Firefish vs Cluen: Features & Benefits Comparison

Which tool is the Right Choice?

Quick Summary

Firefish and Cluen Encore are both recruitment software platforms designed to enhance the efficiency of hiring processes. Firefish offers a comprehensive solution for recruitment agencies, providing features such as job posting, applicant tracking, candidate management, and resume search.

Cluen Encore is an executive search software designed for search firms, in-house executive search teams, strategic recruiters, and private equity companies to improve talent search productivity. Both platforms are web-based and support various devices, including desktops and mobiles, providing flexibility for recruitment professionals. User reviews indicate that Firefish has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5, while Cluen Encore has a rating of 4.4 out of 5, reflecting high levels of user satisfaction for both platforms.

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 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, established in 2010, is headquartered in Glasgow, Scotland.

It specializes in providing recruitment and marketing SaaS solutions designed to assist recruiters in reaching, engaging, and recruiting top talent.

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.

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

Firefish serves recruitment agencies of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises, across various industries. Its services are utilized by agencies in over 25 countries, enabling them to streamline recruitment processes, enhance candidate engagement, and drive profitable growth.

By putting data at the heart of recruitment operations, Firefish empowers agencies to make informed decisions and maintain a competitive edge in the recruitment industry.

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 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

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 versatile recruitment software designed for staffing firms, recruitment agencies, executive search firms, and in-house HR teams. It offers AI-powered resume parsing, which automates candidate data management and reduces manual effort. With multilingual support for over 14 languages, iSmartRecruit is ideal for global teams and companies that recruit across borders.

The platform includes customizable recruitment pipelines to tailor the hiring process to your specific needs. It also integrates seamlessly with multiple job boards, streamlining the job posting process. The candidate relationship management (CRM) tools allow you to manage interactions with clients and candidates, ensuring smooth communication. Additionally, advanced reporting and analytics provide actionable insights to optimize 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 organizations 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!

Conclusion

Both Firefish and Cluen Encore offer robust recruitment solutions with unique features tailored to different organizational needs.

Firefish provides a comprehensive platform suitable for recruitment agencies seeking to streamline their search processes and collaborate effectively with clients. Cluen Encore offers an executive search software designed for search firms and in-house executive search teams to improve talent search productivity.

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.