Introduction
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Testing Crelate and it became apparent to me that this CRM tool has one of the best search features. It’s not only robust but super flexible. You can perform quick, fast searches, more complicated ones, and even filter within a specific email campaign.
Ratings
Ease of Use
Best For
Key Differentiator
Price
Free Trial
PROS
- Supports quick lookup, full-text search, Boolean logic, and custom filters.
- Ability to add unique Boolean groupings within the filters and columns within Search.
- Engagement channels available via email, phone, and SMS.
CONS
- No free plan or free trial.
- Interface is quite dated and less user-friendly compared to competitors.
- Contact data enrichment is an add-on (read: cost extra).
Gem
Gem
Recruit CRM
Recruit CRM
Humanly
Humanly
SmartRecruiters
SmartRecruiters
Bullhorn
Bullhorn
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Crelate's UI is not my cup of tea as compared to competitors, it looks rather old-fashioned and complicated. But when I tried this platform’s search feature, it was a whole different story. The Search isn’t just robust but also super flexible. For starters, you can choose which quick-filter tiles—those at the top of the dashboard that let you turn different filters on and off—you want to see on this view.
Functionality-wise, this feature enables you to search and filter through your resumes, notes, and tags. Like most recruiting CRM I’ve picked on this page, Crelate also let me do both simple, quick lookups and Boolean logic for more complex queries. Something unique about this feature that you probably won’t find elsewhere is the ability to search and filter at the campaign level. I can actually use criteria like status and date range to narrow down my search results within a specific campaign. How cool is that?
I like the efficiency of Crelate’s profile enrichment tool—it alone can auto-collect several essential talent data points, from phone numbers to email addresses and new employers. Yet, the way it’s marketed is kind of disappointing. Unlike many others that allow most users to have this feature for free, with Crelate, you’ll have to buy it as an add-on to be able to use it.
If you're looking for a corporate-focused solution with great mobile apps, I don’t think you should go with this tool, either. Crelate has always focused on staffing agencies, and its mobile apps don't offer as many features as the browser version.
During periods with a high number of open roles, I used Crelate daily. I primarily used it as a database for job postings and applicant tracking. It functioned as the system of record for recruiting activities.
I used it to manage incoming applicants and to proactively reach out to potential candidates. I ran reports when needed to support hiring decisions and track activity.
- Crelate allows direct communication with candidates through the system.
- It offers useful customization features.
- It distributes job postings to external job boards.
I worked at this company for over five years, and Crelate was already in place when I started. I used it for just over five years, from my start date through my departure. The organization selected this tool to manage recruiting activities in a cost-effective way.
A key benefit was the pay-as-you-use pricing model, with quarterly invoicing that was relatively inexpensive compared to many other applicant tracking systems. Once users became familiar with the platform, it was straightforward to use.
- Crelate’s reporting features are limited.
- The platform feels clunky and is less user-friendly than other ATS platforms I have used.
- Customer service was often slow to respond, sometimes taking days and requiring follow-up.
If I am being honest, Crelate is my least preferred ATS. It does not compare favorably with many of its competitors in terms of usability and reporting capabilities. If given a choice, I would select a different platform.
Consider your budget and recruiting volume. This system may be appropriate for organizations with a smaller budget and limited hiring needs, such as a few open positions per year.
I did not observe significant changes during the five years I used it. There were no major updates or improvements that stood out.
Crelate is good for small to mid-sized firms with lighter recruiting volume and an in-house HR team.
A large company with high recruiting volume will not find Crelate robust enough.
I used Crelate daily during the demo period as we evaluated new ATS/CRM systems. This was for a recruitment consulting and agency setup. I used the software extensively for a project, including job postings, the client portal, and ATS functionality. I also used the onboarding suite to help the client manage new hires.
- This product has versatile features that are helpful for any recruiting project.
- The platform supports all full-desk recruitment functions effectively.
- The interface and design are user-friendly.
We worked with Crelate when we were looking for a new ATS/CRM solution. We needed a high-capability software platform with a wide range of options. We were taking on a large staffing project in the medical field and required a versatile product to support our clients.
We were also performing HR consulting functions and onboarding for other companies. Crelate was able to address all of our needs effectively.
- Crelate requires a minimum of five active seats.
- The cost could be more economical for smaller-scale projects.
- Although customer service is responsive, the implementation and demo process is somewhat complicated, and you must work with a representative instead of starting a trial directly from their website.
Crelate is a strong tool for recruiting. It suits recruiting consultancies, staffing agencies, and internal corporate recruitment teams. Crelate offers suitable options for a variety of recruiting business needs.
Consider the size of the project you will be working on. If the project or hiring team has fewer than five people, this software may not be a practical choice, since it requires a minimum of five seats for a subscription. Evaluate the add-on features you may need, such as onboarding and background checks.
Crelate does a good job of implementing updates and considering user feedback to improve the platform. The interface is solid, and they regularly add new features.
Crelate suits a variety of organizations. I used this software at a recruiting consultancy agency, and it was an excellent platform for that purpose. Its features also make it a good fit for internal recruitment teams and staffing agencies.
Crelate is not suitable for small recruiting projects or small companies. It is also not recommended for hiring projects that lack a dedicated recruiter or recruitment team.
1,700+ recruitment agencies, including RedfoxTM, Ambassador Search Group, and Extra Effort Solutions, Inc.
Crelate has three plans: Business and Business Plus, priced at $99 and $144 per user per month, respectively, Custom plan is available upon request.
Medium to large staffing agencies.
