If you’re trying to get your recruitment team’s video interviews and notes flowing smoothly into your CRM, you’ve probably run into some headaches. Integrating two systems like Odro (for video interviewing and candidate engagement) with your existing CRM can be annoyingly fiddly. This guide is for anyone who wants real answers, not marketing fluff.
Here’s how to actually get Odro and your CRM talking—without making a career out of it.
Who this is for
- Recruitment agencies or internal talent teams using Odro for video interviews.
- Anyone who wants candidate info, feedback, and status updates to flow automatically into their CRM.
- Folks who’d rather fix a workflow once and move on, not drown in CSV exports or data re-entry.
If you’re stuck manually updating records, chasing missing links, or just tired of “integrations” that don’t really integrate, read on.
Step 1: Get clear on your CRM and Odro setup
Before you start, know exactly what you’re working with. Integrations vary a lot depending on the CRM and the Odro plan you use.
Checklist: - Which CRM are you using? (Bullhorn, Vincere, Salesforce, etc.) - Is it cloud-based or on-premises? (On-prem = more work) - What’s your Odro plan? Some features or API access may cost extra. - Who manages your systems? (IT, an admin, or you?) - What are your must-have data syncs? (Candidates, interviews, notes, statuses)
Pro tip:
Write down what “success” looks like. Example: “When a candidate completes an Odro interview, their video link and feedback should appear automatically in their CRM record.”
Honest take:
Don’t trust vague promises about “seamless integration.” Some CRMs have plug-and-play connectors; others need custom API work. Know your stack.
Step 2: Check for a native integration (and test it)
Start by seeing if Odro or your CRM has a built-in integration. This is always the path of least resistance.
How to check: - Log in to both systems and look for “integrations,” “apps,” or “marketplace” menus. - On Odro, check admin settings or the help docs for CRM integrations. - On your CRM, search for Odro in their integration directory or marketplace. - Ask your account managers or support—sometimes integrations aren’t advertised but are available.
Popular native integrations: - Bullhorn: Odro has a direct integration (extra setup required). - Vincere: Official connector available. - Salesforce: Usually needs an add-on or middleware.
What works:
Native integrations usually handle the basics: video links, candidate records, feedback. If this covers what you need, great—use it.
What to ignore:
If the integration only does “single sign-on” or just creates a record without syncing interview data, it’s probably not enough.
Test it:
- Connect your test accounts.
- Run a full candidate workflow: Invite, interview, record feedback.
- See what actually appears in your CRM.
Pro tip:
Test with real data, not just a demo record. You’ll quickly see what syncs (and what doesn’t).
Step 3: Decide if you need a middleware tool
If there’s no native integration, or it’s too limited, look at middleware platforms. These sit between Odro and your CRM to shuttle data back and forth.
Common middleware options: - Zapier (for lightweight, cloud-based CRMs) - Make (formerly Integromat) - Custom scripts using Odro’s and your CRM’s APIs
What works:
Middleware can automate simple workflows—think: when an Odro interview ends, post the video link and notes to a CRM record.
What doesn’t work:
- Complex, multi-step processes with lots of branching logic.
- Real-time syncing (most middleware has a delay).
- Handling super-sensitive data—middleware is another potential leak.
How to set it up: 1. Sign up for the middleware and connect both Odro and your CRM accounts. 2. Use templates or build your own “zaps” or scenarios. 3. Test with sample workflows.
Watch out:
- API limits. Some CRMs (looking at you, Salesforce) have strict quotas.
- Data mapping headaches—make sure field names and formats match up.
Step 4: Set up custom API integration (only if you must)
If you need more than the basics, or your systems are highly customized, you’ll probably need to go the API route. This is more work and usually means getting a developer involved.
What you’ll need: - API documentation for both Odro and your CRM. - API credentials (tokens, keys, etc.). - Clear mapping of which data moves where and when.
Typical steps: 1. Authentication: Set up secure connections using API keys. 2. Data mapping: Decide which Odro fields (e.g., video link, feedback, status) go to which CRM fields. 3. Scheduling: Set up scripts or background jobs to run at needed intervals. 4. Error handling: Plan for failures (timeouts, bad data, etc.).
What works:
Custom APIs are powerful. You can control exactly what data moves, when, and how.
What doesn’t:
- This is not “set and forget.” APIs change. You’ll need to maintain this over time.
- It’s easy to over-engineer. Sync only what you actually use.
Pro tip:
Start with a “minimum viable sync.” You can always add fields or complexity later.
Step 5: Map your data fields—don’t skip this
Integrations fall apart when fields don’t match. “Video Link” in Odro might not have a home in your CRM, or formats might not match.
How to avoid this: - List every field you want to sync (candidate name, email, video link, feedback, status, etc.). - Check field types (text, URL, picklist, etc.) and make sure they’re compatible. - Decide what happens if a field is blank or invalid.
What works:
Keeping mappings simple. Only sync what you’ll actually use in your workflow.
What to ignore:
Don’t bother syncing every possible field “just in case.” More fields = more things to break.
Step 6: Set up notifications and error alerts
Even the best integrations fail sometimes. Set up alerts so you know when something breaks—before your team notices.
How to do it: - Use your middleware’s alerting tools (email, Slack, etc.). - For custom integrations, add error logging and notifications. - Do regular spot-checks (once a week is fine for most teams).
Pro tip:
Build in a “failsafe” so if the integration fails, you don’t lose data—just revert to manual for the day.
Step 7: Train your team (and write it down)
Don’t assume everyone knows how the new workflow works. Show your recruiters or hiring managers what’s new and what to expect.
Checklist: - Quick walkthroughs (screenshots or short videos help) - What they need to do differently (if anything) - Who to contact if something breaks
What works:
Simple, clear instructions. One-pagers beat 20-page manuals every time.
What to ignore:
Don’t overwhelm with tech details. Most users just want to know: “How does this change my day?”
Step 8: Monitor, tweak, and don’t overcomplicate
No integration is ever truly “done.” Watch for issues, ask for feedback, and adjust as needed.
How to keep it sane: - Monitor error logs and spot-check data in the first few weeks. - Ask users what’s actually making life easier (or not). - Tweak field mappings if something’s missing or not helpful.
Honest take:
If you find yourself spending hours every week fixing the integration, it’s probably too complicated. Scale back to the basics.
Real-world tips (from the trenches)
- Start small: Don’t try to build a spaceship. Sync the essentials, then expand.
- Document everything: Even a Google Doc with “what connects to what” helps future you (or the next admin).
- Push back on vendors: If Odro or your CRM says something “can’t be done,” ask for workarounds or examples. Marketing slides often over-promise.
- Security matters: Keep API keys safe, and know who has access. GDPR and other rules don’t care if your integration was “just a test.”
Keep it simple, keep it moving
Getting Odro and your CRM to play nice isn’t magic—but it does take some planning. Don’t get sucked into over-engineering. Start with the basics, automate what matters, and revisit your setup every few months.
Remember: The goal isn’t a perfect integration. It’s a workflow that lets your team focus on hiring, not wrestling with data. Start simple, iterate, and you’ll thank yourself later.