Recruitment software plays an integral role in the success of the constantly evolving recruitment sector. It enables consultants to manage their relationships while giving stakeholders the ability to monitor productivity.

How you can get the most out of your CRM

(1) Develop a plan

Choosing software is a big decision, one that requires thorough research into the options available to meet current and future business needs. All too often business leaders naively assume that the software will take care of itself. Without a plan, the initial benefits will erode with time and the investment will never realise its full potential. 

(2) Appoint a usage decision-maker

Your decision-maker should be somebody in a senior capacity that fully understands the business needs and processes, has a thorough understanding of the software’s functionality, and is fully trained in using the software. 

(3) Appoint an internal trainer

This is the person who is in a position to determine how the system is used and can react quickly to users and the businesses needs by providing help when needed. They will also be well positioned to help reinforce the standards outlined by the usage decision-maker.

(4) Stay updated

With the pace of change in recruitment and the evolution of your business, not staying updated with news from your provider and regularly updating the version of the software will result in it becoming less effective. Ensure you are on the latest release.

(5) Have a test database

This is good for both training and testing as it can act as a safe environment for training for new starters or existing users. It can also be used to test releases or new versions prior to rolling them out.

(6) Train staff

Training will usually take place at the point of purchase and often a minimum required amount of training will occur based on your business needs. If you initially just took the minimum training it is likely you will be unaware of some functionality. 

(7) Manage resistance

Resistance to change is a constant business issue. If resistance becomes part of the culture, or if it is not managed, it can result in the deterioration of data quality and consistency. Appoint a usage decision-maker and make everyone aware their usage will be monitored.

(8) Feedback

Software providers will have a development plan stretching many years into the future with planned features and improvements. These will be based on market trends, technological enhancements, changes within the recruiting environment, functionality to gain competitive advantage and user feedback. 

(9) Bespoke development

Off-the-shelf recruitment software is at times too rigid and doesn’t provide your ideal solutions. Providing suggestions may result in these ideas being added. Some never make the development plan or if they do, the timescales may not suit you, so bespoke development would be the best option. 

(10) Maintain IT infrastructure

Over time the complexity of your system will grow, demanding more from your IT infrastructure. If your IT resources are not regularly maintained and improved, performance will be affected. Unchecked, the consequences will be a reduction in user buy-in, usage and, ultimately, productivity.

Ian Farrow is head of training at recruitment software provider Itris