REPORT

The 2026 Aptitude Research CRM Index Report examines the critical inflection point facing Candidate Relationship Management technology as it evolves from a marketing add-on to a foundational talent acquisition platform.

Based on research with 450+ TA leaders and in-depth vendor analysis, the report reveals a troubling gap: while 61% of companies spend more on CRM than their ATS, only 14% fully adopt the tools, and less than one-third are satisfied with their investment.

The report provides frameworks for evaluating CRM as an operating model rather than just a product, with deep analysis of AI capabilities, integration strategies, pricing evolution, and vendor readiness across the buying journey.

Download the report and discover:

• How to avoid the adoption trap

  Learn why most CRM implementations fail within 1-2 years and how to evaluate vendors based on usability and recruiter enablement—not just feature lists—to ensure your investment doesn't become shelfware

• Tactics for navigating AI hype vs. reality

  Get a framework for assessing Agentic AI capabilities with specific criteria around autonomy, explainability, bias mitigation, and responsible AI—critical as vendors make increasingly bold claims about what their AI can do

• How to understand the true cost

  Discover how CRM pricing models are evolving beyond seat licenses to consumption-based and outcome-aligned structures, with insights into how 68% of repeat buyers are experiencing price increases and what that means for your budget

• Simple ways to make smarter vendor decisions

  Access detailed vendor profiles with roadmaps, differentiators, integration capabilities, and best-fit scenarios—plus a sample RFP and evaluation scorecard to guide your selection process from organizational readiness through implementation