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Firefish vs Cluen

Firefish vs Cluen: Features & Benefits Comparison

Which tool is the Right Choice?

Quick Summary

Firefish and Cluen Encore are online tools built to make the hiring process smoother. Firefish is a full-service platform geared towards recruitment agencies, helping them with things like putting up job ads, tracking applicants, managing candidates, and searching through resumes.

Cluen Encore, on the other hand, is more specialised for executive search firms, in-house executive search teams, strategic recruiters, and private equity companies, aiming to boost their talent-scouting efficiency. Both platforms are cloud-based and work across different devices, like computers and smartphones, allowing recruiters to work from anywhere.

We'll also be checking out iSmartRecruit, which is an affordable recruitment software tailored for agencies and small to medium-sized businesses.

Metrics Comparison of Firefish vs Cluen

Firefish
Firefish
Cluen
Cluen
iSmartRecruit
iSmartRecruit
Pricing Starts From

£80

-

-

Free Trial

No

Yes

Yes

Best For Recruitment agencies of all sizes 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 3.3 - 4
Software Suggest Score 0 - 4.7
SaaSWorthy Score 4.7 - 4.6
Capterra - Ease of Use 4.6 3.8 4.5
Capterra - Customer Service 4.7 4.0 4.7
Capterra - Features 4.3 2.7 4.6
Capterra - Value for Money 4.6 2.7 4.6
Mobile Application Yes Yes Yes
Capterra Rating
G2 Rating
-
Firefish

Pricing Starts From £80

Free Trial: No

Ease of Use: 4.6

Customer Service: 4.7

Features: 4.3

Value for Money: 4.6

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 Firefish

Firefish Software was established in 2010 and is headquartered in Glasgow, Scotland.

This company is all about creating SaaS tools for the recruitment and marketing world, helping recruiters connect with, engage, and ultimately hire the best candidates out there.

Their core product is a robust Recruitment Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, bringing together different parts of the recruitment process into one easy-to-use platform. This system shines with features like an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) that makes hiring smoother, AI-powered automation tools that boost efficiency, and smart analytics that help make decisions based on real data.

Additionally, Firefish provides integrated communication tools, such as two-way email and SMS tracking, to facilitate seamless interactions between recruiters and candidates.

The platform offers a comprehensive Recruitment Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system that integrates various recruitment activities into a single, unified interface. Key features include an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) that streamlines the hiring process, AI-powered automation tools to enhance efficiency, and advanced analytics for data-driven decision-making.

Firefish supports recruitment agencies of all sizes, ranging from startups to large corporations, across a multitude of sectors. Agencies in over 25 countries rely on its services, which help them refine their recruitment processes, boost candidate engagement, and achieve substantial growth.

By prioritising data within recruitment operations, Firefish equips agencies to make well-informed decisions and stay ahead in the competitive recruitment landscape.

pros

PROS

cons

Firefish is user-friendly, with an intuitive workflow and uncluttered dashboard.

cons

The software is fast, reliable, and ideal for recruitment tasks.

cons

Exceptional customer support is responsive, courteous, and highly effective.

cons

Easy training makes it suitable for new team members and start-ups.

cons

It consistently delivers value, positively impacting businesses quickly.

cons

Highly recommended for its usability, support, and overall functionality.


Rachel F.

"Brilliant!"
Firefish is an amazing system, it is perfect for my business needs, it can be altered to support my business specifically plus the customer service is unbelievable

Verified G2 Review

pros

CONS

cons

CVs cannot be viewed during calls without downloading.

cons

Global dropdowns lack customization options.

cons

Adding a role requires entering a contact before the company.

cons

Temp side initially supports only day rates, not hourly rates.

cons

User removal is frustrating and time-consuming.

cons

Initial learning curve can be challenging.

cons

Retainer input process needs improvement.


Thea B.

"AVOID AT ALL COSTS"
AVOID. Pretend to be a small business that cares for small businesses, but are the total opposite and are currently hiding behind contracts when i've asked for help. System still not fully operational after a month - not worth the migration costs to move from other suppliers with. Am now left in an even worse position than when I was with the dumpster fire that is Vincere/Access, which I didn't think was even possible. Broken process where each department is seperate, zero account management once signed up. AVOID AVOID AVOID.

Verified Capterra Review

Overview of Cluen

Cluen, established in 1990, is a New York City-based tech firm that focuses on creating software for executive search. Their main product, Encore, is used by a wide range of clients around the globe, including executive search consultants, legal recruiters, corporate talent acquisition departments, government bodies, universities, and venture capital/private equity firms.

Encore provides a full-featured recruitment database that helps organisations build and maintain key relationships, keep track of past data, and identify new business prospects. The system is built to automate data input, simplify the process of tracking communications, and make sure users comply with regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The technology behind Cluen is created by an internal team with many years of shared experience in the executive search field. Their consulting and support personnel collaborate closely with clients to make sure the software fits the particular requirements of the recruitment sector.

Cluen works with clients all over the world, spanning six continents. They offer a wide range of solutions for different parts of the recruitment industry. Thanks to their focus on new ideas and helping clients succeed, they've become a go-to partner for companies looking for recruitment software that's both efficient and follows regulations.

pros

PROS

cons

The new interface is user-friendly, visually appealing, and well-organized.

cons

Offers robust functionality for small to medium enterprises, comparable to larger competitors.

cons

Highly customizable to fit unique workflows seamlessly.

cons

Advanced tools for reporting and search enhance efficiency.

cons

Smartphone access ensures convenience on the go.

cons

Intuitive design makes it easy for first-time users.

cons

Excellent data storage and responsive customer support.

cons

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.

Verified Capterra Review

pros

CONS

cons

The software feels outdated compared to competitors, with a "DOS-like" interface.

cons

It is slow, especially with high user volumes, affecting efficiency.

cons

Pricing is high compared to similar products.

cons

Limited applicability for service industries, favoring manufacturing.

cons

Major issues, like client portal glitches, take time to resolve.

cons

Overpromising on features while under-delivering is a recurring issue.

cons

Face-to-face training is difficult for international users, though remote support is prompt.

cons

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.

Verified Capterra Review

Features Comparison

Firefish
Firefish
Cluen
Cluen
iSmartRecruit
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 highly adaptable recruitment software, perfect for staffing firms, recruitment agencies, executive search firms, and in-house HR teams. It leverages AI-driven resume parsing, automating the management of candidate data and significantly reducing manual workload. Supporting over 14 languages, iSmartRecruit is a great fit for global teams and companies that operate internationally.

The platform allows you to create tailored recruitment pipelines, customising the hiring process to your unique requirements. It also offers seamless integration with a wide range of job boards, simplifying the job posting process considerably. With its candidate relationship management (CRM) tools, you can efficiently manage interactions with both clients and candidates, ensuring smooth and effective communication. Furthermore, the advanced reporting and analytics features provide valuable insights to help refine and optimise your recruitment strategies.

iSmartRecruit is known for its user-friendly interface, enabling teams to adapt quickly without the need for extensive training. Its affordability and scalability make it a great choice for organisations of all sizes. Whether you're handling executive searches or everyday hiring, iSmartRecruit offers a reliable, cost-effective, and feature-rich solution, providing significant value compared to platforms like Firefish and Cluen Encore.

Our Client Testimonial Speaks Louder Than Words!

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Conclusion

Firefish and Cluen Encore both provide strong recruitment tools, each with its own special qualities to fit various company requirements.

Firefish delivers an all-encompassing system that's great for recruitment agencies looking to make their search processes more efficient and work smoothly with clients. Cluen Encore, on the other hand, has executive search software created for search firms and in-house executive search teams to boost their talent search output.

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.