How to Choose the Right Hiring Automation Platform (Without Getting Locked Into a 3-Year Contract)

Choosing a hiring automation platform is like choosing a life partner: You want it to be good, you want it to last, and you definitely don't want to be stuck in a 3-year contract with someone (or something) that makes you miserable.

Here's how to choose the right platform without getting locked into a terrible contract or ending up with buyer's remorse.

The Red Flags (Run Away If You See These)

Red Flag #1: 3-Year Contracts

**The problem:** You're locked in for 3 years, even if the platform sucks.

**The solution:** Look for month-to-month or annual contracts. Avoid long-term commitments unless you're 100% sure.

Red Flag #2: Hidden Fees

**The problem:** "Starting at $99/month" becomes "$500/month" after setup fees, per-user fees, and "premium" features you need.

**The solution:** Ask for total cost upfront. Get it in writing. No surprises.

Red Flag #3: No Free Trial

**The problem:** You can't test it before committing.

**The solution:** Demand a free trial. If they won't give you one, that's a red flag.

Red Flag #4: Poor Integration

**The problem:** It doesn't work with your existing tools.

**The solution:** Check integrations before signing. Test them during trial.

Red Flag #5: No Data Export

**The problem:** You can't get your data out if you want to leave.

**The solution:** Ensure data portability. You should own your data.

What to Look For (The Green Flags)

Green Flag #1: Flexible Pricing

**What it means:** Month-to-month options, no long-term contracts, transparent pricing.

**Why it matters:** You can try it risk-free and leave if it doesn't work.

Green Flag #2: Easy Integration

**What it means:** Works with your existing ATS, HRIS, calendar, email.

**Why it matters:** No disruption to your current workflow.

Green Flag #3: AI That Actually Works

**What it means:** Actually screens candidates, not just keyword matching.

**Why it matters:** You get better candidates, not just more candidates.

Green Flag #4: Great Support

**What it means:** Responsive support, helpful documentation, active community.

**Why it matters:** You'll need help. Make sure it's available.

Green Flag #5: Data Ownership

**What it means:** You can export your data anytime.

**Why it matters:** You're not locked in. You own your data.

The Comparison Checklist

When evaluating platforms, compare these factors:

1. Pricing

[ ] Transparent pricing (no hidden fees)

[ ] Flexible contracts (month-to-month available)

[ ] Scalable (pricing grows with you)

[ ] No setup fees (or reasonable ones)

2. Features

[ ] AI screening that actually works

[ ] Skills assessments

[ ] Automated scheduling

[ ] Candidate ranking

[ ] Integration with your tools

[ ] Analytics and reporting

3. Ease of Use

[ ] Intuitive interface

[ ] Easy setup (days, not weeks)

[ ] Good documentation

[ ] Training available

4. Support

[ ] Responsive support team

[ ] Multiple support channels

[ ] Active community

[ ] Regular updates

5. Data & Security

[ ] Data ownership

[ ] Easy data export

[ ] SOC 2 compliant

[ ] GDPR compliant

[ ] Security best practices

The Questions to Ask (Before You Sign)

Question 1: "What's the total cost?"

**Why:** Hidden fees are everywhere. Get the real number.

Question 2: "Can I export my data?"

**Why:** You should own your data. Always.

Question 3: "What's the setup time?"

**Why:** If it takes months, that's a problem.

Question 4: "Does it work with [your existing tool]?"

**Why:** Integration matters. Test it.

Question 5: "What happens if I want to cancel?"

**Why:** Know your exit strategy before you need it.

Question 6: "Can I try it first?"

**Why:** Always test before committing.

The Decision Framework

Step 1: Define Your Needs

What do you actually need? Not what sounds cool. What you actually need.

Must-haves:

AI screening

Integration with your ATS

Reasonable pricing

Good support

Nice-to-haves:

Advanced analytics

Custom branding

White-label options

Step 2: Compare Options

Compare 3-5 platforms. Don't just pick the first one.

What to compare:

Features

Pricing

Ease of use

Support

Reviews

Step 3: Test Everything

Use free trials. Test integrations. Try the features.

What to test:

AI screening quality

Integration with your tools

Ease of use

Support responsiveness

Step 4: Check References

Talk to other customers. Read reviews. Get real feedback.

What to ask:

What do you like?

What don't you like?

Would you recommend it?

What would you change?

Step 5: Negotiate

Everything is negotiable. Especially contracts.

What to negotiate:

Pricing

Contract length

Setup fees

Support levels

The NordMatch Difference

Why NordMatch?

✅ Month-to-month contracts (no 3-year lock-in)

✅ Transparent pricing (no hidden fees)

✅ Works with your existing ATS (no forced migration)

✅ 2-day setup (not months)

✅ You own your data (always exportable)

✅ Great support (we actually care)

**The bottom line:** We're not trying to lock you in. We're trying to help you hire better.

The Bottom Line

Choosing a hiring automation platform doesn't have to be scary. Just avoid the red flags, look for the green flags, and test everything.

Don't get locked into a 3-year contract. Don't pay hidden fees. Don't settle for poor support.

Choose a platform that works for you, not against you.

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**Ready to choose the right platform?** [Book a demo](/#book-demo) and see how NordMatch can help you hire better—without locking you into a terrible contract. Or keep using your current platform. Your choice.

*P.S. - If you're stuck in a 3-year contract with a platform you hate, we have some bad news: you're stuck. But hey, there's always next time!*