All CRM systems will claim to offer you the best functionality and tools for your business – the trick is working out what the business actually requires to run in the most efficient way, focusing less on the latest bells and whistles and concentrating on the principle requirements of the CRM – function, ease-of-use, flexibility and scalability.

Opt for flexibility and ease of configuration

In such a volatile and fast-moving market, recruiters must take a flexible approach to their processes and therefore their CRM systems to maintain their competitive edge. Configurations therefore have to cater for current and predicted needs. Selecting a CRM package that can be immediately configured in any area of the software or workflow possible will allow the recruiter to stay ahead of the curve, deploy the latest technologies and offer their clients the very best of services.

Make intelligent investment decisions

Recruitment businesses can get bogged down by always aiming to have the latest technology and software updates, but unless the investment delivers true value to the consultants actually using the product, there is little point in purchasing so frivolously. Instead, have open conversations with your teams and investigate what would make their lives easier and more productive – their involvement in the process helps deliver a useful end result, and ensures their buy-in from the outset.

So don’t just invest in CRM systems for the sake of it – the economic instability we find ourselves faced with today determines that “nice-to-haves” are no longer an option. Instead, identify the solutions that are guaranteed to directly benefit the individual consultant and the ways in which they are working, and make this intention the motto of the entire project.