1. What is Cluen Encore used for in 2026?
Cluen Encore is used as an executive search CRM and recruitment database for managing candidates, clients, relationships, communication history and business development activity. It suits relationship-led search teams, but firms needing a more modern ATS and CRM workflow may also compare iSmartRecruit.

2. Is Cluen suitable for high-volume recruitment?
Cluen is more suitable for executive search, legal recruitment and relationship-based hiring than high-volume recruitment. It focuses on long-term candidate and client history, while teams managing wider applicant pipelines and daily recruitment operations may find iSmartRecruit more practical.

3. What relationship intelligence features does Cluen offer?
Cluen highlights relationship intelligence features that help recruiters surface past touchpoints, warm introductions and client-candidate dynamics. These can support executive search work, but teams wanting relationship tracking along with ATS, CRM, automation and easier usability may also consider iSmartRecruit.

4. Does Cluen support compliance and data privacy workflows?
Yes, Cluen states that Encore supports GDPR compliance, consent tracking, audit trails and AI-supported compliance workflows. This can help search firms manage sensitive candidate data, but buyers should still check implementation, support and workflow flexibility before choosing.

5. What should buyers check before choosing Cluen in 2026?
Buyers should check Cluen’s pricing visibility, interface usability, integration needs, data migration, support scope and contract terms. Since some users mention dated usability, teams wanting a more flexible and user-friendly recruitment platform should also review iSmartRecruit.

6. What is the best Cluen alternative in 2026?
iSmartRecruit is one of the best Cluen alternatives for executive search firms, recruitment agencies, staffing teams and in-house hiring teams. It offers ATS, recruitment CRM, automation, collaboration and candidate management in one platform, making it a stronger option for teams needing broader recruitment workflows.