Staffing agencies need both a CRM and an ATS to manage clients, candidates, and placements efficiently. A unified CRM and ATS platform improves collaboration between sales and recruiting teams, reduces manual work, and increases placement speed. AI and automation further enhance staffing software by improving candidate matching, streamlining workflows, and providing better visibility through integrated reporting and analytics.
This guide explains what to look for in staffing CRM and ATS software, how the tools differ, and how modern platforms use automation and AI to improve recruiting outcomes.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software are indispensable tools for managing client relationships, recruiting, tracking candidates, and streamlining operations. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best CRM and ATS software for your staffing business?
Top-performing recruiting agencies are looking to automation, artificial intelligence, and mobile staffing solutions to increase productivity and build a larger pool of loyal, engaged candidates. To make an informed decision when searching for your next ATS and CRM staffing platform, consider whether these solutions offer the following to help provide your business with a competitive edge.
Automation is the backbone of any effective CRM and ATS software. Look for a system that can automate routine tasks such as data entry, candidate screening, onboarding tasks, and repetitive client communications. With automation in place, your team can move away from time-consuming and highly transactional tasks and instead spend more time building relationships and finding the perfect match between candidates and clients.
AI-driven features can revolutionize your staffing agency’s operations. Look for software that integrates AI into candidate matching, predictive analytics, talent communications, interview questionnaires, and job posting optimization. With AI algorithms, you can quickly identify best-fit candidates, maximizing efficiency and making your agency even more attractive to both candidates and employer clients.
Candidates expects employers to provide the same mobile convenience they’re accustomed to in most aspects of their daily lives. Be the one to meet these standards before your competitor does. A custom-branded mobile app that offers a seamless candidate experience from initial recruitment to pay and redeployment can drive a larger pool of loyal talent to your agency who will return again and again to enjoy the same recruitment process. Staffing firms that use a mobile solution to engage with talent have experienced dramatic improvements in redeployment, time to fill, show-up rates, and gross margin.
Staffing firms have unique needs when it comes to processing payroll for high-volume, short-term employees. Make sure the ATS you select is able to handle these needs with a customized payroll solution for staffing. There are many ATS solutions on the market that do not have a fully integrated payroll solution that can address all payroll scenarios that staffing firms encounter.
Every staffing agency has unique requirements and workflows. Choose software that offers the flexibility and customization required to adapt your staffing software solutions to meet your agency’s specific needs. Whether it involves custom fields, workflow automation, or tailored reporting, the ability to customize the software ensures it seamlessly aligns with your processes while helping you achieve specific business goals.
As your staffing agency grows, your software should be able to grow with you. Choose a CRM and ATS platform that can scale to accommodate your expanding client base, talent acquisition, and evolving business needs. Scalability ensures that you won’t outgrow your software too quickly, saving you the hassle of migrating to a new system.
To build an exceptional tech stack, it’s essential to utilize an ATS/CRM platform with an open API that facilitates seamless integrations with third-party solutions. These integrations optimize your tech stack to achieve specific business goals, streamline processes, eliminate redundant work across multiple platforms, and reduce manual data entry by incorporating common workflows with your primary employee management functions, such as tax administration, background screening, job boards, and payroll.
A user-friendly interface is essential for successful adoption among your team members. Look for software that is intuitive and easy to navigate, reducing the learning curve for your staff. A user-friendly CRM and ATS system will lead to quicker onboarding and higher productivity.
Excellent customer support and training resources are indispensable when implementing new software. Choose a provider that goes beyond being a mere vendor; they’re a true business partner who understands your unique business objectives and offers the essential support to assist you in achieving specific business goals. This guarantees your team can fully leverage the software’s potential and address any issues promptly.
When vetting a potential staffing provider, ask: Does this vendor offer comprehensive training sessions, documentation, and responsive customer support? Inquire whether they have the commitment, leadership, and business acumen in place to keep their commitment to being a true business partner in your success.
Using separate systems creates friction. A unified CRM and ATS allows agencies to:
For high-volume staffing firms, an integrated system is no longer optional.
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) helps staffing agencies manage the full candidate lifecycle.
For staffing firms, an ATS must handle high applicant volume, frequent redeployment, and fast turnaround times.
A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system manages client relationships and sales activity.
In staffing, CRM is essential for account growth, retention, and visibility across sales and recruiting teams.
Selecting the right CRM and ATS software for your staffing agency is a crucial decision with the potential to significantly impact recruiter productivity, employee engagement, and your agency’s bottom line. Platforms built specifically for staffing — with automation, AI, and configurability — help agencies scale faster, improve fill rates, and deliver a better experience for clients and talent.
Take the time to evaluate your agency’s specific needs and carefully compare software options to find the perfect fit. With the right CRM and ATS software in place, your staffing agency can thrive in the ever-evolving world of recruitment.
Want to see how a modern staffing platform can help your staffing business be more efficient? Schedule a free consultation call today.
