive experience in human resources and referral software, I tested and compared several of the top employee referral solutions on the market to help businesses source their ideal options. Whether you’re an SMB or a large enterprise, I’m confident that my in-depth reviews will guide you towards your next employee referral software.
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Best Employee Referral Software Summary
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Deel Deel's referral plugin for Slack makes it easy to refer candidates for your company's open roles right within an everyday communication tool. | Best for employee referrals within Slack | Free demo available | Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people | Website |
| 2 |  ERIN ERIN is a referral management tool that streamlines employee referrals to enhance recruitment efficiency and quality hires. | Best for automating employee referrals | Free demo available | From $999/month (billed annually) | Website |
| 3 |  Jobvite Jobvite's employee referrals feature empowers employees to refer candidates easily, enhancing the overall recruitment process. | Best for high quality hiring management | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
| 4 |  Eqo Eqo lets your frontline workers submit referrals via text and offers automated tracking of referral statuses. | Best for frontline employee referrals | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
| 5 |  Radancy Radancy is a recruitment marketing platform that leverages data and technology to attract, engage, and convert top talent. | Best for AI-driven talent acquisition | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
| 6 |  Boon Boon is an employee referral platform that uses AI to match jobs with employees' networks for better hiring results. | Best for simplifying referral hiring | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
| 7 |  Teamable Teamable's referral product enhances employee referrals by leveraging social networks to find and connect with top talent. | Best for leveraging employee networks | Not available | From $3,000/user/year | Website |
| 8 |  Jobylon Jobylon simplifies the referral process to help companies attract top talent through their existing networks. | Best for gamified employment programs | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
| 9 |  CleverConnect CleverConnect's software optimizes employee referrals to increase hiring speed and quality through intelligent matching and engagement. | Best for digitizing referral programs | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website |
| 10 |  WorkTaps WorkTaps makes it easy for employees to refer candidates and track their progress. | Best for hourly workforce referrals | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website |
How to Choose an Employee Referral Software
As you work through your own unique software selection process, keep the following points in mind:
- Ease of Use for Employees: Employee referral software should be intuitive and user-friendly to encourage high participation rates. If the interface is complicated or cumbersome, employees may be less likely to engage with the referral process.
- Integration Capabilities: Ensure the software can integrate with your existing HR systems and tools. A lack of integration can lead to data silos and inefficient workflows. For instance, integrating referral software with your applicant tracking system allows for smooth data transfer and a unified hiring process.
- Tracking and Reporting Features: Strong tracking and reporting functionalities are essential for monitoring the success of your referral programs. Look for software that provides detailed analytics on metrics such as referral source, time to hire, and quality of new hires. This data helps in refining your referral strategies and demonstrating ROI to stakeholders.
- Incentive Management: The ability to manage and automate referral incentives is vital for maintaining engagement. Software that can track referrals and automatically distribute rewards or bonuses saves time and ensures accuracy. For example, having a built-in feature to manage different incentive structures can cater to various roles or seniority levels within your organization.
- Scalability and Customization: Your chosen software should be able to grow with your organization and adapt to your specific needs. Whether you're a small startup or a large enterprise, the software should offer customizable features that align with your company's culture and referral program goals.
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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 -
Willo
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8
Best Employee Referral Software Reviews
This section provides an in-depth analysis and overview of each employee referral software. Below, I will walk you through each tool’s pros and cons, features, and best use cases.
Deel is a comprehensive HR management platform that includes features like payroll, global hiring, and talent development through its Engage suite.
Why I picked Deel: Deel offers a referral Slack plugin that allows employees to easily refer candidates directly within Slack, ensuring a seamless and integrated experience. This feature encourages more frequent and effortless referrals, leveraging the familiarity and convenience of a widely used communication tool to drive higher participation rates. It also allows you to create automated announcements for open positions and gamify your referral program.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated contract generation, compliance management, global payroll solutions, an LMS, training support, and detailed analytics and reporting.
Integrations include Slack, Greenhouse, Workday, BambooHR, Lever, and Zapier, among others.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced analytics and reporting
- Gamified referral programs
- All-in-one HR and talent management
Cons:
- Could have more customization options
- No mobile application
ERIN is a powerful tool designed to automate and streamline employee referral processes. It offers a user-friendly platform that automates the referral process, making it seamless for employees to refer quality candidates.
Why I picked ERIN: ERIN excels at automating employee referrals by providing an intuitive platform that seamlessly integrates with existing HR systems, allowing for easy tracking and management of referrals. Its advanced automation features, including AI-driven matching and real-time notifications, ensure a smooth and efficient referral process, maximizing participation and improving recruitment outcomes.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include AI-powered matching, automated reward distribution, and real-time analytics.
Integrations include Greenhouse, Lever, Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, ADP, BambooHR, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Outlook, and Okta.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Mobile app availability
- User-friendly interface
- Easy employee referral management
Cons:
- Lacks advanced analytics
- Limited integration options
Jobvite is an employee referral software that leverages AI to optimize and manage referral programs effectively.
Why I picked Jobvite: Jobvite stands out for high-quality hiring management due to its strong end-to-end recruiting platform that integrates applicant tracking, candidate relationship management, and advanced analytics. Its AI-driven technology helps identify and engage the best candidates efficiently, while its collaborative hiring features ensure a streamlined and effective recruitment process.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include AI-driven candidate matching, automated referral tracking, and detailed analytics.
Integrations include LinkedIn, Indeed, Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, Greenhouse, SmartRecruiters, BambooHR, ADP, Oracle, and Taleo.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive platform
- Strong integrations
- Enhances referral process
Cons:
- Complicated user interface
- Expensive for small businesses
Eqo is an employee referral solution designed to enhance engagement among frontline workers and automate the tracking process for administrators.
Why I picked Eqo: One standout feature of Eqo is its fully text-based referral system. Employees can submit referrals through text messages, eliminating the need for app downloads or complex procedures. This simplicity encourages higher participation rates among frontline workers, making it easier for your team to tap into existing networks for potential hires. I also like its automated eligibility checks. When referral payouts are due, the system automatically verifies the employment status of both the referrer and the new employee.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include employee dashboards, referral scores, automated employee checks, secure data hosting, automated SMS reminders, one-click 'add to calendar' for events, and rich event analytics.
Integrations include iCIMS, Greenhouse, Workday, Taleo, Lever, SAP SuccessFactors, UKG, ADP, JazzHR, Ashby, BambooHR, and Workable.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Does not require app downloads
- Engaging SMS campaigns
- Automated tracking of referrals
Cons:
- Reliance on text may not suit everyone's needs
- Limited to frontline workers
Radancy is a platform that leverages AI to optimize and streamline talent acquisition processes.
Why I picked Radancy: Radancy’s advanced algorithms allow human resource teams to analyze vast amounts of data to identify and attract the most suitable candidates. Its AI capabilities streamline the hiring process, improve candidate matching, and enhance recruitment efficiency, making it an invaluable tool for modern HR teams.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include AI-driven recruitment marketing, candidate engagement, and data analytics.
Integrations include Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, Greenhouse, Lever, Taleo, iCIMS, SmartRecruiters, LinkedIn, Google Analytics, and Adobe Analytics.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong analytics capabilities
- Comprehensive marketing tools
- Data-driven recruitment
Cons:
- Requires technical expertise
- Complex setup process
Boon is an employee referral software that simplifies and automates the referral hiring process.
Why I picked Boon: Boon streamlines the referral process with AI and automation, making it easy for employees to participate. It stands out for its intelligent matching system and seamless integration capabilities, which enhance the referral experience beyond what most employee referral software offers.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include AI-powered matching, automated referral tracking, and detailed reporting.
Integrations include LinkedIn, Greenhouse, Lever, Jobvite, SmartRecruiters, BambooHR, Workday, iCIMS, SAP SuccessFactors, and Taleo.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Effective job-network matching
- Simplifies referrals
- AI-driven matching
Cons:
- Occasional AI mismatches
- Limited integration
Teamable is an employee referral software that leverages employee networks to find the best candidates.
Why I picked Teamable: Teamable effectively harnesses the power of employee networks to source top talent. Its standout feature is the ability to match employees' connections with job openings, which provides a more personalized and efficient referral process compared to other employee referral software.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include AI-driven matching of employee connections to job openings, automated referral tracking, and detailed analytics.
Integrations include LinkedIn, Workday, Greenhouse, Lever, Jobvite, SmartRecruiters, iCIMS, Taleo, SAP SuccessFactors, and BambooHR.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good customer support
- Easy referral process
- Leverages social networks
Cons:
- Basic analytics
- Limited scalability
Jobylon is an employee referral software that enhances referral programs with gamification elements to increase engagement and participation.
Why I picked Jobylon: Jobylon offers a gamified approach to employee referrals, making the process more engaging and enjoyable for employees. Its built-in gamification features, such as point systems and leaderboards, motivate employees to actively participate and compete, ultimately enhancing referral rates and improving the quality of hires.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include gamified referral tracking, automated notifications, and a user-friendly interface for managing referrals.
Integrations include LinkedIn, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Outlook, Greenhouse, Lever, Workday, BambooHR, and iCIMS.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports multiple languages
- Customizable campaigns
- Seamless social media integration
Cons:
- Limited integrations
- Basic reporting
CleverConnect is an employee referral software that digitizes and streamlines the referral process for hiring.
Why I picked CleverConnect: CleverConnect stands out for its advanced approach to digitizing referral programs, offering seamless integration with existing HR systems and intuitive user interfaces that make it easy for current employees to participate. Its next-level analytics and automation features ensure efficient management and tracking of referrals, enhancing both the speed and quality of recruitment.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include gamification to encourage participation, automated referral management, and detailed analytics for tracking referral success.
Integrations include LinkedIn, Indeed, Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, Greenhouse, SmartRecruiters, Jobvite, Lever, Oracle, and BambooHR.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly platform
- Boosts hiring speed
- Intelligent matching
Cons:
- Potential integration issues
- Limited reporting features
WorkTaps is an employee referral software designed to streamline and optimize the referral process for hourly workers.
Why I picked WorkTaps: WorkTaps specifically caters to the needs of the hourly workforce, a niche often overlooked by other referral software. Its mobile-first approach and ease of use make it particularly effective for engaging hourly employees in the referral process.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include mobile-first design, automated referral tracking, and real-time notifications.
Integrations include Workday, BambooHR, SAP SuccessFactors, LinkedIn, Slack, Microsoft Teams, ADP, Greenhouse, iCIMS, and Oracle.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Mobile app available
- Easy tracking
- Simple referral process
Cons:
- Basic reporting
- Limited features
Other Employee Referral Software
Below is a list of additional employee referral software that I shortlisted. While they didn’t make the top 10, they’re still valuable and worth further research.
- Real Links
For maximum employee impact
- HireUp
For engaging referral processes
- Sense
For personalized candidate engagement
- Trusty
For integrated communication tools
- SaaSquatch
For referral marketing automation
- Phenom
For talent experience management
- Ambassador
For customizable referral programs
- Workable Recruiting
For comprehensive recruitment tools
- Gem
For candidate relationship management
- SeekOut
For in-depth talent sourcing
- Hireology
For integrated hiring solutions
- Simpplr
For employee engagement platforms
- Employee Referrals
For boosting internal referrals
Related HR Software Reviews
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these other related tools that we've tested and evaluated:
- HR Software
- Payroll Software
- Recruiting Software
- Employer of Record Services
- Applicant Tracking Systems
- Workforce Management Software
Employee Referral Software Selection Criteria
The criteria for choosing an employee referral 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:
- Automated referral tracking
- Integration with major HR systems
- User-friendly referral submission process
- Detailed analytics and reporting
- Customizable referral campaigns
Additional Standout Features - 25% of total weighting score:
- Gamification elements (referral competitions, rewards, etc.)
- AI-driven candidate matching
- Real-time notifications and updates
- Mobile-first design for on-the-go access
- Integration with communication tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams
Usability - 10% of total weighting score:
- Intuitive interface design
- Simple navigation with minimal clicks
- Clear and accessible dashboards
- Customizable user roles and permissions
- Easy access to key features and functions
Onboarding - 10% of total weighting score:
- Availability of training videos and tutorials
- Interactive product tours and walkthroughs
- Ready-to-use templates for quick setup
- Responsive chatbots for immediate assistance
- Regular webinars and training sessions
Customer Support - 10% of total weighting score:
- 24/7 customer service availability
- Multiple support channels (phone, email, chat)
- Dedicated account managers
- Comprehensive knowledge base and FAQs
- Prompt response times
Value For Money - 10% of total weighting score:
- Competitive pricing compared to similar tools
- Clear pricing structure with no hidden fees
- Flexible plans and subscription options
- Discounts for long-term commitments or larger teams
- Trial periods or money-back guarantees
Customer Reviews - 10% of total weighting score:
- High overall satisfaction ratings
- Positive feedback on key features and usability
- Testimonials highlighting unique benefits
- Constructive criticism and resolution of issues
- Consistent updates and improvements based on user feedback
Trends for Employee Referral Software
Here are some trends I’ve noticed for employee referral software, plus what they might mean for the future of the HR industry. I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs to tease out the most important insights.
- AI-Driven Candidate Matching: AI-driven candidate matching is revolutionizing employee referral software by using advanced algorithms to identify the best fit for job openings. This trend enhances accuracy and efficiency in the hiring process. It’s important as it reduces time-to-hire and improves the quality of candidates.
- Gamification Elements: Gamification is increasingly integrated into referral programs to boost employee engagement. Features like referral competitions and rewards make the process fun and motivating. This trend is vital for increasing participation rates and making the referral process more dynamic.
- Mobile-First Design: Mobile-first design ensures that referral software is accessible and functional on smartphones and tablets. This trend is important as it allows employees to refer candidates and track referrals on the go.
- Seamless Integration with Communication Tools: Integration with tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams is becoming standard. This trend simplifies the referral process by embedding it into daily workflows. It’s significant as it makes the referral process more seamless and encourages frequent use.
- Real-Time Analytics and Reporting: Real-time analytics provide immediate insights into the performance of referral programs. This trend helps organizations quickly adjust strategies to maximize efficiency. It’s important for making data-driven decisions and improving overall program effectiveness.
As the landscape of recruitment evolves, employee referral software is adapting with innovative trends such as AI-driven matching, enhanced gamification, and seamless integration with social media platforms. Staying updated with these trends will be vital for organizations aiming to optimize their recruitment strategies and maintain a competitive edge.
What is Employee Referral Software?
Employee referral software is a tool that helps organizations manage and streamline their employee referral programs. This software automates the referral process, making it easier for employees to refer qualified candidates for open positions within the company. Human resources departments and hiring managers commonly use this software to increase the quality of hires, enhance employee engagement, and improve the overall efficiency of the hiring process.
Features of Employee Referral Software
When shopping for an employee referral software, it’s important to keep in mind the different features that can either make (or break) your experience. Here are some of the top features your chosen employee referral software should have to make it a good fit.
- Automated Referral Tracking: This feature tracks employee referrals automatically, streamlining the hiring process by reducing manual effort. It ensures that HR teams can focus on more strategic tasks rather than administrative tracking.
- AI-Powered Matching: With AI, businesses can accurately match candidates with job openings, enhancing the quality of hires. This helps HR teams quickly identify the best candidates, saving time and resources.
- Gamification Elements: Gamification helps to motivate employees to refer candidates, increasing participation in referral programs. This leads to a larger pool of potential candidates and boosts employee engagement.
- Integration with HR Systems: Your referral software must easily integrate with other major HR systems, ensuring smooth data flow and reducing data entry errors. This improves efficiency and accuracy in the recruitment process for HR teams.
- Mobile Access: Software with mobile-friendly interfaces allow employees to make referrals anytime, anywhere. This flexibility increases the number of referrals and supports a more dynamic hiring process.
- Real-Time Analytics: Real-time analytics help teams track the performance of referral programs, giving HR teams insights into the effectiveness of their strategies. This data-driven approach helps in making informed decisions and optimizing referral programs.
- Customizable Campaigns: Customization of referral campaigns helps companies build programs fit organizational needs, ensuring alignment with company goals and culture. This flexibility helps HR teams create more targeted and effective referral initiatives.
- Automated Notifications: Automated notifications keep employees updated on referral statuses, maintaining engagement and transparency. This feature ensures that employees are informed and motivated throughout the referral process.
- User-Friendly Interface: A software with an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface makes it easy for all users to manage regardless of technical proficiency. This simplicity enhances user adoption and satisfaction among employees and HR teams.
- Integration with Communication Tools: Make sure your software can integrate with tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams. This ensures that referral activities are seamlessly incorporated into existing workflows, enhancing overall efficiency.
These features collectively enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of employee referral programs, making it easier for organizations to find and hire top talent through their existing workforce. By selecting the right software, businesses can harness the full potential of their employees' networks and significantly improve their hiring strategies.
Benefits of Employee Referral Software
Like other software, employee referral solutions also come with their own set of benefits. Here are some of the primary perks you may experience while using an employee referral software.
- Improved Hiring Efficiency: Employee referral software automates the referral process, significantly reducing the time and effort required to source referred candidates. This allows human resources to focus on other strategic tasks, thereby enhancing overall operational efficiency.
- Higher Quality of Hires: By leveraging employees' networks, the software helps identify candidates who are likely to be a better fit for the company's culture and values. This results in higher retention rates and a more cohesive workforce, ultimately benefiting the organization's productivity and morale.
- Cost Savings: The use of referral software lowers recruitment costs by minimizing the reliance on expensive external recruiters and job board advertisements. This financial efficiency allows HR departments to allocate resources more effectively across other critical areas.
- Enhanced Employee Engagement: The software increases employee involvement in the hiring process, which can boost morale and improve retention rates. When employees feel valued and part of the recruitment process, their overall engagement and satisfaction with the company tend to rise.
- Better Tracking and Analytics: Employee referral software provides detailed analytics and reporting, helping HR to measure the effectiveness of referral programs. This data-driven approach allows for continuous improvement and optimization of hiring strategies.
These benefits demonstrate the significant impact employee referral software can have on an business' hiring efficiency and employee satisfaction. Implementing such software can lead to more effective hiring strategies and a stronger, more engaged workforce.
Costs & Pricing Of Employee Referral Software
When considering employee referral software, it’s important to understand the various pricing plans and what features are included with each. Below is a breakdown of the typical plans you might encounter when exploring employee referral software options.
Plan Comparison Table for Employee Referral Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0/user/month | Basic referral tracking, limited analytics, and standard support |
| Basic Plan | $50/user/month | Automated referral tracking, AI matching, mobile access, and email notifications |
| Standard Plan | $100/user/month | Advanced analytics, gamification elements, integration with major HR systems, and priority support |
| Premium Plan | $200/user/month | Customizable campaigns, real-time analytics, dedicated account manager, and integration with communication tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams |
Understanding the costs and plans for employee referral software is important for making an informed investment in your recruitment strategy. By evaluating the pricing structures, subscription models, and available features, businesses can choose a solution that fits their budget and maximizes their return on investment.
Employee Referral Software FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions I’ve received about employee referral software.
Can employee referral software integrate with our existing HR systems?
Yes, most employee referral software integrates with major HR systems such as Workday, BambooHR, and SAP SuccessFactors to streamline data flow and improve functionality.
Is employee referral software suitable for small businesses?
Yes, there are plans and pricing options suitable for small businesses, including free or basic plans that provide essential referral tracking and management features.
How can gamification improve our referral program?
Gamification motivates employees by incorporating elements like referral competitions and rewards, which increases participation and engagement in the referral process.
What kind of support can I expect from employee referral software providers?
Support typically includes access to a knowledge base, chatbots, email support, and in higher-tier plans, dedicated account managers and 24/7 customer service.
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