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Top Echelon Review 2026: Best Recruiting Software for Agencies?

Top Echelon Software

Recruiting and applicant tracking software for staffing agencies and corporate recruiters to manage candidates and placements.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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.

[cta text="Streamline Your Recruiting Process"]

Key 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.

[cta text="Streamline Your Recruiting Process"]

Who Uses Top Echelon?

Independent recruiters and small staffing agencies use Top Echelon for complete recruiting workflow management. The combination of ATS, CRM, and split network serves their business model specifically.

Executive search firms track high-touch candidate relationships and client engagements. The CRM component suits relationship-intensive recruiting.

Recruiters wanting access to the split placement network join Top Echelon to expand their reach beyond direct clients and candidates.

Contract staffing agencies manage both permanent placement and contract recruiting workflows.

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

Pros

  • Purpose-built for recruiting industry
  • Combined ATS and CRM
  • Unique split placement network
  • Accessible pricing for small agencies
  • Long track record in industry

Cons

  • Interface feels dated vs. modern competitors
  • Split network requires additional investment
  • Feature depth varies by plan
  • Less suited for corporate recruiting

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the split network work?

Participating recruiters share job orders and candidates. When recruiters collaborate on placements, fees split according to agreed terms. Network access requires subscription and agreement to split protocols.

Is Top Echelon only for agencies?

Top Echelon targets recruiting agencies and executive search firms. Corporate recruiting teams typically choose purpose-built corporate ATS systems rather than agency-focused tools.

Can I try before buying?

Top Echelon offers demonstrations and trial periods. Evaluate the software with your actual recruiting workflow before committing to subscription.

How is customer support?

Top Echelon provides phone and email support. The company has served recruiters for decades and understands industry-specific needs. Training resources help new users.

[cta text="Streamline Your Recruiting Process"]

Final 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.

Rating: 4.0/5

Written by Louis Corneloup
Founder at Dupple and Techpresso
January 12, 2026

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