Executive search software is a critical tool for any organization that wants to attract top talent and grow their business. While there are plenty of free or cheap options out there, you need to find the right one for your business. The best executive search software can give you everything you need to find top talent and grow your company. And the best part? There are a ton of them out there! If you’re looking for something that can help you find new employees, manage existing recruitments, keep tabs on the candidates’ performance reviews, and even bill you monthly, then it’s time to consider an executive recruitment software solution. Let’s take a look at the different types of executive search software, pros and cons of each type, and tips on finding the right one for your business.
What is Executive Search Software?
An executive search software is a software intended to help organizations find the best candidates for high-level jobs. It’s more than just a database of job openings and candidates; it could also be a software used to help you track the candidates’ performance reviews, help you manage the candidates’ expectations when interviewed, and even bill you every so often for special services like resumes, cover letters, and interviews. Most of the leading executive search software packages provide such functionality like recruiterflow. The key differentiator between the free and paid versions of these solutions is cost; most free solutions have a limited functionality while paid solutions come with additional features. The most common functionalities you’ll find in an executive search software are job post-tification, online resume and cover letter compiler, salary history tracking, performance review accounting, company history tracking, and negotiation software. Depending on your business’s specific needs, there may also be additional functionality such as employee onboarding software, a talent management software, or even a payroll and HRMS.
Pros of Using an Existing Software as a Scratch-Off Card
If you’re not the technical type and don’t want to spend the time learning how the software works, an executive search software solution can still help. All you have to do is download the software and start scratching off cards to find the employees you’re looking for. The best executive search software can quickly help you find the employees you’re looking for based on detailed job postings or criteria such as the employees’ job titles, location, and industries they might be interested in. When you use an existing software as a scratch-off card, the software “knows” exactly who you’re looking for. It may even have the ability to suggest candidates based on the data you’ve entered (e.g., if you’ve indicated that you’re looking for males or females, youth or older workers, you may be presented with a list of candidates). This functionality can also help with managing large employee bases, as you don’t have to keep hunting for new employees throughout your company.
Free or cheap Executive Recruitment Software
You might have heard about some of the free or cheap executive search software solutions out there. Most of them don’t come with any functionality and are only meant to collect data and provide you with a list of potential candidates, which is why they’re referred to as scratch-off cards. What’s more, many of them don’t even let you track candidates’ performance reviews or manage their expectations when interviewing. If you’re not looking for anything in particular, these types of knick-knacks won’t do much for you. In contrast, paid executive search software solutions come with advanced functionality, including the ability to help you find the right person for any job opening. You can get these solutions with a single-number pricing model, which is great if you’re looking for a one-off service. Some of the main features you may find in a paid software are ability to manage candidate expectations, track job postings and hiring trends, track employee performance reviews, manage human resources, track company history, and even bill you monthly for special services like resumes, cover letters, and interviews.
Paid Executive Recruitment Software
If you want something that offers more than just a list of potential candidates to choose from, then paid executive search software might be the right fit for you. These solutions are typically subscription-based and cost between $50 and $2,500 per year. You’ll typically be given a limited number of keywords and categories to work with, as well as be responsible for managing your own candidate data. Key functionalities of a paid software include “real-time” tracking of open jobs, managing human resources, access to a large database of jobs, performance review accounting, and ability to bill you for services like resumes, cover letters, and interviews. With a subscription, you’re also likely going to get access to additional features like Employee Outlook, payroll features, time and attendance tracking, vacation time and holiday scheduling, employee training, time and attendance management, and even a benefits manager.
The Bottom Line
There are plenty of free or cheap executive search software solutions out there. What’s more, there are plenty of paid options, too. The best executive search software can quickly find you the right person for any opening and help you manage expectations during the hiring process. Depending on your business’s specific needs, there may also be additional functionality such as a talent management software, a payroll and HRMS, or even a payroll and benefits manager. No matter which type of software you end up choosing, make sure it can help you find the right person for the job.
