Gem Versus the Competition

Gem gathers data from tools that recruitment teams use on a day-to-day basis, such as LinkedIn InMail, ATS, and email, and combines it into a single talent management hub that automates candidate sourcing and engagement while providing detailed insights to support and optimize your recruiting strategy.

If you're ready to get a Gem demo, we suggest getting in touch for a look at the product and quote. Otherwise, read on!

Ratings

4.8

Ease of Use

Best For

Key Differentiator

Price

Starts at $135/mo

Free Trial

Yes

PROS

  • Gem helps you discover qualified candidates across multiple channels, send personalized messages, visualize your recruitment pipeline, and stay on top of crucial hiring metrics
  • Gem's integration with LinkedIn and various ATS means that all candidate data is stored in a centralized location. Users find this feature extremely useful.
  • According to users, one of Gem's finest features is the ability to create automated drip campaigns to engage with both active and passive candidates

CONS

  • Some users have experienced slow load times and lags while using the application
  • In rare cases, the contact information, such as the email address or phone number of a sourced candidate, might be wrong
  • While Gem currently integrates with LinkedIn, it does not provide the option to automate messages via LinkedIn InMail

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Gem Review

Used by over 1200 teams, Gem is a talent engagement platform that helps you with talent sourcing, outreach and recruitment pipeline management.

Best-suited for large enterprises and staffing firms, Gem gathers data from various recruitment tools and sources like ATS, LinkedIn, past applications, and email to create a single source of truth called a candidate relationship management (CRM) hub. The CRM hub has a record of every candidate interaction as well as up-to-date information about them, including career developments and recent milestones.

Gem's talent sourcing and outreach tool help recruitment teams connect with active and passive talent and engage them through multi-stage email sequences. For instance, through this feature, you can automate interview reminders and schedule follow-ups with candidates currently in the pipeline. On the other hand, passive candidates can be engaged through curated content and interesting updates about your organization sent to them weekly or bi-weekly.

Customers especially like Gem's pipeline management feature that provides a visual snapshot of your entire recruitment pipeline. You can sort candidates based on which stage of the hiring process they're currently in, move them further along based on interviews and assignments, or send them a rejection email using a pre-existing template.

The reporting dashboard, called Talent Compass, provides valuable insights into the performance of your recruitment team, pipeline health, diversity hiring efforts, and email engagement rate. You can also use the stats to project the number of hires you expect to make in the coming weeks and months and tweak your recruitment strategy to meet your hiring goals.

What users think of Gem

Reviewer's Rating
7/10

As a recruiter, I use Gem on a daily basis to manage all aspects of the candidate lifecycle. One of the key workflows that I use it for is candidate sourcing, where I can easily import and organize candidate data from various sources, such as job boards, LinkedIn, and our website. I can also use the platform's advanced search and filtering features to quickly find relevant candidates that match specific job requirements.

Once I have identified potential candidates, I use Gem to manage the screening and interviewing process. This involves tracking each candidate's progress through various stages of the hiring process, scheduling interviews, and collaborating with hiring managers and team members. I also use the platform's integrations with other tools, such as Zoom and Google Calendar, to streamline the interview process and ensure a smooth candidate experience.

In addition to these core workflows, I also use Gem for candidate relationship management and communication. This includes keeping candidates engaged throughout the hiring process, providing personalized feedback, and answering any questions they may have. I also use Gem to analyze and track recruitment metrics, such as time-to-hire and source of hire, which helps me to optimize and improve our recruitment processes over time.

Overall, Gem has become an essential tool in my daily workflow as a recruiter, allowing me to streamline and automate many aspects of the recruitment process and provide a better candidate experience.

What do you like about Gem?

have found Gem to be an incredibly useful tool for managing candidates throughout the recruitment process. Here are three key reasons why I like Gem:

User-friendly interface: The platform's interface is easy to use and intuitive, which makes it simple to navigate through the candidate management process.

Advanced search capabilities: Gem's advanced search capabilities are a huge asset, allowing me to quickly and easily find candidates that meet specific job requirements.

Collaborative capabilities: Gem's collaborative features are another standout feature. The platform allows me to easily communicate and collaborate with other members of my team, streamlining the hiring process and ensuring that everyone is on the same page.

Why did your organization buy Gem, and how long have you used it for?

Our organization purchased Gem ATS as a solution to some of the challenges we were facing in managing our recruitment processes. Before using Gem, we had been relying on manual processes and spreadsheets, which made it difficult to efficiently track and manage candidates throughout the hiring process. We also found it challenging to collaborate effectively as a team and communicate with candidates in a timely and personalized way.

Since implementing Gem, we have experienced a number of benefits. One of the key benefits has been the ability to automate many of our recruiting processes, such as resume screening and interview scheduling, which has saved us a significant amount of time and resources. Additionally, the platform has enabled us to collaborate more effectively as a team, with features such as centralized candidate profiles, real-time communication, and shared feedback.

Personally, I have been using Gem for over a year and have found it to be an essential tool for my work as a recruiter. It has enabled me to streamline my workflow, track candidates more effectively, and provide a more personalized experience for both candidates and my team. Overall, Gem has been an incredibly valuable addition to our recruitment toolkit, and we plan to continue using it to support our hiring efforts going forward.

What do you dislike about Gem?

While I find Gem to be a highly effective tool for candidate management, there are a few areas where I think it could be improved. Here are three potential drawbacks to using Gem:

Limited customization: While Gem offers a range of useful features, the platform doesn't allow for a great deal of customization. I wish that there were more options for tailoring the tool to my specific needs.

Slow loading times: At times, I have found that Gem can be slow to load, which can be frustrating when trying to quickly access candidate information.

Price point: While I believe that Gem is a valuable tool, it is on the pricier side compared to some other ATS options. For smaller organizations or those with tighter budgets, this could be a potential drawback.

How is Gem different than their competitors?

I can say that Gem stands out from its competitors in a few ways. First, its user interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and use. Second, Gem's AI-powered features, such as automated sourcing and candidate engagement, help save time and increase efficiency. Third, Gem integrates seamlessly with other tools in the recruiting tech stack, such as LinkedIn and Slack, which streamlines the recruitment process.

Compared to other similar tools I've used, I prefer Gem because of its user-friendly interface and AI-powered features. The automated sourcing and candidate engagement have helped me save a lot of time and increased the number of qualified candidates in my pipeline. Additionally, the ability to integrate with other tools has made my workflow much more streamlined. Overall, I highly recommend Gem ATS for any recruiter looking to increase their efficiency and productivity.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

I would recommend that when considering a candidate management tool like this, there are a few key criteria to keep in mind.

First, it's important to evaluate the user interface and ease of use. A tool with a clean, intuitive interface will save time and reduce frustration. Consider the integrations offered by the tool, as seamless integration with other recruitment tech tools can streamline the hiring process. Also, the level of automation and AI features should be assessed, as these can greatly improve productivity and increase efficiency.

In addition, it's important to look at the pricing structure and understand any additional costs associated with add-ons or upgrades. Finally, take advantage of free trials to test out the tool and see if it meets your specific recruitment needs. Overall, by considering these key criteria, you can make an informed decision on which candidate management tool is right for your recruiting needs.

How has Gem changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?
  • I can attest that Gem has evolved significantly over time to meet users' needs. Since its launch, Gem has consistently released updates and new features based on user feedback, making it a much more powerful and efficient tool for candidate management.
  • One of the key ways Gem has evolved is through the addition of AI-powered automation features. For example, the "Sequences" feature allows recruiters to automate personalized outreach and follow-ups to candidates, reducing the amount of manual work needed for candidate engagement.
  • Gem has also expanded its integrations with other tools in the recruitment tech stack, such as LinkedIn and Slack, which has helped to streamline the recruitment process even further.
  • Gem has continued to innovate and evolve over time to meet the ever-changing needs of its users. As a result, it has become a go-to tool for many recruiters looking to increase their efficiency and productivity.
What specific type of user or organization is Gem very good for?

I believe that Gem is very good for a variety of users and organizations. Gem is an excellent tool for companies of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises, and for recruiters who handle high-volume hiring needs.

In particular, Gem is well-suited for recruiters who prioritize efficiency and productivity in their hiring process. The tool's AI-powered automation features, such as the ability to automate outreach and follow-up, save recruiters a significant amount of time and increase their productivity. Additionally, Gem's ability to integrate with other recruitment tech tools, such as LinkedIn and Slack, makes it an ideal tool for those who use these tools in their daily work.

Furthermore, Gem's easy-to-use interface and seamless user experience make it an excellent tool for all levels of experience, from seasoned recruiters to those who are new to the profession. Overall, Gem is a great tool for any recruiter or organization looking to increase their efficiency, productivity, and success in candidate management.

What specific type of user or organization would Gem not be a good fit for?

For instance, companies that have unique or complex hiring processes may find that Gem's more streamlined and automated approach may not be well-suited to their specific needs. Similarly, recruiters who prioritize a more personal touch in their candidate management, rather than relying heavily on automation, may not find Gem to be the best fit for their work style.

Also, companies that have strict data security or compliance requirements may need to carefully evaluate Gem's data protection policies and procedures to ensure they align with their specific requirements.

While Gem is a highly effective candidate management tool for many recruiters and organizations, it's important to carefully evaluate your specific needs and requirements to determine whether it's the right fit for your recruitment needs.

Gem Alternatives:

Gem

Gem can be used as a standalone tool for outbound sourcing, complementing your ATS, or as part of Gem’s all-in-one platform, which includes its CRM, ATS, scheduling, and analytics. The AI sourcing agents scan a massive database of 800M+ profiles while also rediscovering candidates in your ATS and CRM, then present results with transparent scoring criteria that can be tuned to fit hiring manager preferences. For teams that want everything under one roof, Gem now also includes its own ATS and recruiting CRM, making it a full-scale recruiting platform.
Popularity Score
4 / 5
User Score
4.8 / 5
Product Score
4.6 / 5
Visit Website

Gem

Gem can be used as a standalone tool for outbound sourcing, complementing your ATS, or as part of Gem’s all-in-one platform, which includes its CRM, ATS, scheduling, and analytics. The AI sourcing agents scan a massive database of 800M+ profiles while also rediscovering candidates in your ATS and CRM, then present results with transparent scoring criteria that can be tuned to fit hiring manager preferences. For teams that want everything under one roof, Gem now also includes its own ATS and recruiting CRM, making it a full-scale recruiting platform.
Popularity Score
4 / 5
User Score
4.8 / 5
Product Score
4.6 / 5
Learn More

Manatal

Manatal’s sourcing capabilities are superior to most. Besides budget-friendly ATS features, the platform offers a LinkedIn extension and AI-powered sourcing for advanced candidate recommendations and filtering—at an unbeatable price.
Popularity Score
4.2 / 5
User Score
4.7 / 5
Product Score
4.2 / 5
Visit Website

Manatal

Manatal’s sourcing capabilities are superior to most. Besides budget-friendly ATS features, the platform offers a LinkedIn extension and AI-powered sourcing for advanced candidate recommendations and filtering—at an unbeatable price.
Popularity Score
4.2 / 5
User Score
4.7 / 5
Product Score
4.2 / 5
Learn More

Humanly

Humanly is a top-tier AI recruitment platform. Since their acquisition of Teamable, they’ve put out a solid candidate sourcing tool that stands out for its AI recruiting features and automation of candidate touchpoints. You can sync all its workflows with your ATS and look for specialized talent with surgical-like precision.
Popularity Score
4.4 / 5
User Score
4.7 / 5
Product Score
4.3 / 5
Visit Website

Humanly

Humanly is a top-tier AI recruitment platform. Since their acquisition of Teamable, they’ve put out a solid candidate sourcing tool that stands out for its AI recruiting features and automation of candidate touchpoints. You can sync all its workflows with your ATS and look for specialized talent with surgical-like precision.
Popularity Score
4.4 / 5
User Score
4.7 / 5
Product Score
4.3 / 5
Learn More

Hirefly

What we loved most about Hirefly was how it takes sourcing and outreach tasks that usually eat up hours, and makes them almost hands-free. The Autopilot feature acted as a virtual sourcer, finding the right candidates, crafting personalized outreach, and delivering warm leads straight to our inbox. Plus, FastTrack’s ability to pre-sort applications into meaningful categories meant we could focus on the best candidates right away.
Popularity Score
4.2 / 5
User Score
4.6 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5
Visit Website

Hirefly

What we loved most about Hirefly was how it takes sourcing and outreach tasks that usually eat up hours, and makes them almost hands-free. The Autopilot feature acted as a virtual sourcer, finding the right candidates, crafting personalized outreach, and delivering warm leads straight to our inbox. Plus, FastTrack’s ability to pre-sort applications into meaningful categories meant we could focus on the best candidates right away.
Popularity Score
4.2 / 5
User Score
4.6 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5
Learn More

AmazingHiring

AmazingHiring is hyper-focused on sourcing technical candidates. The sourcing platform comes with advanced technology that supplies a database of over 600 million engineering talent profiles, a free Chrome extension, and a robust data enrichment tool that offers 150 free credits.
Popularity Score
4 / 5
User Score
4.7 / 5
Product Score
4.2 / 5
Visit Website

AmazingHiring

AmazingHiring is hyper-focused on sourcing technical candidates. The sourcing platform comes with advanced technology that supplies a database of over 600 million engineering talent profiles, a free Chrome extension, and a robust data enrichment tool that offers 150 free credits.
Popularity Score
4 / 5
User Score
4.7 / 5
Product Score
4.2 / 5
Learn More

Who shouldn't buy Gem

If you’re a small or mid-sized business that doesn’t hire more than 10 employees a year, you won’t be using Gem to its full potential.

Gem Customers

Coinbase, Slack, Asana, Dropbox, Lyft, Indeed, Pinterest, and Doordash

Gem: Data-driven recruitment and CRM software
visit Gem

Gem Key Features

  • Talent CRM: Gem's Candidate Relationship Management platform gathers candidate data across recruiting systems, LinkedIn InMails, and emails and stores it in a centralized location.
  • Automated Outreach: Send multi-stage sequences via email to active and passive candidates, in turn, boosting candidate engagement.
  • Pipeline Management: Get a bird's-eye view of your entire recruiting pipeline, sync it with your ATS, add notes to individual profiles, move candidates to the next stage, or send them a rejection email with a ready-to-use template.
  • Talent Compass:  Gather data and analytics across Gem and your ATS to evaluate your hiring efficiency, team performance, and projections for the future.

Gem Key Integrations

Gem integrates with over 20+ third-party applications, including Greenhouse, Workday, LinkedIn, Indeed and more. We recommend contacting their sales team to learn about the custom integrations they offer.

Gem Pricing

The cost of Gem's services is based on the size of your recruitment team, the number of hires, and other factors like custom ATS integrations. You can reach out to their sales team for a quote.

Gem is Best For

Gem is best suited for large enterprises and staffing agencies that need to hire more employees in a short time period.

How has Gem Changed Over Time?

Gem Implementation

To get started with Gem, you can visit their website and click the 'Get Started For Free’ button on the homepage. This will take you to a page where you can enter your business email and sign up for a free trial. You can also go through the 'Getting Started With Gem' guide available in their help center for information on how to set up your account, integrate it with your ATS, and more.

Gem Customer Success

Gem has a help center accessible 24/7 for self-serve. They also provide developer documentation and frequent product updates, so you're always in the know. Apart from this, they conduct events and webinars to help you connect with your peers from the TA community. Should you need further help, you can contact their support team.

About Gem

The co-founders of Gem, Steve Bartel and Nick Bushak, were working as engineering managers at Dropbox and Facebook when their companies decided to scale at speed. However, finding the best talent, a.k.a the 'gems', wasn't easy, given that the best people were already taken. And that's when they realized that tracking and managing relationships with passive candidates is crucial. And with no existing system that effectively did this, they set out to build one of their own. That's when Gem was born.

Since then, Gem has grown leaps and bounds, with funding from investors like Greylock, ICONIQ, and Accel. It is now a Unicorn and one of the fastest-growing SaaS businesses with a $1.2B valuation.

Company HQ

San Francisco, California, United States

Number of Employees

150+

Year Founded

2017

Amount Raised

Gem has raised $148M in funding over 4 rounds. Their latest was a Series C round in September 2021.

FAQ

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Gem Alternatives

Manatal

Best for low-budget inbound applicant sourcing

Popularity score
4.4 / 5
user score
4.7 / 5
Product score
4.2 / 5

Review Methodology

We take our research process seriously and want to make sure we are presenting our readers with the very best solutions in a given software category. Check out this guide to learn how we evaluate vendors before featuring them in our buyer guides.

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