What’s the best tech stack for UK based agencies
What’s the Best Tech Stack for UK-Based Agencies?
As a seasoned recruiter with over 20 years of combined experience in both in-house and agency settings, my partner and I are setting the stage to launch our own recruitment agency. With a solid background in the field, we want to ensure that our tech stack is not only effective but also tailored to the UK market.
The Challenge of Finding the Right Tools
Having spent some time out of the agency world, I’ve recently returned to the task of researching the best recruitment software. One glaring observation is that many of the popular solutions are heavily US-centric, often with pricing structures only in dollars. This can be a significant challenge for UK-based agencies, particularly when we need tools that cater to our specific market demands and currency.
In this post, I’d like to gather insights from fellow UK recruiters about the tools and technologies they find indispensable. Here’s what I’ve found so far and what some industry colleagues have shared.
Must-Have Tools for UK Recruiters
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Contact Data Solutions:
- Cognism: While it’s recognized for its robust features, it can be pricey for startups. However, it’s effective for sourcing leads and managing contact data.
- Lusha: A worthy alternative that offers competitive pricing and a user-friendly interface.
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Customer Relationship Management (CRM):
- The CRM landscape is saturated with options, and many can be enticing during demo presentations. However, it’s crucial to remain flexible and avoid overcommitting to a complex system too early. Suggestions include:
- RecruitCRM: Known for its user-friendly interface and flexibility.
- JobAdder: Offers month-to-month contracts, making it ideal for startups.
- Google Sheets or Airtable: For those just starting out, a simple spreadsheet might suffice until the team scales.
- The CRM landscape is saturated with options, and many can be enticing during demo presentations. However, it’s crucial to remain flexible and avoid overcommitting to a complex system too early. Suggestions include:
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Note-Taking and Transcription:
- Metaview: A solid choice for transcription but currently, I’m using Fathom which has an excellent free tier and meets my needs for note-taking during calls.
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Outreach and Productivity Tools:
- Sourcewhale: Particularly focused on the UK market, it’s great for outreach. The Outlook plugin is a standout feature, allowing for easy tracking of follow-ups beyond just campaign metrics.
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VOIP Solutions:
- Ringover: A robust VOIP solution, though I’ve switched to Sourcewhale’s VOIP add-on due to its cost-effectiveness. If your agency relies heavily on phone communication, consider your needs carefully when deciding between standalone solutions versus integrated options.
Emerging Solutions and Innovations
A noteworthy mention comes from a recruiter who has launched a free pilot program for a new ATS + CRM + skills testing platform. This initiative is aimed at providing agencies with the tools they need without the hefty price tag that often comes with recruitment software.
Benefits of Joining the Pilot:
- Free Software: A significant advantage for new agencies.
- Customization: The opportunity to shape the software according to specific needs.
- Full Customer Support: You’re not navigating the software journey alone.
Disadvantages:
- Feedback Requirement: Participating agencies will occasionally need to provide feedback to help refine the platform.
This innovative offering could be a game-changer for startups looking for tailored solutions without the financial commitment.
Conclusion
As we embark on this journey to establish our agency, the importance of a well-considered tech stack cannot be overstated. The tools we choose will directly influence our efficiency, effectiveness, and ultimately our success in the recruitment landscape.
I invite fellow UK recruiters to share their experiences and recommendations regarding the best tools available. What has worked for you? What pitfalls should we avoid? Let’s create a comprehensive resource that can help shape the future of recruitment agencies in the UK.
Feel free to reach out with your thoughts and insights!