In this review, I'm going to share my analysis and evaluation of my hands-on experience with iCIMS Talent Cloud. But first, if you're just beginning your search for the best recruiting software, check out my picks of the best recruiting software.
You probably already know iCIMS Talent Cloud is among the most popular recruiting software out there, but you need to better understand what's good and not so good about it. This in-depth iCIMS Talent Cloud review will walk you through the pros and cons, features, and functionality, to help guide you to better understand its capabilities and suitability for your scenario.
Summary: iCIMS Talent Cloud
iCIMS Talent Cloud is an advanced hiring management tool designed to help businesses attract, screen, and hire the best talent more efficiently. It’s commonly used by HR professionals, recruiters, and hiring managers to support sourcing, engaging, hiring, and onboarding candidates.
iCIMS Talent Cloud addresses common pain points like managing high volumes of applicants, collaborating across hiring teams, and providing a positive candidate experience. Its best features are customizable career sites, advanced candidate search, automated communication, interview scheduling, and integration with background checks and onboarding.
iCIMS Talent Cloud Pros
- Customization: iCIMS Talent Cloud allows companies to customize recruiting workflows and approvals, candidate communication, and branding to fit their specific needs.
- Recruiting Marketing: The software provides tools to help companies attract job seekers through career sites, job postings, and social media recruiting.
- Onboarding: With iCIMS Talent Cloud, teams can automate many onboarding tasks like sending offer letters and collecting new hire paperwork to save time.
iCIMS Talent Cloud Cons
- Reporting: Some users find the reporting features in iCIMS Talent Cloud lack flexibility and the ability to create custom reports is limited.
- User Interface: The user interface can be complex and overwhelming, requiring significant training for recruiters and hiring managers to use effectively.
- Customer Support: Some customers report long wait times for customer support and difficulty getting timely help to resolve technical issues.
iCIMS Talent Cloud Expert Opinion
In my view, iCIMS Talent Cloud is a powerful recruiting and talent management platform best suited for mid-market to enterprise level organizations with significant hiring volume. It offers a strong feature set that covers the full hiring lifecycle, with particular strengths in candidate relationship management, career site branding, and onboarding.
The extensive configurability options and pre-built integrations make iCIMS Talent Cloud a strong fit for companies that need a recruiting platform to fit into a complex HR tech stack. However, iCIMS Talent Cloud tends to be priced at the higher end of the market and may be overkill for small businesses. Similarly, the interface is less intuitive and modern compared to newer options like Lever and Greenhouse.
For larger companies willing to invest the time and resources into implementation, iCIMS Talent Cloud can be an excellent choice, but it may not be the best option for every business depending on budget and requirements. Companies should closely compare the specific features and pricing to alternatives to determine the ideal fit.
Why Trust Our Software Reviews
We've been testing and reviewing recruiting software since 2018. As HR experts ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.
We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We've tested more than 2,000 tools for different HR management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & our software review methodology.
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Deel
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Rippling
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Willo
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8
Are You a Good Fit for iCIMS Talent Cloud?
Who Would Be a Good Fit for iCIMS Talent Cloud?
iCIMS Talent Cloud is best suited for mid-sized to large organizations that hire frequently and want an all-in-one recruiting platform. Companies that value a strong employer brand and candidate experience would benefit from iCIMS Talent Cloud’s configurable career portals, CRM, and communication tools. It's a good choice for recruiting teams that need automation to manage high-volume hiring but still want control over workflows and processes.
Who Would Be a Bad Fit for iCIMS Talent Cloud?
Smaller businesses with low hiring volume likely don't need the full capabilities of iCIMS Talent Cloud and may find it too complex and expensive. Additionally, the software also requires some time to set up and learn, so it may not be ideal for teams that want plug-and-play software they can start using immediately with little configuration or training.
Best Use Cases for iCIMS Talent Cloud
- Large Enterprises: iCIMS Talent Cloud is well-suited for large, complex organizations with high-volume hiring needs across multiple departments and locations.
- Healthcare Industry: The software offers compliance features and integrations that help healthcare organizations meet unique hiring requirements.
- Retail Industry: iCIMS Talent Cloud can handle the high turnover and seasonal hiring demands common in retail environments.
- Talent Acquisition Teams: Designed as an advanced platform, iCIMS Talent Cloud provides the tools that dedicated talent acquisition professionals need.
- Remote Companies: iCIMS Talent Cloud has strong video interviewing capabilities built into its platform to help streamline hiring operations for remote organizations.
- High-Tech Companies: Fast-growing tech companies can leverage iCIMS Talent Cloud to scale their workforces quickly and efficiently.
Worst Use Cases for iCIMS Talent Cloud
- Small Businesses: iCIMS Talent Cloud may be too complex and expensive for small businesses with basic recruiting needs.
- Companies on Tighter Budgets: The costs of iCIMS Talent Cloud can be prohibitive for organizations with limited recruiting budgets.
- Manufacturing Industry: iCIMS Talent Cloud may lack some of the specific job application features commonly used in manufacturing.
- Hiring Managers: The iCIMS Talent Cloud interface is very recruiter-focused and may be unintuitive for hiring managers.
- Onboarding Priorities: While iCIMS Talent Cloud has solid recruiting tools, companies that need more advanced onboarding may find it limited.
- International Hiring: Companies that hire globally may find iCIMS Talent Cloud lacks some localization and global compliance features.
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Deel
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Rippling
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Willo
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8
iCIMS Talent Cloud Evaluation Summary
- Core Functionality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Standout Features: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Onboarding: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Customer Support: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Integrations: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Customer Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review Methodology
We're a team of software experts who obsess about the features and functionality of different platforms. We know how critical—yet difficult and confusing—software selection can be. We test and score software to find the best solutions, whatever the use case may be.
Using our objective, data-driven testing methodology, we've tested 300+ software. We dedicate ourselves to being objective in fully and fairly testing software, to get beyond the marketing fluff and truly understand the platform.
We've developed robust testing scenarios to use the software in the same way you will. We leverage our own first-hand, practical experience with the tools, complemented by interviews with users, experts, and software vendors.
How We Test & Score Recruiting Software
We've spent years building, refining, and improving our software testing and scoring system for recruiting software. The rubric is designed to capture the nuances of software selection, and what makes recruiting software effective, focusing on critical aspects of the decision-making process.
Below, you can see exactly how our testing and scoring work across eight criteria. It allows us to provide an unbiased evaluation of the software based on core functionality, standout features, ease of use, onboarding, customer support, integrations, customer reviews, and value for money.
Core Functionality (20% of final scoring)
For recruiting software, the core functionality we test and evaluate are:
- Job Posting: Easily create and post job listings to multiple job boards and the company website.
- Resume Parsing: Automatically extract relevant information from resumes and store it in a searchable database.
- Applicant Tracking: Track and manage applicants through each stage of the hiring process.
- Interview Scheduling: Schedule interviews with candidates and send automated reminder notifications.
- Candidate Communication: Send emails and other communications to candidates directly from the software.
- Reporting and Analytics: Generate reports on key recruiting metrics such as time-to-hire and source of hire.
Standout Features (20% of final scoring)
We evaluate uncommon, standout features that go above and beyond the core functionality defined and typically found in recruiting software. A high score reflects specialized or unique features that make the product faster, more efficient, or offer additional value to the user.
Ease of Use (10% of final scoring)
We consider how quick and easy it is to execute the tasks defined in the core functionality using the recruiting software. High-scoring software is well-designed and intuitive to use. It offers mobile apps and templates and makes relatively complex tasks seem simple.
Onboarding (10% of final scoring)
We know how important rapid team adoption is for a new platform, so we evaluate how easy it is to learn and use the recruiting software with minimal training. We evaluate how quickly a team member can get set up and start using the software with no experience. High-scoring software indicates little or no support is required.
Customer Support (10% of final scoring)
We review how quick and easy it is to get unstuck and find help by phone, live chat, or knowledge base. Recruiting software that provides real-time support scores best, while chatbots score worst.
Integrations (10% of final scoring)
We evaluate how easy it is to integrate with other tools typically found in the tech stack to expand the functionality and utility of the software. Recruiting software offering plentiful native integrations, 3rd party connections, and API access to build custom integrations score best.
Customer Reviews (10% of final scoring)
Beyond our own testing and evaluation, we consider the net promoter score from current and past customers. We review their likelihood, given the option, to choose the recruiting software again for the core functionality. High-scoring software reflects a high net promoter score from current or past customers.
Value for Money (10% of final scoring)
Lastly, in consideration of all the other criteria, we review the average price of entry-level plans against the core features and consider the value of the other evaluation criteria. Software that delivers more, for less, will score higher.
Through this comprehensive approach, I aim to identify recruiting software that not only meets but exceeds expectations, ensuring teams have the tools they need to succeed.
iCIMS Talent Cloud Review
Core Recruiting Software Functionality
Applicant Tracking System (ATS): iCIMS Talent Cloud's ATS centralizes job postings, applications, resumes, and candidate communication in one place. It automatically posts open positions on multiple job boards and uses AI to screen and rank applicants.
Candidate Relationship Management (CRM): The software’s CRM enables recruiters to build talent pipelines and engage passive candidates. It tracks candidate interactions across channels like email, text, and chat, and provides engagement insights.
Onboarding: iCIMS Talent Cloud’s onboarding tools enable new hires to complete paperwork, view welcome videos, and access training before day one. With this style of workflow automation, hiring officials can keep onboarding on track and integrate it with other core HR systems.
Reporting and Analytics: The software offers real-time dashboards and over 100 pre-built reports to provide insights on key recruiting metrics. Using these insights, companies can optimize processes like job ad placement and candidate matching to effectively streamline operations.
Interview Management: With iCIMS Talent Cloud, recruiters can schedule interviews, conduct video interviews, and collaborate with hiring managers within the platform.
Mobile Recruiting: iCIMS Talent Cloud’s mobile app allows recruiters to manage hiring on the go. Candidates can search and apply for jobs from any device and communicate via mobile-optimized forms.
iCIMS Talent Cloud Standout Features
AI Capabilities: iCIMS Talent Cloud uses AI to help teams screen resumes and recommend jobs to passive candidates. Their AI assistant can automate candidate communication via chat, text, and email to improve efficiency and boost productivity.
Text Engagement: iCIMS Talent Cloud recently acquired TextRecruit to offer advanced text recruiting capabilities. Recruiters can now message candidates individually or in bulk with a text-to-apply and interview scheduling functionality.
Ease of Use
In my experience, iCIMS Talent Cloud has an average ease of use compared to other enterprise recruiting platforms. The interface is fairly intuitive but there is a learning curve, especially for more advanced functionalities. However, iCIMS Talent Cloud does provide extensive training and a dedicated implementation support team to assist with setup.
Onboarding
When onboarding to iCIMS Talent Cloud, new users are assigned a dedicated customer success manager who provides initial training and ongoing support. The implementation process typically takes 12-16 weeks and includes weekly meetings and access to an online learning portal. Additionally, iCIMS Talent Cloud offers role-based training paths for recruiters, hiring managers, and administrators. Compared to other recruiting software, iCIMS Talent Cloud’s onboarding is very hands-on and tailored to each customer's needs.
Customer Support
iCIMS Talent Cloud provides customer support via phone and an online support center with product documentation, training videos, and a community forum. They offer dedicated customer success managers for strategic guidance and maintain a status page to communicate any system issues or planned maintenance. Additionally, iCIMS Talent Cloud releases new features and enhancements regularly, with updates occurring on a quarterly basis.
Integrations
iCIMS Talent Cloud integrates natively with Microsoft Outlook, Gmail, Docusign, HireRight, Glassdoor, Indeed, LinkedIn, Checkr, HiredScore, and Verified First.
For additional integrations, iCIMS Talent Cloud offers an open API and a marketplace of over 200 third-party apps. Customers can also use Zapier to connect iCIMS Talent Cloud with hundreds of other tools.
Value for Money
Based on my experience evaluating recruiting software, iCIMS Talent Cloud is generally considered to be on the higher end of the pricing spectrum. It's not the most expensive option, but it does tend to cost more than average compared to other tools in the recruiting software category.
iCIMS Talent Cloud offers solutions and customizable plans rather than predefined pricing tiers. They do not disclose plans or pricing on their company website. According to our research across multiple sites, pricing for the software typically starts at $1,700 per month and varies depending on the specific features and scale of implementation required by the user.
Key features available include:
- Applicant Tracking System: Built for both commercial and large global employers.
- Career Sites: Powerful, on-brand websites to attract candidates.
- Employee Onboarding: Automated processes for engagement and productivity.
Each solution's exact pricing is available upon request, ensuring tailored options based on specific needs.
Product Specifications
Feature | iCIMS Talent Cloud |
Applicant Tracking | ✅ |
Candidate Relationship Management | ✅ |
Job Posting & Distribution | ✅ |
Recruitment Marketing | ✅ |
Employee Referral Management | ✅ |
Candidate Screening | ✅ |
Interview Scheduling | ✅ |
Video Interviewing | ✅ |
Offer Management | ✅ |
Onboarding | ✅ |
Background Checks | ✅ |
Social Media Integration | ✅ |
Mobile App | ✅ |
Reporting & Analytics | ✅ |
Resume Parsing | ✅ |
Multilingual Support | ✅ |
Talent Pool Management | ✅ |
Recruitment Chatbot | ❌ |
Predictive Analytics | ✅ |
iCIMS Talent Cloud Alternatives
If you're looking for alternative recruiting software options to iCIMS Talent Cloud, here are a few worth checking out:
- Workday: Offers a more advanced HCM suite beyond just ATS, with strengths in analytics, AI, and integration with other human resource functions.
- Jobvite: Provides a very user-friendly interface and strong candidate relationship management tools to enhance employer branding and engagement.
- Greenhouse: Popular with fast-growing and mid-sized companies, with strong and flexible features for the entire recruiting lifecycle.
- SmartRecruiters: A modern, highly configurable enterprise solution with a native CRM, hiring manager app, and next-level reporting and analytics.
iCIMS Talent Cloud FAQs
What is iCIMS Talent Cloud?
iCIMS Talent Cloud is a comprehensive talent acquisition platform enabling organizations to attract, engage, hire, and advance talent. It provides tools for recruitment marketing, candidate engagement, applicant tracking, and new hire onboarding. The cloud-based software aims to deliver an exceptional candidate experience while improving efficiency for recruiting teams.
Is there a mobile app for iCIMS Talent Cloud?
Yes, iCIMS Talent Cloud offers a mobile app, iCIMS Recruit, available for iOS and Android devices. The app allows hiring managers to:
- Review applicants and resumes
- Collaborate with the hiring team
- Update candidate statuses
- Make offers
This enables hiring teams to recruit on the go and keep the process moving forward efficiently.
Is iCIMS Talent Cloud HIPAA compliant?
Yes, iCIMS Talent Cloud is HIPAA compliant. The software adheres to HIPAA regulations regarding the privacy and security of protected health information that may be exchanged during the recruitment process. iCIMS signs business associate agreements with covered entities as required under HIPAA rules.
Is iCIMS Talent Cloud SOC 2 compliant?
Yes, iCIMS Talent Cloud is SOC 2 Type 2 certified. This means an independent CPA firm has audited iCIMS’ systems and processes and validated that appropriate security controls are in place to safeguard customer data. The Type 2 certification verifies these controls operate effectively over time.
Is iCIMS Talent Cloud secure?
iCIMS employs strict security measures to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of customer data in the Talent Cloud platform. These include:
- Encryption of data in transit and at rest
- Multi-factor authentication for system access
- Continuous monitoring for potential threats
- Regular security audits and penetration testing
iCIMS maintains a formal information security program to identify and mitigate risks to customer data.
Is iCIMS Talent Cloud FedRAMP certified?
No, iCIMS Talent Cloud does not currently have FedRAMP certification. However, the software meets many security and privacy controls outlined in the FedRAMP moderate baseline. iCIMS is constantly evaluating its compliance posture against various standards.
Is iCIMS Talent Cloud GDPR compliant?
Yes, iCIMS Talent Cloud can support customers’ GDPR compliance efforts. The software provides tools to help manage candidate consent, facilitate data subject requests, and maintain records of processing activities. It also acts as a data processor and has a DPA for iCIMS customers that operate in the European Union.
Does iCIMS Talent Cloud offer single sign-on?
Yes, iCIMS Talent Cloud supports single sign-on via the SAML 2.0 standard. This allows users to access the platform with their existing corporate credentials. SSO can be configured for both employee and candidate users. It streamlines the login process while ensuring secure authentication.
iCIMS Talent Cloud Company Overview & History
iCIMS is a talent cloud company that provides recruiting software and talent acquisition solutions for organizations. Headquartered in Holmdel, New Jersey, iCIMS has over 4,000 customers worldwide. The iCIMS Talent Cloud offers a suite of talent products to help employers attract, engage, hire, and advance talent.
The company was founded in 2000 by Colin Day. It has grown significantly over the past two decades and is now one of the largest providers of talent acquisition software. In 2012, iCIMS received a $35 million minority investment from Susquehanna Growth Equity. Three years later in 2015, iCIMS secured a $62 million investment from Susquehanna Growth Equity.
iCIMS has made several acquisitions to expand its talent cloud offerings. In 2017, iCIMS acquired TextRecruit, a platform for text messaging, live chat, and artificial intelligence for recruiters. The following year in 2018, iCIMS acquired Jibe, a recruitment marketing platform. Finally, in 2020, iCIMS acquired Opening.io, an Ireland-based data science company.
iCIMS Talent Cloud Major Milestones
- 2000: iCIMS founded by Colin Day
- 2012: Received $35M investment from Susquehanna Growth Equity
- 2015: Secured $62M investment from Susquehanna Growth Equity
- 2017: Acquired TextRecruit
- 2018: Acquired Jibe
- 2020: Acquired Opening.io
Want to learn more about iCIMS? Check out their site for additional information.
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