In the 2017 LinkedIn Global Recruiting Trends report it was advised, if money weren’t a constraint, 39% of recruitment leaders would invest in new technology and 38% would invest in better sourcing tools. Despite these statistics we often hear from new clients that they have previously rushed through the sales process with previous recruitment software providers without giving it the time that it requires. This can lead to buying recruitment software that lacks business critical functionality and, ultimately, becomes the wrong investment for your business.
Arguably, the most critical point of the sales process is getting the most out of your recruitment software demonstrations with potential providers. Recruitment software demonstrations allow you to see in real time how the recruitment CRM software works and whether the software has the right functionality for your business.
This 5 step guide aims to provide you with the knowledge of how to prepare before, and what to expect during the software demo process to maximise its value to ensure that you’re confident when it comes to making a buying decision.
Step 1 – Create A Steering Committee
The first step involves creating a steering committee including ‘subject matter experts’ from each department or business function. Each committee member can add in-detail value to the discussion on what functionality is essential within their department, function or user group.
What Is The Steering Committee Responsible For?
The steering committee is responsible for collating all your business, operational and user requirements so you have all the information you need before assessing the recruitment software market. This is vital because without knowing what you need, it will be impossible to recognise which software will be a valuable investment. They will also be responsible for making a shortlist of suitable software solutions and partners; attending demos, and providing feedback to your business during the sales process.
Step 2 – Shortlist Recruitment Software Providers
By understanding your specific business requirements and what functionality your business and users require, your steering committee will be able to shortlist a number of recruitment software providers with solutions that should be fit for purpose for your business.
When you commence engaging with recruitment software providers, as well as looking at the software’s functionality, you should also be assessing how they will work with you as a partner.
Potential recruitment software providers should:
- Ask detailed information about your business processes, your specific sector, and what has taken you to market for a new recruitment software solution.
- Provide a transparent picture of the software’s functionality and honestly advise you if it is the “right fit” for your business.
- Provide transparent costs for any software configuration, software implementation, data migration, software training, and any additional renewing annual costs for licences or software upgrades.
If the provider isn’t forthcoming with any of the above information, you may want to question whether this is the provider for your business.
Would you like know what you should expect from your recruitment software provider? Take a read of our blog.
Step 3 – Schedule The Software Demo
Before scheduling the first demo, your steering committee should clearly articulate to each recruitment software provider what your essential and nonessential functional requirements are. This will assist the recruitment software providers prepare and target the demos to your business requirements.
Step 4 – Request More Demos
The average recruitment software demo usually lasts 45mins. If you haven’t seen all the functionality you need to make a decision with confidence, then schedule another demo. The majority of reputable recruitment software providers will provide as many demos as you need to make a decision. During each demo, it is best to involve the relevant subject matter expert who will be using the software on a daily basis.
NB: Note down the important features during the demos (regardless of whether they seem small or obvious) and never assume all software functionality works the same way.
Step 5 – Evaluate
Once you are happy that you have all the information you need to weigh up the pros and cons of each recruitment software solution and provider, it’s time to assess and evaluate your options.
To help make the decision:
- Obtain a quote outlining the investment cost (initial and recurring) from each software provider.
- Shortlist the recruitment software providers based on cost, functionality and service/partnership approach.
- Request a reference from each recruitment software provider or request their client testimonials (usually on their website).
A software demo is only one step within the buying process. Download our free step-by-step recruitment software buying guide and make the right choice for your recruitment agency.
