Are You Using CRM Tools For Recruiting? (Smart Companies Do)

CRM for Recruiting

Most businesses use CRM tools for sales. CRM software is created to perform specific functions and it excels at those functions. We love our CRM systems.

Some companies believe CRM software can take the place of an applicant tracking system (ATS).

You actually need both types of tools. Let’s discuss why.

What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

An ATS is a type of recruiting software. It lets you create and manage an applicant database.

It automates repetitive operations like posting jobs, collecting applications, parsing resumes, and administering screening questionnaires.

You create and manage all hiring communications with your ATS: job descriptions, screening questionnaires, emails, candidate scorecards, and structured interview scripts.

Moving candidates through specific stages triggers emails and texts. ATS’ simplify interview scheduling and reference checks.

Your team can score candidates, share feedback, and make hiring selections.

Some ATSs integrate with background check companies, job boards, and video interviewing software.

What is Customer Relationship Management (CRM)?

The word ‘relationship’ in the title is key. CRM software is designed, first and foremost, to nurture relationships.

These can be customer relationships, partner relationships, or passive candidate relationships. For the purposes of this article, we will switch the ‘C’ for ‘customer’ to ‘C’ for ‘candidate’.

Relationships are built on interactions. Successful interactions require context. You need an accurate, comprehensive history to respond effectively.

How Do You Use CRM For Recruiting?

Potential applicants initiate contact through several digital channels. These include your careers page(s), social media sites, email campaigns, and job boards. You add to your pool through employee referrals and professional networking. Proactive sourcing through LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and other sites adds to your pool.

When a person opts in—leaves their contact information or comments on a social post—it’s time to engage them.

This requires consistent compelling messaging. The goal is to move your candidates through the funnel and inspire the best ones to apply.

CRM systems have an administrative component like ATS’. After all, there is plenty of data attached to every person. And all that data needs to be collected and organized. But this is secondary to the primary purpose of nurturing relationships.

ATS and CRM: A Match Made in Heaven

Now that we’ve made the case that both are essential, what are your options?

You can look for ATSs that have CRM tools. You can look for CRM systems that have ATS functions. Or you can integrate two platforms.

How Does CRM For Recruiting Work?

Previously, we outlined what a good ATS does. Here are CRM functions and tools to add:

• Social recruiting
• Personalized emails and texts
• Automated invitations to business events
• Email campaigns
• Candidate surveys
• Engagement analytics and scoring
• Candidate segmentation
• Referral programs

Proactive talent sourcing requires ATS efficiency and CRM tools. ApplicantStack has both. Our software helps you establish and nurture a talent pipeline. Discover why over 23,000 users rely on ApplicantStack to meet their recruiting needs.