What is Top Echelon?
Top Echelon provides recruiting software combining applicant tracking (ATS) and CRM capabilities for staffing agencies and executive recruiters. The platform also offers a recruiting network connecting independent recruiters to share job orders and split placements.
For recruiting professionals managing candidates, clients, and job orders, Top Echelon delivers tools designed specifically for the recruiting business model rather than adapted from general HR software. With over 30 years in the recruiting industry, Top Echelon has built deep expertise in what recruiters actually need to run successful placement businesses.
Streamline Your Recruiting ProcessKey Features
Applicant Tracking
Track candidates through your recruiting pipeline—from sourcing through placement. Manage applications, schedule interviews, and maintain candidate communication history. Workflow stages customize to match your recruiting process.
Recruiting CRM
Manage client relationships and job orders alongside candidate tracking. Sales pipeline visibility shows potential revenue. Contact management keeps client interactions organized.
Resume Parsing
Automatically extract candidate information from resumes into structured database records. Parser handles various resume formats. Reduce manual data entry when building candidate profiles.
Job Posting
Post jobs to multiple boards simultaneously. Integration with major job boards extends reach. Track application sources to understand which channels deliver candidates.
Split Network
Top Echelon's unique offering: a network connecting independent recruiters to share jobs and split fees. Access job orders you couldn't fill alone; place candidates on jobs from other recruiters.
Email Integration
Sync email communications with candidate and client records. Send emails from within the platform. Complete communication history stays with contact records.
Pricing
Top Echelon offers tiered pricing based on features and users. Basic plans start around $60/user/month for core ATS functionality. Professional plans add CRM features and split network access. Contact Top Echelon for specific pricing based on your team size and needs.
The split network has separate participation terms and fee structures.
Streamline Your Recruiting ProcessWho Uses Top Echelon?
Top Echelon serves a diverse range of recruiting professionals who need specialized tools for candidate and client management. Here are the primary industries and use cases where the platform excels.
Independent Recruiters and Solo Practitioners
Solo recruiters running their own businesses find Top Echelon particularly valuable. The platform provides enterprise-level tools at accessible pricing, while the split network opens opportunities to collaborate with other recruiters. Independent recruiters can expand their reach without hiring additional staff by leveraging network connections.
Small to Mid-Size Staffing Agencies
Staffing agencies with 2-25 recruiters use Top Echelon for complete recruiting workflow management. The combination of ATS, CRM, and split network serves their business model specifically. Teams collaborate on candidate pipelines while tracking individual performance metrics.
Executive Search Firms
Executive search firms track high-touch candidate relationships and client engagements. The CRM component suits relationship-intensive recruiting where placements may take months. Detailed communication history preserves context across extended search timelines.
IT and Technical Recruiters
Technical recruiters benefit from Top Echelon's ability to parse complex technical resumes and skills. The platform handles certifications, technology stacks, and specialized qualifications that matter in IT recruiting. Split network access provides candidate sharing for hard-to-fill technical roles.
Contract Staffing Specialists
Contract staffing agencies manage both permanent placement and contract recruiting workflows. Top Echelon handles different placement types with appropriate tracking for temporary versus direct hire positions.
Integrations
Top Echelon integrates with email providers, job boards, and background check services. The platform connects with major career sites for job distribution. API access enables custom integrations for specific workflow needs.
Top Echelon vs Competitors
Top Echelon vs Bullhorn
Bullhorn dominates the staffing industry with comprehensive features and scale. Top Echelon serves smaller agencies with more accessible pricing. Bullhorn for enterprise staffing; Top Echelon for independent recruiters.
Top Echelon vs JobAdder
JobAdder offers modern recruiting software with strong usability. Top Echelon's split network provides unique value. JobAdder for pure ATS; Top Echelon for network access.
Top Echelon vs Crelate
Crelate provides combined ATS/CRM for agencies. Both serve similar markets with comparable features. Comparison often comes down to interface preference and specific feature priorities.
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- Purpose-built for recruiting industry with deep understanding of agency workflows
- Combined ATS and CRM eliminates need for separate systems
- Unique split placement network unavailable from competitors
- Accessible pricing makes professional tools available to small agencies
- Long track record provides stability and proven reliability
- Strong resume parsing handles diverse document formats
- Comprehensive training and onboarding support
What Could Be Better
- Interface feels dated compared to modern competitors built in recent years
- Split network requires additional investment and learning curve
- Feature depth varies significantly by plan tier
- Less suited for corporate recruiting teams with different needs
- Mobile experience could use improvement for on-the-go recruiting
- Reporting customization requires higher-tier plans
Tips for Success
Getting the most from Top Echelon requires understanding its strengths and building workflows that leverage them. Here are practical tips from experienced users.
Invest Time in Split Network Relationships
The split network delivers value proportional to your engagement. Build relationships with complementary recruiters. Respond promptly to split opportunities. Reputation in the network affects which recruiters want to work with you.
Customize Your Pipeline Stages
Default pipeline stages rarely match specific workflows. Spend time configuring stages that reflect your actual recruiting process. Consistent pipeline usage improves reporting accuracy and team coordination.
Use Tags and Categories Strategically
Develop a consistent tagging system for candidates and clients. Clear categorization enables powerful searches later. Standardize tags across your team to maintain data quality.
Set Up Email Templates Early
Create email templates for common communications before you need them. Interview scheduling, offer presentations, and follow-ups benefit from consistent messaging. Templates save time and ensure professional communication.
Schedule Regular Database Maintenance
Recruiting databases grow messy without attention. Schedule monthly reviews to update candidate statuses, merge duplicates, and clean outdated records. Clean data improves search results and network effectiveness.
Streamline Your Recruiting ProcessFrequently Asked Questions
How does the split network work?
Participating recruiters share job orders and candidates through a structured network. When recruiters collaborate on placements, fees split according to agreed terms—typically 50/50 between the recruiter providing the candidate and the one providing the job order. Network access requires subscription and agreement to split protocols.
Is Top Echelon only for agencies?
Top Echelon targets recruiting agencies and executive search firms primarily. Corporate recruiting teams typically choose purpose-built corporate ATS systems rather than agency-focused tools. The platform's strengths align with agency business models.
Can I try before buying?
Top Echelon offers demonstrations and trial periods. Evaluate the software with your actual recruiting workflow before committing to subscription. Most users recommend testing the split network specifically if that feature attracts you.
How is customer support?
Top Echelon provides phone and email support with knowledgeable staff who understand recruiting. The company has served recruiters for decades and provides industry-specific guidance. Training resources include documentation, videos, and live support options.
What happens to my data if I cancel?
Top Echelon provides data export options for customers who leave. You can export candidate and client records in standard formats. Plan your transition carefully if you've built extensive database records.
How long does implementation take?
Basic implementation takes 1-2 weeks for small teams. Larger agencies with data migration requirements may need 4-6 weeks. Top Echelon provides implementation support to guide the process.
Does Top Echelon offer training?
Yes, Top Echelon provides comprehensive training including live sessions, recorded tutorials, and documentation. New users typically complete core training within the first week. Ongoing training covers advanced features and best practices.
Getting Started
Beginning with Top Echelon follows a structured path that helps new users succeed quickly.
Step 1: Schedule a Demo - Contact Top Echelon to see the platform with your specific use cases in mind. Ask about features relevant to your recruiting specialty.
Step 2: Choose Your Plan - Select a subscription tier that matches your current needs. You can upgrade later as your business grows.
Step 3: Complete Initial Setup - Configure your account, import existing data, and customize pipeline stages. Top Echelon support assists with technical setup.
Step 4: Train Your Team - Take advantage of training resources to ensure everyone uses the system consistently. Consistent usage drives better results.
Step 5: Explore the Split Network - Once comfortable with basic features, investigate split network opportunities. Build your profile and start connecting with potential partners.
Streamline Your Recruiting ProcessFinal Verdict
Top Echelon delivers recruiting software built for the staffing industry's specific needs. The combination of ATS, CRM, and split placement network creates unique value for independent recruiters and small agencies.
While the interface shows age compared to modern alternatives, the functional depth and network access make Top Echelon worth evaluating for recruiters seeking industry-specific tools. The split network alone justifies consideration for recruiters wanting to expand their placement opportunities beyond their direct network.
Rating: 4.0/5
