Recruiting top talent is a constant challenge for HR professionals. An applicant tracking system (ATS) can alleviate some of the burden. These programs can help with everything from posting job ads to sorting applications. However, HR teams have a multitude of ATS options to choose from – and the differences can be significant. Before you settle on a program, consider what each of the most popular ATS solutions has to offer.
How Applicant Tracking Systems Can Improve Your Hiring Process
An ATS can help with many pain points in the hiring process if:
- You’re having trouble finding high-quality job applicants, an ATS can support you in creating job postings to help you attract more applicants.
- Quality job applicants are slipping through the cracks, an ATS can make it easier to sort through applications to identify the skills and experience you need in a candidate.
- Recruitment is eating up too much of your time, an ATS can automate many tasks.
- Your process is disorganized, a modern ATS that integrates with other systems can streamline and simplify the hiring process.
What to Look For in an Applicant Tracking System
There are many applicant tracking software options to choose from. When comparing ATS software solutions, focus on their key features.
- Automation. An ATS can save a tremendous amount of time by automating tasks, such as posting job ads, replying to applicants and scheduling interviews. However, the level of automation can vary. Find out which tasks are automated.
- Customization. Your job application process should match your brand – customization can make this possible. See which elements are customizable.
- Analytics. An ATS can collect a significant amount of data. You should leverage the data to assess your application process. Embedded analytics can make this easy.
- Integration. An ATS that talks to other programs can make life easier for HR teams. For example, your ATS may integrate with calendars, email and multiple job boards.
- Focus. Some systems cater to certain industries; others focus on executive job applications. A niche system may work well for you, as long as the focus matches your needs.
- Scalability. As you hire top talent, your organization will grow. Find out whether your ATS can grow with you. Some are suitable for small companies and startups, some cater to large companies, and some can work for companies of any size.
- Applicant experience. You also need to look at the system from the point of view of the job applicants. If the application experience is frustrating, it may scare some of the most in-demand applicants away.
- Other functions. Some applicant tracking systems just focus on the application process, but others are part of a bigger HR system. For example, some support the onboarding process and others even provide payroll and time-tracking functions.
- Cost. If you have the budget, an expensive ATS might be worth the cost, provided it helps you achieve your recruitment goals. However, if your budget is limited, you might need to choose a less expensive option.
10 Popular Applicant Tracking Systems to Consider
If you’re looking for the best applicant tracking system, keep in mind the ATS that works well for one company might not fit the needs of another. Before you settle on an ATS, you need to figure out what’s best for your company.
To help you get started, we summarized some high-level information available online about 10 popular solutions below. Of course, this is just a starting point. You will need to do your own research and view a demo of top contenders before reaching a decision.
ApplicantStack
ApplicantStack from Swipeclock aims to help organizations post jobs, find candidates and hire workers quickly and easily. The system will help you create job ads, post to job boards and social media sites, score applicants and create questionnaires. In addition to ApplicantStack Recruit, you can use ApplicantStack Onboard to onboard your new hires.
- Pros: This is an easy-to-use option.
- Cons: The bundle option includes one admin and five users, which may not be enough for large companies.
BambooHR
BambooHR is an all-in-one system designed to simplify HR processes. The capabilities include an applicant tracking system.
- Pros: If you’re looking for an all-in-one tool, you can opt for the Advantage Package, which includes an ATS as well as onboarding, employee wellbeing surveys, offboarding and more. BambooHR also offers a mobile hiring app.
- Cons: BambooHR is designed for small and medium companies and may not be suitable for larger companies.
Breezy
Breezy can help you attract jobseekers, screen applicants, and hire and onboard your new employees. A basic “Bootstrap” option is available for free, and there are subscription options available for a monthly cost. In addition to facilitating posting on a variety of job boards, Breezy provides customizable career sites you can launch with zero need for coding.
- Pros: Paid plans include unlimited users, candidates and positions.
- Cons: The Startup option may lack key features, including automated reference checking and customizable scorecards. However, the more expensive options do include these features.
CareerBuilder
CareerBuilder is a popular employment website many jobseekers use when searching for new career opportunities. Employers can subscribe to CareerBuilder to post jobs and search resumes. The resume match notification feature alerts you when users add new resumes that match your criteria and allows you to send emails automatically.
- Pros: CareerBuilder says more than 90 million people are actively searching for jobs on the site. It is a major source of qualified candidates.
- Cons: The Standard package only allows three job postings. The Pro subscription option is capped at five job postings.
ClearCompany
ClearCompany says it offers everything you need to hire, retain and engage top talent. The ATS program supports job board postings, branded career sites, referral management, interview scheduling, background checks and more.
- Pros: ClearCompany prioritizes a positive candidate experience. The ATS boasts a modern interface with texting and video capabilities. It supports multilingual applications.
- Cons: You’ll need to request a quote for pricing information. The full platform may not be the most cost-effective option for small businesses.
Cornerstone Recruiting
Cornerstone Recruiting says it can help you uncover internal talent and maintain a pool of qualified workers. The system lets you automate tasks and customize your onboarding process.
- Pros: Internal hiring can be a good way to retain top workers and grow talent – Cornerstone has features to help you launch campaigns for this.
- Cons: You’ll need to contact the company for pricing, so this may not be your best bet if you’re looking for a budget option.
Greenhouse
Greenhouse describes itself as a hiring operating system for people-first companies. The Greenhouse system can assist with recruiting and onboarding. It supports job listings on more than 1,000 large and niche job boards.
- Pros: Greenhouse strives to create an equitable hiring process and reduce unconscious bias with its tools. For example, one feature allows candidates to pre-record the correct pronunciation of their name.
- Cons: Although Greenhouse supports recruitment and onboarding, this might not be the best option for you if you’re looking for an ATS that’s part of more robust, all-in-one HR system.
JazzHR
JazzHR says it streamlines the entire recruiting process through its candidate sourcing, employer branding, interviews, collaborative hiring and more. It supports unlimited users; plus, some subscriptions support unlimited open jobs.
- Pros: JazzHR says its tools are designed to be highly customizable.
- Cons: If you just want an ATS, this may be a good option. However, if you’re looking for a more robust one-stop HR tool, this may not have the features you need.
PeopleFluent
PeopleFluent says its recruiting software will integrate with your current tech and you’ll have access to automated requisition approval and a job description library. PeopleFluent also offers solutions including compensation planning software.
- Pros: Solutions are available for small, medium and large enterprises.
- Cons: You’ll need to contact PeopleFluent for pricing, meaning this may not be your best bet if you’re looking for a budget option.
Workable
Workable’s recruiting software helps you attract, assess and hire workers. The program includes branded career pages, AI-powered sourcing and video interviews.
- Pros: Workable uses tools and reports to help you comply with various data privacy and employment regulations.
- Cons: If you just want an ATS, this may be a good option. However, if you’re looking for a more robust one-stop HR tool, this may not have the features you need.
Empowering Your HR Department
These popular ATS options can help your HR team streamline the hiring process. For more support, learn about Higginbotham’s HR services.
