The Staffing Agency Tech Stack
Running a staffing agency in 2026 requires a connected set of software tools. The challenge isn't finding tools — there are hundreds — it's building a stack that works together without creating data silos or workflow friction.
Here's the complete tech stack, organized by category with recommendations for each.
1. ATS / CRM (Your Foundation)
Your Applicant Tracking System and CRM is the hub of everything else. All other tools connect to it.
Top ATS/CRM Platforms for Staffing
| Platform | Best For | Price Range | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullhorn | Mid-large agencies (10+) | $99-200+/user/mo | Market leader, deepest integration ecosystem |
| JobAdder | Small-mid agencies | $80-150/user/mo | Modern UI, good for growing agencies |
| Vincere | Agency-first design | $70-130/user/mo | Built specifically for agencies, not adapted from corporate HR |
| PCRecruiter | Budget-conscious | $50-100/user/mo | Affordable with solid core features |
| Crelate | Small agencies | $60-90/user/mo | Simple, focused on recruiting workflows |
Pricing approximate, varies by features and contract terms
Decision framework: If you have 10+ recruiters and need deep integrations, Bullhorn is the safe choice. If you're under 10 recruiters and want a modern interface at lower cost, evaluate JobAdder or Vincere.
2. Resume Formatting
Resume formatting is the most underinvested category in the staffing tech stack. Most agencies still use Microsoft Word, costing recruiters 30-60 minutes per resume. Dedicated formatting tools reduce this to under 60 seconds.
- iReformat: AI-powered formatting with branded templates, blind CV support, bulk processing. Best for SMB agencies wanting speed and customization.
- Allsorter: Enterprise-focused formatting and workflow tool. Best for large agencies with complex compliance needs.
- Kyloe: Bullhorn-native formatting add-on. Best for agencies that want formatting without leaving Bullhorn.
- Manual (Word): Free but costs $25-75 per resume in recruiter time. Only viable under 20 resumes/month.
At 20+ resumes per month, a formatting tool pays for itself. At 100+, the ROI is 10-40x.
3. Job Boards and Sourcing
- Indeed: Highest volume. Essential for most staffing niches.
- LinkedIn Recruiter: Best for professional/white-collar roles. Expensive but high quality.
- ZipRecruiter: Good for high-volume roles with AI matching.
- Dice: Technology roles specifically.
- Industry-specific boards: Healthcare (Health eCareers), accounting (Robert Half), etc.
4. VMS / MSP Integration
If your agency works with enterprise clients, you'll need Vendor Management System integration:
- Fieldglass (SAP): Most common enterprise VMS
- Beeline: Growing market share, modern interface
- Pontoon / Hays: MSP-specific platforms
- Key requirement: Your ATS should integrate with the VMS to avoid double-entry of candidate data
5. Payroll and Billing
- TempWorks: Purpose-built for staffing agencies. Handles W-2 and 1099.
- Bullhorn Pay & Bill: Native payroll for Bullhorn users.
- Avionte: Combined ATS + payroll for staffing firms.
- Considerations: Tax compliance (multi-state), workers' comp integration, timesheet management
6. Communication and Engagement
- Email: Bullhorn's built-in email or integrated tools like Herefish
- Texting: TextUs, Sense, or Bullhorn Messaging for candidate SMS
- Video: Zoom or Teams for interviews
- Chatbots: Sense, Paradox (Olivia) for automated candidate screening
Building Your Stack by Agency Size
Recommended Tech Stack by Agency Size
| Category | Solo/Small (1-5) | Mid (5-30) | Large (30+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATS/CRM | JobAdder or Crelate | Bullhorn or Vincere | Bullhorn |
| Resume Formatting | iReformat | iReformat | iReformat or Allsorter |
| Job Boards | Indeed + 1 niche board | Indeed + LinkedIn + niche | Full suite + aggregators |
| VMS Integration | Rarely needed | If enterprise clients | Essential |
| Payroll | External payroll service | TempWorks or Avionte | Bullhorn Pay & Bill |
| Communication | Email + phone | Email + SMS + video | Full engagement suite |
| Monthly tech spend | $200-500 | $1,500-5,000 | $10,000+ |
Integration Is Everything
The biggest mistake agencies make is choosing tools in isolation. A best-in-class tool that doesn't integrate with your ATS creates data silos and manual workarounds. Before adding any tool:
- Verify it integrates with your ATS (API, native integration, or via Zapier)
- Test the integration during trial — don't trust marketing claims
- Calculate the total cost including integration setup and maintenance
- Ensure data flows both ways (not just one-directional sync)