100-Question Checklist for Choosing a New ATS/CRM System

100-Point Checklist for Choosing a New ATS/CRM System for a Recruitment Agency

Core Features

1. Centralised Database – Does the system offer a single platform to store all candidate and client data?

2. Resume Parsing – Does the system automatically extract candidate information from resumes to populate profiles?

3. Job Posting Integration – Can the system post jobs to multiple job boards and social media platforms simultaneously?

4. Resume Screening – Does the system offer keyword and skill matching for fast candidate screening?

5. Candidate Profiles – Are profiles comprehensive, capturing resume data, communication history, and interview stages?

6. Customisable Pipelines – Can the recruitment workflows be customised to match your agency’s processes?

7. Bulk Emailing – Does the system allow you to send bulk communications to candidates?

8. Automated Drip Campaigns – Can you set up automated messaging sequences to nurture candidates over time?

9. Two-Way Email Integration – Does the system sync with your email to automatically log communications with candidates?

10. Multi-Channel Communication – Can you engage candidates via email, SMS, and social media directly from the platform?

11. Mobile Optimisation – Is the system mobile-optimised for use on smartphones and tablets?

12. Cloud-Based – Is the system cloud-based, providing anytime, anywhere access?

13. Calendar Integration – Does the system integrate with calendars (Google, Outlook) for scheduling interviews and meetings?

Sourcing & Talent Pool Management

14. Talent Pool Segmentation – Can you categorize candidates into talent pools based on skills, experience, or industry?

15. Advanced Search Filters – Does the system allow for deep filtering of candidates (e.g., location, job title, skills)?

16. Resume Database Search – Can you easily search the entire resume database to match candidates with jobs?

17. Candidate Engagement History – Does the system track all communication and engagement with each candidate?

18. Internal Notes – Can recruiters leave notes on candidate profiles for future reference?

19. LinkedIn Integration – Can the system import candidate profiles from LinkedIn?

20. Social Media Sourcing – Does the system offer features for sourcing candidates directly from social media?

21. Boolean Search – Does it support Boolean search logic for advanced candidate searching?

22. Candidate Ownership – Does the system track candidate ownership between different recruiters?

Candidate Experience

23. Candidate Portal – Does the system offer a candidate self-service portal for job applications and updates?

24. Mobile-Optimised Application Forms – Are application forms optimised for mobile devices?

25. Application Status Tracking – Can candidates track the status of their applications?

26. Custom Branded Career Pages – Can the system provide branded job posting pages?

27. Automated Notifications – Does the system send automated application confirmation and status updates?

28. Interview Scheduling – Can candidates self-schedule interviews or update availability?

Client & Job Management

29. Client Management – Can the system store and track information about your agency’s clients?

30. Job Order Tracking – Can you track job orders and client requests in real time?

31. Client Collaboration – Does the system allow clients to access candidate shortlists or job updates?

32. Client Relationship History – Does the system log communication history and activities for each client?

33. Job Descriptions – Can you create, store, and customise job descriptions?

34. Client-Specific Reporting – Can you generate reports for clients on recruitment KPIs and candidate progress?

Compliance & Security

35. GDPR Compliance – Does the system offer features to ensure compliance with GDPR and other data protection laws?

36. Data Retention Policies – Can you set up automated data retention policies to comply with privacy regulations?

37. Consent Management – Does the system track candidate consent for data storage and processing?

38. Audit Trails – Are all actions within the system logged for auditing purposes?

39. Role-Based Access Control – Can you control access levels for different users within your agency?

40. Data Encryption – Is candidate and client data encrypted in transit and at rest?

41. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Does the system support 2FA for enhanced security?

Reporting & Analytics

42. Dashboard Customisation – Can you customise dashboards for a real-time view of recruitment metrics?

43. KPI Tracking – Can the system track key metrics such as time-to-hire, cost-per-hire, and source of hire?

44. Customizable Reports – Can you generate custom reports tailored to specific metrics and business needs?

45. Pipeline Analytics – Does the system offer insights into the health of candidate pipelines?

46. Source Effectiveness Reporting – Can you analyse which job boards or sources produce the best candidates?

47. Recruiter Performance Analytics – Can you track individual recruiter performance metrics (e.g., placements, productivity)?

48. Candidate Engagement Metrics – Does the system provide analytics on candidate engagement (e.g., email open rates, response times)?

49. Client Reporting – Can you create and share performance reports with clients?

50. ATS vs. CRM Metrics – Can you analyse ATS (applicant management) metrics separately from CRM (relationship management) data?

51. Forecasting Tools – Does the system offer forecasting tools to predict hiring needs or placement success?

52. Diversity Reporting – Can you track diversity metrics in your candidate pool and placements?

Workflow & Automation

53. Automated Workflows – Can you set up automated workflows for candidate screening, scheduling, and follow-ups?

54. Task Management – Does the system allow recruiters to set tasks and reminders for follow-ups?

55. Interview Management – Does the system streamline interview scheduling, including automated reminders?

56. Interview Feedback Collection – Can the system collect and centralize feedback from interviewers?

57. Offer Management – Does the system support offer creation, approvals, and tracking?

58. Reference Checking – Can the system automate or track reference checks for candidates?

59. Onboarding Workflows – Does the system offer post-hire onboarding features for successful candidates?

60. Customisable Notifications – Can you set up custom notifications for specific recruitment events or milestones?

Integration Capabilities

61. Email Integration – Can the system integrate with your email provider (e.g., Gmail, Outlook)?

62. Calendar Integration – Does it sync with calendar applications for interview scheduling?

63. Job Board Integration – Can the system integrate with popular job boards and recruitment websites?

64. Social Media Integration – Can you connect the system to social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook)?

65. HRIS/Payroll Integration – Does the system integrate with HR or payroll systems?

66. CRM Integration – Can the ATS integrate seamlessly with your CRM or offer combined ATS/CRM functionality?

67. API Access – Does the system offer API access for custom integrations?

68. Assessment Tools Integration – Can the system integrate with candidate assessment and testing platforms?

69. Video Interviewing Integration – Can the system integrate with video interviewing tools?

70. Accounting/Finance Software Integration – Can it sync with finance software to manage invoicing or placements?

Candidate Relationship Management (CRM) Features

71. Long-Term Relationship Tracking – Can the system track long-term interactions with passive candidates?

72. Automated Nurturing Campaigns – Can you set up automated campaigns to nurture passive talent over time?

73. Personalized Messaging – Can you send personalized messages to candidates based on their skills or interests?

74. Candidate Engagement Tracking – Can you monitor how candidates interact with your agency (email opens, responses)?

75. Social Media Relationship Building – Does the system allow for candidate engagement through social media channels?

76. Passive Candidate Tracking – Can you track candidates not actively seeking jobs and maintain regular contact?

77. Content Sharing Tools – Can the system distribute articles, blogs, or updates to candidates as part of an engagement strategy?

78. Event Invitations – Does the system allow you to send out invitations to events, webinars, or job fairs?

79. Surveys and Feedback Collection – Can the system send out and track candidate satisfaction surveys?

80. Referral Tracking – Does the system allow candidates to refer others, and can you track these referrals?

Usability & User Experience

81. Ease of Use – Is the system user-friendly and intuitive for recruiters with varying technical skills?

82. Customisable User Interface – Can the interface be customized to suit the needs of individual recruiters?

83. Mobile App – Does the system offer a fully functional mobile app for recruiters on the go?

84. User Training Resources – Are there training resources, tutorials, or guides available for your team?

85. Customer Support – Does the system provide reliable customer support, and what are the response times?

86. Onboarding & Implementation Support – Does the vendor offer assistance with onboarding and system setup?

87. Multilingual Support – Does the system offer support for multiple languages if you operate globally?

88. Custom Branding – Can you customise the interface and candidate-facing communications with your agency’s branding?

Pricing & Scalability

89. Transparent Pricing – Is the pricing model transparent, and does it align with your agency’s budget?

90. Pay-Per-User or Seat – Does the system charge per user, and does it offer scalability as your team grows?

91. Free Trial or Demo – Is there an option for a free trial or demonstration before purchase?

92. Scalability – Can the system scale to accommodate more users, clients, or candidate volume as your agency grows?

93. Data Storage Costs – Are there additional fees for data storage, or is it included in the pricing model?

94. Annual vs. Monthly Billing – Does the vendor offer flexible billing options (monthly, annually)?

95. Maintenance & Updates – Are software updates included, or are there additional costs for upgrades?

Vendor Reputation

96. Industry-Specific Expertise – Does the vendor specialise in recruitment technology for agencies?

97. Customer Reviews & Case Studies – Are there testimonials, reviews, or case studies from similar agencies?

98. Innovation and Development – Is the vendor known for regularly updating the software with new features?

99. Vendor Longevity – How long has the vendor been in business, and what is their market reputation?

100. Community and User Forums – Does the vendor have a community or user forum where agencies can share insights and tips?

This checklist is designed to give recruitment agency owners a comprehensive framework for evaluating new ATS/CRM software, ensuring it aligns with their business needs and enhances operational efficiency.

For more information contact
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www.searchmarkets.services

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Keywords

  • Talent Acquisition Technology
  • Engagement
  • Candidate Engagement
  • Candidate Relationship Management (CRM)
  • Hiring
  • Tracking Systems
  • Applicant Tracking System (ATS)