NORA Technology Awards

Introducing the NORA TECHNOLOGY AWARDS

Recognising the technologies which power the recruitment ecosystem 

Almost all of our regular NORA Awards are for organisations that are fully visible to jobseekers, job boards, employers and recruitment agencies. However, beneath all of the branding is an army of recruitment technology platforms which themselves take candidates through the full hiring process, and enable recruiters to identify the very best, and to make the candidate experience as efficient as possible (if not always a delight).

This year, for the first time, we will be presenting these awards in an afternoon event on the same day as the traditional NORAs. All are very welcome, but this is specifically focussed on the recruitment technology sector, including ATS & CRM platforms, employer branding, assessments, video tools, and so much more. The common theme being that jobseekers are rarely aware of these organisations. This combined conference and awards event also gives us the opportunity to discuss the technology landscape that we are all experiencing, and how fast this world is evolving.

Best Innovation

This award is dedicated to technology firms in all other categories who have shown outstanding innovation in solving the most pressing issues in recruitment. This can be with brand new technologies, or novel techniques used in a whole new way.
In 2025, this award was won by LinkedIn Hiring Assistant.

Best Candidate-Centric Platform

Previously known as the Best Employment Advice Website, this category has been expanded for 2025. The Best Candidate-Centric Platform award now recognises digital products and technologies which put jobseekers at the heart of the hiring process. Whether helping candidates research employers, providing expert career advice, simplifying applications, optimising CVs, or personalising job alerts and communications, these solutions empower users to navigate the job market with greater confidence and efficiency. The evolution of this award highlights the growing expectation for tailored, supportive technology at every stage of the recruitment journey.

In 2025, this award was won by ERIC.

Best ATS

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are the backbone of modern recruitment practice for employers. This award honours platforms used by employers to manage the entire attraction & application process: tracking candidates from their initial application to their final interview. Judges will look for platforms that streamline workflows, automate repetitive tasks, integrate with other recruitment tools, and provide powerful analytics – all while ensuring a smooth experience for both jobseekers and recruiters. By recognising these systems, the NORAs highlight their crucial role in making recruitment more organised, equitable, and effective.

In 2025, this award was won by Greenhouse.

Best CRM

Candidate/Client Relationship Management (CRM) platforms are the backbone of modern recruitment for staffing agencies. This award honours platforms used by staffing agencies to manage the entire attraction & application process: tracking candidates from their initial application, to submission to clients, and to their final interview. Uniquely, these are commercial platforms which also track and maintain all communications with clients, deals, and billing. Judges will look for platforms that streamline workflows, automate repetitive tasks, integrate with other recruitment tools, and provide powerful analytics – all while ensuring a smooth experience for both jobseekers and agency recruiters. By recognising these systems, the NORAs highlight their crucial role in making recruitment more organised, equitable, and effective.

In 2025, Firefish Software won the NORA Academy Award.

Best Job Distribution Platform

With the vast number of digital channels available today, recruitment marketing has grown far more sophisticated. The Best Job Distribution Platform award recognises tools that distribute job ads across multiple websites, allowing employers to maximise their reach and attract quality candidates. Most of these platforms use programmatic technology to optimise both the number and calibre of applications, as well as to manage advertising costs efficiently. This category celebrates innovations that help employers cut through the noise and ensure their opportunities get noticed by the right people.

In 2025, this award was won by VONQ.

Best AI Sourcing & Messaging Technology

The Best AI Sourcing & Messaging Technology award spotlights platforms that use artificial intelligence to proactively find and engage with candidates. These tools are specifically designed to match employer requirements, discover passive talent, and personalise outreach—often at scale. From analysing skills to predicting candidate fit, and automating human-like communications, AI-driven platforms are rapidly reshaping recruitment practice. As this category is new, the definition may evolve in future years to keep pace with innovation in the field.

In 2025, this award was won by Paradox.

Conclusion

The updated and new awards at the NORAs’ silver jubilee not only celebrate technological progress but also reinforce the industry’s commitment to supporting both employers and candidates. By highlighting advancements in job boards, candidate-centric solutions, ATS/CRM platforms, job distribution, and AI-powered sourcing, the 25th Annual National Online Recruitment Awards continues to set the standard for digital hiring excellence. As recruitment evolves, these categories ensure that the most impactful innovations receive the recognition they deserve.

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN, and will close on Saturday 12th September at 5:00PM

Recruitment websites and technology companies can also REGISTER HERE.