Applicant Tracking Systems are an essential part of life for modern recruiters and hiring managers. The right ATS can help you with sourcing talent, scheduling interviews, and providing a positive candidate experience.
However, not all Applicant Tracking Systems are built equally. There are dozens of options on the market, each with different capabilities and features. Finding the best ATS for your business can be quite a journey.
In this article, we’re going to look at the ten ATS options on the market today. But first, let’s take a moment to talk about how to choose the best applicant tracking software for your team.
What are the features of a good Applicant Tracking System?
Every ATS on the market is built for a different type of use case. Some platforms are perfect for small businesses and startups; others are aimed at major multinationals. There are systems that require little training or IT knowledge; other systems offer a dizzying array of customizations and tools.
This means that there’s no “best” ATS on the market. Instead, you need to think about the features that suit your team, such as:
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Automation: ATS systems can automate every part of the hiring process, so it’s important to know where you need the most help. You might need tools that manage interview scheduling, candidate communications, job postings, the onboarding process, or any other major recruitment task.
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Reporting: Analytics are hugely important, as this can tell you if your spend on recruitment is delivering ROI. You might need a platform that tracks certain metrics, includes versatile reporting templates, or a platform that works with your existing Business Intelligence software.
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Artificial Intelligence: AI is increasingly common in ATS software solutions. AI-powered services can vary, with options including chatbots to answer candidate queries, generating letters and emails, and performing data analysis.
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Integration: How will your new ATS connect to other HR software? It’s important to ask about integration options, including vendor-provided support for system integration.
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Ease-of-use and support for HR teams: Recruiters and HR professionals will be using this software, so they need to be fully empowered through training and support. Easy-to-use systems allow your team to get working quickly, but they may not offer the same level of functionality.
With this in mind, let’s look at some of the major systems and see how they stack up.
10 Best Applicant Tracking Systems
Here are ten popular options, plus the pros and cons of each one.
1. JazzHR
JazzHR is a versatile ATS that’s easy to use, even if your recruiting team doesn’t have a lot of experience with Applicant Tracking Systems. It offers customizable workflows, integrations with popular job boards, and tools to streamline the entire hiring process. This is an ideal solution for small to medium-sized businesses, although larger organizations might prefer a solution with better features.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface with intuitive design
- Competitive pricing that scales according to your needs
- Automation and reporting tools that will suit most mid-size businesses
Cons:
- Limited customization and integration options
- Slightly clunky interface
- Might not be suitable for larger organizations
2. Greenhouse
Greenhouse is one of the most powerful Applicant Tracking Systems on the market today. It comes with an incredible range of features, offering automation and reporting capabilities that will meet any organization’s needs. This power comes at a price, both in terms of cost and the steep learning curve for new users.
Pros:
- Impressive range of candidate management tools
- Excellent analytics and reporting features
- Integrates well with other HR systems
Cons:
- Pricing is not as competitive as some other options
- New users may need additional training before they can use all features (although Greenhouse provides some excellent learning resources)
3. Lever
Lever is a flexible ATS with built-in Candidate Relationship Management (CRM) tools. This makes it easier to execute a passive recruiting strategy through social media and other forms of direct communication. Lever could be an ideal solution for smaller organizations and forward-thinking tech companies.
Pros:
- Integrated CRM and passive recruitment tools
- Extremely flexible and easy to integrate
- Fresh interface design is appealing to use
Cons:
- Limited analytics and reporting tools
- May struggle to handle large-scale recruitment projects
4. SmartRecruiters
If you’re looking for an AI-first approach to recruiting, you might be intrigued by SmartRecruiters. Their platform has been built around Artificial Intelligence, including a virtual assistant called Winston who promises to automate many of your core hiring tasks.
Pros:
- High-tech AI and automation features
- Easy collaboration between hiring managers and other stakeholders
- Friendly interface
Cons:
- Not easy to control who has access to candidate data
- Integrations with third-party platforms are limited
5. Zoho Recruit
Zoho Recruit is a comprehensive ATS solution that's part of the larger Zoho business software ecosystem. It offers excellent value for smaller businesses and staffing agencies while providing robust features for managing the entire recruitment process. Its integration with other Zoho products makes it particularly attractive for companies already using Zoho tools.
Pros:
- Cost-effective solution with flexible pricing tiers
- Seamless integration with other Zoho applications
- Highly customizable workflows and application forms
Cons:
- Interface can feel dated compared to newer competitors
- May require technical support for complex customizations
- Learning curve can be steep for non-technical users
6. Keka HR
Keka HR is an all-in-one HR management system with strong ATS capabilities. This India-based platform has quickly gained popularity for its comprehensive approach to human resources management, combining recruitment, onboarding, payroll, and performance management in one system. It's particularly well-suited for mid-sized companies looking for an integrated HR solution.
Pros:
- Comprehensive HR suite beyond just recruitment
- Mobile-friendly interface with modern design
- Strong compliance features for multiple regions
Cons:
- Some advanced features require higher-tier subscriptions
- Customer support can be slow during peak hours
- Reporting capabilities are not as robust as specialized ATS solutions
7. Talentpool
Talentpool stands out as an ATS focused on creating talent pipelines and nurturing long-term candidate relationships. It specializes in helping organizations build and maintain talent pools for future hiring needs rather than just filling immediate positions. This makes it ideal for industries with recurring hiring needs or specialized positions.
Pros:
- Exceptional candidate relationship management features
- Powerful search and filtering capabilities for talent pools
- User-friendly candidate portal and communication tools
Cons:
- Less robust in handling high-volume recruitment
- Limited integration with some popular job boards
- Fewer automation features compared to leading competitors
8. iCIMS
iCIMS is an enterprise-grade recruitment platform designed to handle complex hiring processes at scale. It offers one of the most comprehensive sets of features available in an ATS, supporting everything from social media recruitment to onboarding. iCIMS is ideal for large organizations with sophisticated hiring needs and multiple stakeholders in the recruitment process.
Pros:
- Extensive customization options for enterprise needs
- Powerful analytics and business intelligence tools
- Exceptional candidate management throughout the hiring lifecycle
Cons:
- Higher price point than most competitors
- Implementation can be complex and time-consuming
- Requires dedicated administration to utilize fully
9. BambooHR
Bamboo HR combines applicant tracking with broader HR management capabilities, making it an excellent choice for growing companies looking to streamline their hiring and HR processes. The system is known for its user-friendly interface and focus on employee experience from application through employment.
Pros:
- Intuitive interface with minimal training required
- Strong onboarding tools that connect seamlessly with the ATS
- Excellent mobile experience for both recruiters and candidates
Cons:
- Not as feature-rich for complex recruitment workflows
- Limited customization for larger enterprises
- Reporting capabilities are more basic than specialized ATS options
10. Workforce Now
Workforce Now by ADP is a comprehensive HR management system with robust applicant tracking capabilities designed for mid-sized to large businesses. As part of ADP's ecosystem, it offers seamless integration between recruitment and other HR functions like payroll and benefits administration, creating a unified employee experience from application to retirement.
Pros:
- Strong compliance features and regular updates for changing regulations
- Excellent integration with payroll and benefits administration
- Comprehensive security features and data protection
Cons:
- Applicant Tracking System is not included in the main Workforce Now platform but must be purchased as an add-on
- Interface can feel corporate and less modern than newer competitors
- Implementation requires significant planning and resources
Need help with your HR technology?
A great Applicant Tracking System can make talent acquisition much easier, while helping to create an outstanding candidate experience that drives your employer branding.
Of course, an ATS is just one element of your HR technology strategy. Other systems are equally important, including your HRIS, LMS, and payroll technology.
Before you start talking to vendors, it’s important to have an overarching HR technology strategy that supports your broader goals. It can help to talk to an HR expert who can guide you through the decision-making process and help with implementation.
Want to talk to an expert? Book a call with a Helios HR consultant today and get some impartial thoughts on your best strategy.
