Top 10 Executive Search Software [Ranked 2026]

1. QLU

Best for: Retained search firms that want to automate both candidate and client outreach.

QLU is redefining executive search with AI automation. It's built specifically for retained and executive-level recruiting and helps firms identify, contact, and qualify both candidates and potential clients—all in one place.
Instead of spending weeks searching on LinkedIn or juggling tools like Apollo, Notion, and HubSpot, QLU automates the entire process. This, and more, makes QLU the best executive search software on the market.

Key Features

• AI Voice SDRs: Real-time personalized conversations that qualify leads and book meetings automatically. No scripts, no delays.
• Dual Automation: Handles both candidate sourcing and business development simultaneously.
• Live Market Signals: Identifies companies hiring or expanding using real-time funding and growth data.
• Candidate Identification: Cuts sourcing time from 3 months to 30 minutes with AI-driven matching.
• CRM Integration: Works seamlessly with your existing database and workflows.

Pricing

We offer flexible pricing designed to fit any organization:

• The Free plan lets you try out QLU with 5 AI searches per month.
• The Plus plan is $259/month and is designed for growing executive search teams.
• The Premium plan comes with custom pricing and is a tailored offering for large executive search teams.

Check our pricing page for a detailed plan comparison.

Pros

• Personalized, human-like AI conversations
• Built specifically for executive-level recruiting
• Replaces multiple tools, saving both time and money
• Higher response rates and qualified meetings

Cons

• Requires onboarding and AI training (done by QLU team)
• Works best for retained or specialized search firms, not volume hiring

Bottom Line

QLU isn't just a sourcing tool. It's a search automation platform that runs your candidate and client outreach 24/7.

👉 Book a demo at QLU.ai

2. Invenias (by Bullhorn)

Best for: Mid to large retained executive search firms.

Invenias is one of the most recognized CRMs in executive search. Built by Bullhorn, it’s trusted by thousands of retained search firms for managing clients, candidates, and assignments in one secure system.
Its native integration with Microsoft Office is a major advantage for firms that rely heavily on Microsoft products, allowing users to work within familiar environments, boost productivity, and minimize the learning curve.

Key Features

• Email tracking and engagement analytics
• Workflow automation and task reminders
• CRM purpose-built for executive search
• Deep Outlook and Microsoft 365 integration
• Candidate and client relationship management

Pricing

Bullhorn offers custom pricing based on team size and your executive search requirements.

Pros

• Strong CRM for managing client relationships.
• Good email and workflow automation tools.
• Large partner ecosystem for integrations.

Cons

• Less focus on AI or automation in the applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• Setup can be complex for smaller teams.
• Not tailored for retained executive search.

Bottom Line

Bullhorn serves as a solid platform for managing recruiter operations, offering dependable CRM tools. However, its limited automation capabilities may restrict how efficiently firms can leverage their data.

3. Cluen

Best for: Retained executive search firms focused on long-term relationship management.

Cluen is one of the most trusted names in executive search technology. It's a cloud-based CRM platform designed for relationship-driven searches, especially in retained and leadership advisory firms.
The platform's advanced features are geared towards helping firms maintain deep, long-standing connections with top-tier executive talent and clients.

Key Features

• Relationship management for candidates and clients.
• Integration with Outlook and Gmail for email tracking.
• Customizable reports and dashboards.
• Secure data compliance for global firms.

Pricing

Custom pricing depending on the firm's size and requirements.

Pros

• Tailored specifically for retained search workflows
• Great for managing long-term client relationships
• Excellent customer support and training

Cons

• Limited automation or AI features
• Interface feels dated compared to modern tools

Bottom Line

Cluen stands out for its focus on relationship-driven executive search, providing a dependable CRM built around long-term client and candidate engagement.

4. Clockwork

Best for: Executive search agencies managing multiple projects.

Clockwork is a CRM and project management platform made for executive search firms. It helps manage searches, track deliverables, and share progress with clients.
Clockwork provides the necessary tools for firms to efficiently handle a high volume of simultaneous recruitment projects and maintain client transparency.

Key Features

• Client collaboration dashboard
• Candidate progress tracking
• Customizable reporting templates
• Document management and notes

Pricing

Clockwork offers a single $149/user/month plan.

Pros

• Designed specifically for executive search
• Makes client collaboration simple
• Centralizes candidate data

Cons

• No AI sourcing or automation
• Requires manual data entry

Bottom Line

Clockwork delivers strong project management and collaboration tools for executive search firms, making it easy to manage multiple assignments and keep clients informed. However, it focuses more on organization and transparency than on automation or sourcing capabilities.

5. Talentis

Best for: Modern executive recruiters who want data and simplicity.

Talentis, created by the team behind FileFinder, is a modern cloud platform that merges CRM and sourcing. It automatically enriches candidate data from public sources, making research faster and easier.
Talentis' integration of live data and an intuitive interface allows you to spend less time on manual data entry and more time on candidate engagement.

Key Features

• Cloud CRM for client and candidate management
• Data enrichment from live web sources
• AI-based search and auto-population
• Email integration and contact tracking

Pricing

• The basic Talentis Plan ($119/month) is designed for solo recruiters and boutique agencies.
• The Talentis Connect ($125/month) is aimed at growing recruitment firms that need collaboration tools, richer data enrichment, and shared workflows.

Pros

• Modern interface and workflow.
• Combines CRM with sourcing intelligence.
• Faster setup than traditional systems.

Cons

• Limited advanced analytics
• Smaller ecosystem than Bullhorn or Invenias

Bottom Line

Talentis is a great middle-ground option for modern executive recruiters who want simplicity and smart sourcing without enterprise complexity.

6. LinkedIn Recruiter

Best for: Recruiters sourcing manually within LinkedIn.

LinkedIn Recruiter gives access to nearly a billion professional profiles worldwide. It's the go-to tool for most recruiters — but also one of the slowest when used manually.

Key Features

• Advanced filters and search queries.
• InMail communication.
• Talent pipeline management.
• Integration with LinkedIn Jobs.

Pricing

While LinkedIn doesn't provide concrete figures for plans, our research shows that:

• LinkedIn Recruiter Corporate starts at approximately $1,000+ per seat per month.
• LinkedIn Recruiter Lite (limited features) starts around $170/month.

Pros

• Massive client and candidate database.
• Familiar interface.
• Useful for passive candidate sourcing.

Cons

• Manual sourcing is slow
• No automation or client outreach
• Limited analytics

Bottom Line

LinkedIn Recruiter remains a valuable foundation for finding and engaging talent, but it relies heavily on manual sourcing and outreach, which can be time-consuming for recruiters.

7. Vincere

Best for: Executive search and recruiting firms that want a CRM and ATS in one platform.

Vincere is an all-in-one recruiting platform that blends CRM, ATS, analytics, and communication tools into a single dashboard. While it's used across different types of recruiting agencies, it’s flexible enough to serve executive search firms that want visibility from lead to placement.
Vincere is part of Access Group, a business software company, giving it strong integrations with payroll, onboarding, and reporting tools. This makes it a solid choice for firms scaling operations globally.

Key Features

• CRM and ATS combined in one clean interface.
• Smart analytics and pipeline dashboards.
• Built-in chat, email, and video calling tools.
• Candidate engagement tracking and reporting.
• Mobile app for recruiters on the move.

Pricing

• The Base plan (£25/agency/month) offers basic sourcing tools and an AI Copilot to help you when you get stuck.
• The Present plan (£139/agency/month) includes AI-powered candidate presentations and summaries.
• The Automate plan (£235/agency/month) is for growing agencies and includes CRM automation.
• The Elite plan (£349/agency/month) is for recruiters looking for a seamless workflow as it comes with third-party data connectors.

Pros

• All-in-one platform that covers CRM and ATS needs
• User-friendly design and strong analytics
• Integrates with popular HR and finance systems

Cons

• Not built specifically for retained search workflows
• May include features small teams won't use

Bottom Line

Vincere equips executive search and recruiting firms with a unified CRM and ATS platform. It offers clear visibility and streamlined collaboration from lead generation through placement. While robust, it's not tailored specifically for retained search workflows.

8. iSmartRecruit

Best for: Small to mid-size executive search firms that need customizable automation.

iSmartRecruit is a flexible recruitment CRM and ATS that supports both staffing and executive search models. It's known for its adaptability which allows firms to customize workflows, automate outreach, and manage candidate pipelines easily.
iSmartRecruit is especially popular with smaller retained firms that want automation without paying enterprise-level prices.

Key Features

• CRM and ATS for candidate and client management.
• Automated follow-ups and task reminders.
• Resume parsing and database search tools.
• Email and LinkedIn integration.
• Custom dashboards and reports.

Pricing

iSmartRecruit uses a custom pricing model tailored to your business, whether you're a small agency or a large enterprise. Contact their sales team for a personalized quote.

Pros

• Easy to customize for different search workflows.
• Affordable for smaller firms.
• Includes automation and AI matching features.

Cons

• Lacks advanced analytics found in larger platforms.
• Interface feels basic compared to top-tier CRMs.

Bottom Line

iSmartRecruit empowers small and mid-size executive search firms with customizable automation and flexible CRM/ATS features, making workflow management and outreach more efficient.

9. Manatal

Best for: Modern firms that want a simple, AI-assisted recruiting platform.

Manatal is an AI-powered ATS designed to make recruiting more efficient and data-driven. It's known for its clean interface and automation tools that handle candidate scoring, resume parsing, and job posting distribution.
Manatal is often adopted by executive recruiters, including those handling retained searches, who appreciate its modern interface, ease of use, and smart automation. However, because it's not purpose-built for retained or executive search, it lacks some of the advanced project management, reporting, or client relationship modules found in specialized executive recruiting platforms.

Key Features

• AI candidate recommendations and scoring.
• Drag-and-drop pipeline management.
• LinkedIn and email integration.
• Custom career pages and reporting tools.

Pricing

• The Professional plan (from $15 per user/month when billed annually) is ideal for small teams who want an AI-powered ATS with basic essential features.
• The Enterprise plan (approximately $35 per user/month with annual billing) is designed for growing recruitment firms needing unlimited jobs and candidates plus workflow automation.
• The Enterprise Plus plan (about $55 per user/month when billed annually) caters to larger organisations with needs like user-groups, single sign-on (SSO), open API access and priority support.

Pros

• Affordable and easy to learn.
• AI scoring helps surface top candidates fast.
• Good fit for small to mid-size teams.

Cons

• Lacks the depth and client management needed for retained search.
• Limited integration options.

Bottom Line

Manatal offers a streamlined, AI-powered platform that simplifies candidate management with intuitive automation and modern design.

10. Greenhouse

Best for: Corporate search teams and executive recruiters working inside organizations.

Greenhouse is one of the most widely used recruiting platforms in the world. It's designed for in-house talent acquisition teams but is also used by some executive recruiters who handle retained searches for enterprise clients.
Greenhouse focuses on structure, collaboration, and data. It helps teams track every step from first contact to final offer.

Key Features

• Structured hiring workflows and approvals.
• Interview scheduling and feedback tracking.
• Collaboration tools for hiring teams.
• Reporting and analytics dashboards.
• Integrations with HR and sourcing platforms.

Pricing

Greenhouse offers 3 plans, namely Essential, Advanced, and Expert each with custom pricing. Quotes depend on company size and hiring volume.

Pros

• Excellent reporting and collaboration tools.
• Works well for corporate executive hiring.
• Integrates with sourcing and assessment tools.

Cons

• Not tailored to external executive search workflows.
• Can feel too process-heavy for boutique firms.

Bottom Line

Greenhouse delivers structured hiring workflows and collaborative tools that help in-house talent teams and executive recruiters maintain process consistency, transparency, and data-driven results.

How to Choose the Right Executive Search Software

With so many options, choosing the right platform comes down to your firm's size, workflow, and growth goals. Here's how to decide:

1. Identify Your Core Needs

Ask:

• Are you focused on retained executive searches or volume hiring?
• Do you need sourcing automation, client development, or both?
• How many searches do you manage each month?

If your answer includes speed, automation, or scalability, executive search software like QLU should be at the top of your list.

2. Evaluate Features That Matter

Look for:

• AI automation for sourcing and outreach.
• CRM integration for a single source of truth.
• Real-time data signals to find active hiring companies.
• Conversation-based AI for natural engagement.

3. Check Ease of Use

Complex doesn't always mean better. Choose software that your team can adopt quickly. For example, QLU's AI agents work within your CRM and require minimal setup so you get results in days, not months.

4. Review Pricing and Scalability

Some tools charge per user, while others offer value-based pricing for firm-wide automation.
In this regard, think long term. The right system should grow with your team.

5. Take Advantage of Trials and Demos

Before committing, always test the software. Most platforms offer free trials or live demos that let you see how the system works in real-world scenarios. It's the best way to check if the interface feels intuitive, whether the features match your workflow, and how responsive the support team is before making a long-term investment.

Why QLU is the First Choice of Executive Search Firms

The executive search industry is changing fast.
Manual sourcing and cold outreach aren't enough anymore. Clients expect speed, precision, and insight. The next wave of success will belong to firms that combine human expertise with AI automation.
That's what QLU was built for.
It empowers your team to deliver faster, focus on relationships, and close more searches. It's a powerful executive search software that can turn your search process from slow and manual to smart and automatic. With QLU, executive search firms can:

• Cut sourcing time by 90%
• Automate both client and candidate outreach
• Win more mandates with faster delivery

Ready to see how? Book a demo at QLU.ai