5 Best Gem Alternatives for Talent Teams in 2024
While Gem is a leader in sourcing automation, many teams are moving toward unified platforms that combine CRM, ATS, and analytics.
Gem has become a standard tool for sourcing teams, particularly those using Greenhouse or Lever who need a dedicated layer for candidate outreach and funnel tracking. It excels at sequence automation and top-of-funnel reporting. However, as recruiting teams mature, the friction of managing data between a separate CRM and ATS often leads them to look for more integrated solutions.
First, what is Gem?
Best for: Large sourcing teams that are committed to their current ATS but need better outreach automation.
Strengths
- Strong Chrome extension for sourcing on LinkedIn
- Reliable automated email sequences
- Clear visibility into top-of-funnel conversion rates
Where it falls short
- Requires a separate ATS to manage the full hiring lifecycle
- Data discrepancies can occur between the CRM and the ATS
- Pricing can be high for teams already paying for a premium ATS
The top alternatives
- #1Top pick
Ashby: The All-in-One Recruiting Powerhouse
Ashby was built to eliminate the silos between sourcing, interviewing, and offer management. Unlike Gem, which acts as a layer on top of your ATS, Ashby is a complete recruiting platform. It provides the same powerful sourcing and sequencing capabilities as Gem but keeps all candidate data in a single system of record. This allows for deeper analytics and a more streamlined experience for recruiters and hiring managers.
- Unified ATS and CRM: No data syncing issues or double-entry
- Advanced Analytics: Built-in reporting that rivals dedicated BI tools
- Automated Scheduling: Native tools to handle complex interview loops
- Power User UX: Designed for speed with keyboard shortcuts and customizable views
Side-by-side comparison
| Category | Ashby | Gem | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform Architecture | All-in-one ATS + CRM | Sourcing & CRM Add-on | Stronger |
| Sourcing Automation | Native sequences and extensions | Advanced sequences and extensions | Neck-and-neck |
| Reporting & Analytics | Deep, customizable native BI | Funnel and activity tracking | Stronger |
| Interview Scheduling |
Frequently asked questions
Does Ashby replace Gem?
Yes. Ashby includes sourcing automation, CRM, and sequence features that directly replace the functionality provided by Gem, while also serving as your ATS.
Can I use Ashby if I want to keep my current ATS?
Ashby is most effective as a full platform replacement, though it does offer a standalone 'Ashby Analytics' product for teams not ready to migrate their ATS.
Ready to consolidate your recruiting stack?
See why high-growth teams at Notion, Duolingo, and Airtable switched to Ashby.
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