What are recruitment tools?

Recruitment tools make it easier for employers to advertise job openings and fill open positions. Hiring tools can help you automate and simplify your candidate search and organize applications, interviews and onboarding processes.

Software tools for recruiters can help you:

• Organize and compile applicant information
• Post and promote job openings
• Track the application process
• Communicate with applicants
• Onboard new employees
• Record recruiting statistics

Top 10 tools for recruiters

The 10 recruitment tools below can help hiring teams work efficiently and enhance their ability to connect with candidates.

1. Job boards

Job boards or job search engines connect businesses with applicants. Some software solutions automate external job postings on popular job sites. Many job boards prescreen applicants and assess candidates’ potential based on the resumes in their databases.

Job boards usually have options to post salary ranges, job descriptions and company profiles. Interested candidates reach out with questions or directly apply to the position online.

2. Premade assessments

Pre-hire assessments evaluate a candidate’s abilities before moving on to an interview. Several recruitment tools provide custom or premade assessments for applicants to confirm their proficiency with key skills.

Testing and assessment software tools are especially popular in technical fields such as computer science. You can also use them to test language fluency, problem-solving, hazard awareness and other critical skills.

3. Chatbots

AI chatbots provide automated responses to common applicant questions, schedule interviews and attract attention from job seekers actively looking for similar positions. Chatbots can integrate with your website or popular job boards. Anyone who views your company’s job posting is prompted to interact with a bot that encourages them to apply.

4. Interviewing software

If you’re hiring for a remote position or have a high volume of applicants, consider using interviewing software. This allows candidates to record answers to interview questions and submit them online. You can use video, voice or text to conduct the pre-screening interview. Recruiters can efficiently assess responses to key questions and determine which candidates to invite for in-person interviews.

5. Applicant tracking systems

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is a software program that automates the application process. You can program these systems to sift through digital applications that match your open position. For example, if the position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BNS), you can set the ATS to only show applications that include this credential.

These programs also help keep everything organized. You can use an ATS to determine whether an application has been reviewed or to inform an interested candidate about their application status.

6. Candidate relationship management (CRM) software

Candidate relationship management (CRM) software often works alongside applicant tracking software to develop ongoing interactions with candidates in your database. While applicant tracking systems assist with the recruiting and hiring processes, a CRM combs past applications for possible matches and emphasizes candidate experience.

Keeping a database of potential applicants can also make it easier to fill open positions quickly. For example, say you recently recruited for an accounting position and received multiple resumes from skilled candidates. If another position opens shortly after, you might contact a previous candidate to ask if they’re interested in the new role.

7. Mobile applications

Recruitment tools that are mobile-compatible make it easier for candidates to apply from their phones, allowing you to capture a broader range of interested professionals.

Mobile integration software tools guide applicants through the hiring process in a simple, efficient manner.

8. Augmented writing software

Job listings are essential marketing tools for finding and hiring employees. Your job descriptions should include the right information, tone and style—how you write them can convey your company culture.

Augmented writing software can suggest words and phrases to attract potential applicants. However, these AI tools should involve human review. If you’re unsure about a suggestion from one of these tools, consider talking to others in your organization about what to include in the job listing.

Related: AI for Talent Acquisition: How It’s Transforming the Process

9. Social networks

Many recruiters use social media to find and connect with potential candidates. By posting about job openings on social platforms, you may get more exposure. Social recruiting software lets you track applicants across various networks and find candidates with the background, experience and skills you seek.

10. Onboarding software

The onboarding process can set the tone for an individual’s entire employment cycle. Onboarding software automates the process, taking pressure off management and often allowing new employees to complete training at their own pace or access information as needed.

Benefits of using recruiting tools

Using the right hiring tools can help you build a high-performing team without overburdening your staff. Automating elements of the hiring process can also leave talent acquisition managers free to focus on branding, communication and other tasks.

Save time

Recruiting software streamlines administrative tasks, reducing the time recruiting professionals spend on data entry or screening tasks. It lets employers communicate with applicants quickly and efficiently, helping fill open positions faster.

Attract talent

Implementing an ATS and other recruiting tools helps you connect with more candidates. Automated software with an easy-to-use interface improves applicant experiences and signals that your business is organized.

Secure data

Employers have a responsibility to protect applicant data. The right recruitment tools provide a secure database of candidate information you can back up on the cloud. This way, you protect sensitive information and preserve resumes from quality candidates for future use.

Who can get the most from recruiter tools?

Recruitment tools are designed with recruiters, human resource professionals and hiring managers in mind. While anyone in company leadership and hiring can benefit from them, these professionals often benefit the most.

• Recruiters: Recruiters work with hiring managers to create job descriptions and find candidates who have the required skills and qualifications. They use software tools, work with staffing agencies and approach candidates.
• Talent acquisition specialists: Talent acquisition specialists develop a long-term strategy for building a talented staff, focusing on leaders, executives and hard-to-fill niche positions.
• Human resources representatives: HR representatives ensure your company complies with employment law when making hiring decisions and help employees complete employment paperwork.

FAQs about recruiting software

How much does employee recruitment software cost?

Recruiting software usually comes with an initial cost and a monthly fee for each recruiter account. Large companies can spend thousands of dollars each year on software for processing large amounts of applicants. Smaller operators and start-ups can find free recruiting software online, although free recruitment tools might have limited features.

What’s a recruitment database?

In the past, recruiters and hiring managers had to keep paper copies of resumes and cover letters. Software database recruiting tools let employers track candidates with more secure, convenient processes. Recruitment databases let you sort candidates by a variety of fields or search for applicants with specific skills, credentials or experience.