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The Tech Audit Checklist

How to Choose the Right Tools for Your Business

A step-by-step guide to evaluating, comparing and selecting the best recruitment technology for your business needs.

1. Define Your Business Goals & Challenges

Before evaluating tools, clarify what you need technology to accomplish.

  • Identify Your Priorities:
  • Are you looking to scale operations?
  • Do you need better candidate and client management?
  • Are you trying to improve recruiter efficiency with automation?
  • Is data analytics a top priority?
  • Assess Current Pain Points:
  • What tasks are your team spending too much time on?
  • Are you struggling with poor data quality?
  • Is there a gap in candidate/ client engagement or communication?
  • Distinguish Must-Have vs. Nice-to-Have Features:
  • What are the non-negotiable functions your business needs?
  • What features would be helpful but are not deal-breakers?

2. Audit Your Current Tech Stack

Understand what you already have before adding new tools.

  • List All Current Tools

Make an inventory of your existing tech stack. For an end-to-end solution, all you need is a:

  • System of Record (CRM/ATS)
  • System of Search (e.g LinkedIn)
  • System of Work (Tools like SourceWhale)
  • Evaluate Usage & Adoption
  • Which tools are widely used vs. underutilized?
  • Is your team using all available features?
  • What tools cause friction or slow down workflows?
  • Assess ROI for Each Tool
  • What is the total cost of ownership? (Subscription fees, training, maintenance)
  • Are you getting measurable benefits? (Time saved, increased placements, higher revenue)
  • Identify Gaps in Your Tech Stack
  • What key functions are missing?
  • Are there bottlenecks that could be solved with new technology?

3. Avoid the Common Pitfalls of Tech Selection

Steer clear of mistakes that lead to poor adoption and wasted budget.

  • Shiny Object Syndrome: Are you considering a tool just because it's ‘trendy’?
  • Ignoring User Adoption: Will your team actually use this software?
  • Lack of Clear Metrics: Can you measure success with this tool?
  • Overlooking Integration: Does it work with your existing systems?

4. Define Key Evaluation Criteria

  • Scalability:
  • Will this tool support future growth?
  • Can it handle increased team usage, more contacts, or multiple locations?
  • Ease of Use:
  • Is the interface intuitive?
  • How much training is required?
  • Integration Capabilities:
  • Does it connect with your existing ATS, CRM, and other core tools?
  • Does it offer API access for advanced integrations?
  • Data & Analytics:
  • Does it provide clear insights into team performance and hiring trends?
  • Can it improve decision-making with real-time reporting?
  • ROI & Pricing Model:
  • Is the pricing within budget?
  • Will the tool generate measurable returns (e.g., more placements, faster hires)?
  • Support & Training:
  • Does the vendor provide onboarding, training, and ongoing support?

5. The Non-Negotiable: Integration & Workflow Efficiency

Disconnected tools create inefficiencies—ensure new tech fits into your existing systems.

  • Does it integrate with your ATS, CRM, and other core platforms?
  • Will it improve data consistency and reporting accuracy?
  • Can it eliminate manual processes and reduce workload?
  • Does it provide API access or pre-built integrations with your key systems?

6. Conduct Vendor Comparisons & Demos

Make informed decisions with side-by-side comparisons.

  • Shortlist vendors based on your evaluation criteria
  • Request demos and involve end users in testing
  • Ask for case studies or references from similar-sized businesses
  • Compare contract terms, pricing, and scalability options

7. Build a Rollout & Adoption Plan

Ensure a smooth implementation and long-term success.

  • Who will champion the implementation internally?
  • What training or onboarding is needed?
  • How will you measure adoption and success?
  • Do you have a transition plan for replacing old tools?

Final Decision: Make the Right Choice for Your Business

Use this checklist to finalize your tech selection and confidently choose the right tools.

  • Does this tool address your business priorities and pain points?
  • Do key stakeholders and end users support the decision?
  • Will it drive measurable ROI and efficiency gains?
  • Is it scalable, integrated, and user-friendly?
  • Do you have a clear adoption and training plan in place?

Need help from an expert?

This checklist gives you everything you need to kickstart your evaluation process, but if you’re looking for a deeper dive into your tech stack, our partners at Leap Advisory can help. Get expert insights, tailored recommendations, and a roadmap to optimize your recruitment technology for long-term success.

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