Comparison · ATS + job board syndication · Updated 2026-07-16
Startup Roles vs Workable
Workable is a job board plus ATS. If your best candidate probably isn't applying — and for founding roles they aren't — a curated sourcing shortlist wins on quality every time.
Workable is for
Companies filling operational and high-volume roles where inbound applicants can be shortlisted through structured scorecards.
Startup Roles is for
Founders hiring key early roles where the best five candidates in the world are already employed and never see your job post.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Startup Roles | Workable |
|---|---|---|
| Sourcing model | Curated outbound shortlist | Inbound applications from job boards |
| Best candidate quality | Employed passive candidates | Active job seekers |
| Cost | 5% only on a hire | Monthly SaaS + optional paid job slots |
| Speed to shortlist | Under 24 hours | Depends on board reach and applicant flow |
Pick Workable when
- You have brand pull and applications flow to you unprompted.
- You're filling volume roles (support, ops, entry-level) where applicant flow works.
Pick Startup Roles when
- You're hiring a founding engineer, first AE, or head of growth and inbound won't cut it.
- You want the shortlist without spending on ads or job slots.
Pricing
Startup Roles
Free. 5% success fee on the first-year base salary at hire.
Workable
Monthly SaaS tiers plus optional paid job slots on boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor.
FAQ
Can I still post to job boards?
Yes. Public roles from Startup Roles get a hosted page you can share anywhere, including on LinkedIn.
Do I need Workable too?
Not for the roles we source. If you have parallel inbound volume for other roles, Workable can sit alongside.
Try Startup Roles for your next founding hire
Free to start. 5% success fee only on a successful hire.
Start a roleMore comparisons
- Startup Roles vs GemGem is a heavyweight recruiting CRM built for in-house sourcing teams. Startup Roles is a done-with-you sourcing service for founders. Here is when to pick each.
- Startup Roles vs GreenhouseGreenhouse is a great ATS for a hiring team of ten. For a founder making their first five hires, a lighter alternative wins. Here's the honest breakdown.
- Startup Roles vs SourceWhaleSourceWhale is a great multichannel sequencer for recruiters. Startup Roles finds and vets the candidates for you. Compare price, effort, and speed to shortlist.