Talingual
How Talingual achieve multilingual hiring success by using iSmartRecruit’s multilingual recruitment software?
Clockwork vs Cluen: Features & Benefits Comparison
Which tool is the Right Choice?
Quick Summary
Clockwork Recruiting and Cluen Encore are both recruitment software platforms designed to enhance the efficiency of hiring processes, particularly in the executive search domain. Clockwork Recruiting offers a cloud-based solution tailored for retained search firms, in-house teams, and investors to manage projects, collaborate with clients, and streamline workflows.
Cluen Encore provides a comprehensive recruiting software designed to help retained-model professionals handle candidates, business development opportunities, companies, and searches from a single platform. Both platforms are web-based, supporting various devices, including desktops and mobiles, providing flexibility for recruitment professionals.
We will also look at iSmartRecruit, a cost-effective recruitment software designed to suit the requirements of agencies and small to medium-sized businesses.
Metrics Comparison of Clockwork Recruiting vs Cluen
 Clockwork Recruiting
|
 Cluen
|
 iSmartRecruit
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing Starts From |
$149 |
- |
- |
| Free Trial |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Best For | Retained search firms, in-house executive recruiting, and institutional investors | Executive recruiters, legal recruiters, in-house talent acquisition teams, government entities, universities, and venture capital/private equity firms all over the world | Corporate HRs, Mass recruiters, Hiring managers, Employment and recruiting agencies, Executive search firms, Staffing firms, Small businesses and startups |
| Help Videos | Yes | No | Yes |
| New Release/Updates | Monthly | Every alternate month | Monthly |
| Trustpilot Score | - | - | 4 |
| Software Suggest Score | 0 | - | 4.7 |
| SaaSWorthy Score | - | - | 4.6 |
| Capterra - Ease of Use | 4.3 | 3.8 | 4.5 |
| Capterra - Customer Service | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.7 |
| Capterra - Features | 4.1 | 2.7 | 4.6 |
| Capterra - Value for Money | 4.3 | 2.7 | 4.6 |
| Mobile Application | No | Yes | Yes |
| Capterra Rating | |||
| G2 Rating | |||
| Profile Overview | View Profile | View Profile | Get a Demo |
Clockwork Recruiting
Pricing Starts From $149
Free Trial: Yes
Ease of Use: 4.3
Customer Service: 4.3
Features: 4.1
Value for Money: 4.3
Capterra Rating:
G2 Rating:
Cluen
Pricing Starts From -
Free Trial: Yes
Ease of Use: 3.8
Customer Service: 4.0
Features: 2.7
Value for Money: 2.7
Capterra Rating:
G2 Rating:
iSmartRecruit
Pricing Starts From -
Free Trial: YES
Ease of Use: 4.5
Customer Service: 4.7
Features: 4.6
Value for Money: 4.6
Capterra Rating:
G2 Rating:
Overview of Clockwork Recruiting
Clockwork Recruiting, founded in 2010, is a specialized software-as-a-service company headquartered in Oakland, California. It focuses on enhancing the executive search and internal recruiting processes for boutique executive search firms and internal recruiting departments.
The platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to streamline various aspects of executive recruitment. Key features include client management, project tracking, and reporting capabilities, all aimed at facilitating seamless collaboration between executive search professionals and their clients.
Clockwork Recruiting's software is tailored to support every stage of the executive search process, from business development to candidate placement. It provides functionalities such as a recruiting CRM, client collaboration portals, and business development tools, enabling firms to manage pre- and post-sale workflows efficiently.
The platform emphasizes client engagement by offering collaborative features that keep clients involved and informed throughout the search process. This includes sharing search strategies, longlists, and scorecards to increase transparency and buy-in.
Additionally, Clockwork Recruiting provides real-time, automated reporting tools that allow firms to create custom reports, keeping clients updated on progress and reinforcing confidence in the search process.
By integrating these features into a single platform, Clockwork Recruiting aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of executive search projects, fostering better client relationships and successful candidate placements.
PROS
Highly recommended for retained search firms as a robust project tracking solution.
Offers a competitive edge and ensures organized, on-track searches.
Reporting and past search insights provide valuable inspiration.
Excellent service and support enhance the user experience.
Smooth purchasing process with responsive and helpful staff.
Overall user experience is seamless and satisfactory.
Users anticipate continued benefits from the software's growth.
Verified User in Management Consulting
"Pretty good, but needs work"
It’s aesthetically pleasing and intelligently-designed. It has made it far easier to keep track of candidates
CONS
Switching between projects is difficult for users and clients.
Tagging and merging lists are inefficient despite admin support.
Lack of LinkedIn Recruiter integration hampers recruiting workflows.
Poor search functionality discourages feature use.
Updates sometimes remove essential features like dual-tag searches.
Incompatibility with Outlook 365 creates scheduling challenges.
These issues significantly impact usability and efficiency.
Jason W.
"Decent concept, pretty basic software, and deceptive sales practices. Beware!"
They don't care about taking advantage of small businesses. I asked to cancel my account before my new contract date, and they showed me some fine print that said my contract automatically renew for two years when I renew the previous year. And then tried giving me flack for not giving them 90 days notice even though I logged into the platform once in the last year. None of this was ever mentioned in the sales call. All they said it would require a two-year contract but nothing about being committed to two more years every time 365 days passes.
Overview of Cluen
Cluen, established in 1990, is a technology company headquartered in New York City, specializing in executive search software solutions. Their flagship product, Encore, is utilized by executive search consultants, legal recruiters, in-house talent acquisition teams, government entities, universities, and venture capital/private equity firms worldwide.
Encore offers a comprehensive recruitment database that enables organizations to nurture important relationships, track historical data, and secure new business opportunities. The platform is designed to automate data entry, streamline communication tracking, and ensure compliance with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Cluen's technology is developed by an in-house team with decades of combined experience in the executive search space. Their consulting and support staff work closely with clients to ensure the software meets the specific needs of the recruitment industry.
Operating on a global scale, Cluen serves clients across six continents, providing solutions that cater to various sectors within the recruitment industry. Their commitment to innovation and client success has established them as a trusted partner for organizations seeking efficient and compliant recruitment software solutions.
PROS
The new interface is user-friendly, visually appealing, and well-organized.
Offers robust functionality for small to medium enterprises, comparable to larger competitors.
Highly customizable to fit unique workflows seamlessly.
Advanced tools for reporting and search enhance efficiency.
Smartphone access ensures convenience on the go.
Intuitive design makes it easy for first-time users.
Excellent data storage and responsive customer support.
Simplifies tracking and hiring processes effectively.
Mike J.
"Encore is a great way to recruit new talent"
I use Encore when looking to hire new talent. It's a excellent way to keep track of every candidate and organize all the information. It's a very simple system of keeping track of finding and hiring new talent.
CONS
The software feels outdated compared to competitors, with a "DOS-like" interface.
It is slow, especially with high user volumes, affecting efficiency.
Pricing is high compared to similar products.
Limited applicability for service industries, favoring manufacturing.
Major issues, like client portal glitches, take time to resolve.
Overpromising on features while under-delivering is a recurring issue.
Face-to-face training is difficult for international users, though remote support is prompt.
Essential feature fixes can experience delays despite regular updates.
Jill M.
"Behind the times"
This product is quite behind their competitors and it feels like an old "DOS" computer as compared to other like products. It is also extremely slow and lacking many desirable features.
Features Comparison |
Clockwork Recruiting
|
Cluen
|
iSmartRecruit
|
|---|---|---|---|
| API | |||
| Activity Dashboard | |||
| Activity Tracking | |||
| Alerts/Notifications | |||
| Applicant Tracking | |||
| Application Management | |||
| Approval Workflow | |||
| Assessment Management | |||
| Billing & Invoicing | |||
| Boolean Search | |||
| Built-in ATS | |||
| CRM | |||
| Calendar Management | |||
| Campaign Analytics | |||
| Campaign Management | |||
| Candidate Management | |||
| Candidate Profiles | |||
| Candidate Sourcing | |||
| Candidate Tracking | |||
| Careers Page | |||
| Chatbot | |||
| Collaboration Tools | |||
| Commenting/Notes | |||
| Compliance Management | |||
| Compliance Tracking | |||
| Configurable Workflow | |||
| Contact Database | |||
| Content Management | |||
| Customisable Branding | |||
| Customisable Forms | |||
| Customisable Reports | |||
| Customisable Templates | |||
| Data Import/Export | |||
| Document Management | |||
| Electronic Signature | |||
| Email Management | |||
| Email Marketing | |||
| Email Templates | |||
| Employee Database | |||
| Employee Onboarding | |||
| Employee Referral Management | |||
| For Recruiting Agencies | |||
| For Small Businesses | |||
| For Staffing Agencies | |||
| Full Text Search | |||
| HR Management | |||
| Internal Chat Integration | |||
| Internal HR | |||
| Interview Management | |||
| Interview Scheduling | |||
| Job Application Management | |||
| Job Board Software | |||
| Job Management | |||
| Job Posting | |||
| Job Requisition | |||
| Job Tracking | |||
| Lead Management | |||
| Marketing Automation | |||
| Matching Engine | |||
| Mobile Access | |||
| Multi-Channel Marketing | |||
| Onboarding | |||
| Pipeline Management | |||
| Pipeline Reports | |||
| Question Library | |||
| Real-Time Analytics | |||
| Real-Time Reporting | |||
| Recruiting Firms | |||
| Recruitment Management | |||
| Reference Checking | |||
| Reminders | |||
| Reporting & Statistics | |||
| Reporting/Analytics | |||
| Resume Database | |||
| Resume Parsing | |||
| Resume Search | |||
| Resume Storage | |||
| SMS Messaging | |||
| Scoring | |||
| Search/Filter | |||
| Self Service Portal | |||
| Skills Assessment | |||
| Social Media Integration | |||
| Social Recruiting | |||
| Status Tracking | |||
| Tagging | |||
| Talent Acquisition | |||
| Talent Pool | |||
| Task Management | |||
| Temporary Staffing | |||
| Third-Party Integrations | |||
| Workflow Management |
Why iSmartRecruit is Best?
iSmartRecruit is a versatile recruitment software platform designed to meet the needs of staffing firms, recruitment agencies, and executive search professionals. The platform offers AI-powered resume parsing, streamlining candidate data management and reducing manual effort. Its multilingual support for over 14 languages ensures global accessibility, making it ideal for teams working across international boundaries.
Key features include customizable pipelines, enabling businesses to tailor recruitment workflows, and job board integrations, simplifying the sourcing process. Its candidate relationship management (CRM) tools help manage client and candidate interactions seamlessly. Additionally, the platform provides advanced reporting and analytics, delivering actionable insights to enhance recruitment strategies.
iSmartRecruit is known for its intuitive interface, allowing teams to adapt quickly without extensive training. Its scalability and affordability make it an excellent solution for organizations of all sizes. Whether you're managing high-level executive searches or everyday recruitment operations, iSmartRecruit offers a reliable, feature-rich, and cost-effective alternative to platforms like Clockwork Recruiting and Cluen Encore.
Our Client Testimonial Speaks Louder Than Words!
iSmartRecruit's On-premise ATS and CRM software has revolutionised our recruitment process. With complete data control, customisation, and robust security, it's the perfect fit for our organisation. Our hiring efficiency has soared, and we are happier with iSmartRecruit!
- COO at Upman Placements
We switched to iSmartRecruit's self-hosted Recruitment Software, and it's been a game-changer for us. The level of customisation and data security it provides is unparalleled. Our recruitment operations are more streamlined and efficient than ever before. Highly recommended!!
- Founder & CEO at AddRec Solutions
Conclusion
Both Clockwork Recruiting and Cluen Encore offer robust recruitment solutions with unique features tailored to different organizational needs.
Clockwork Recruiting provides a comprehensive platform suitable for executive search firms seeking to streamline their search processes and collaborate effectively with clients. Cluen Encore offers a recruiting software designed to help retained-model professionals manage candidates and business development opportunities from a single platform.
For agencies and small to medium-sized businesses seeking a cost-effective and comprehensive recruitment solution, iSmartRecruit presents a compelling alternative with its advanced features, multilingual support, and user-friendly interface.
