Best Applicant Tracking Software: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you tired of sifting through stacks of resumes and spending countless hours on recruiting processes? Look no further than applicant tracking software. In this guide, we’ll break down the top applicant tracking software options available to streamline your hiring process.

What is Applicant Tracking Software?

Applicant tracking software, commonly known as ATS, is a software application that streamlines the recruiting process. ATS assists employers in collecting, organizing, and filtering job applications, and it can even screen for keywords and qualifications.

Implementing an ATS system can reduce the amount of time and resources required in the recruiting process, as well as increase the chances of finding the right candidate for the job.

Why is Applicant Tracking Software important for businesses?

Recruiting processes can be tedious, time-consuming, and costly. An ATS can reduce recruitment costs and keep the hiring process organized and efficient. It also ensures compliance with federal laws on hiring, such as affirmative action and equal opportunity employment.

In addition, an ATS helps recruiters sift through qualified candidates and avoid the risk of overlooking talented applicants. Ultimately, an ATS aids businesses in finding the perfect candidate for the job, saving valuable time and money in the process.

Top Applicant Tracking Software Options

Name	Price	Features
Zoho Recruit	$25/month/user	Resume parsing, scheduling, job postings, and candidate tracking.
Breezy HR	$143/month for 10 jobs	Candidate sourcing, resume parsing, interview scheduling, and custom workflows.
Workable	$99/month for up to 10 jobs	Resume parsing, interview scheduling, and candidate evaluation.
Greenhouse	Custom pricing	Sourcing, custom workflows, scheduling, and team collaboration.
Jobvite	Custom pricing	Candidate pipeline management, interviewing, and collaboration.

Zoho Recruit

Zoho Recruit is a cloud-based ATS that offers a user-friendly interface and seamless integration with other Zoho apps. It includes resume parsing, scheduling, job postings, candidate tracking, and robust reporting features. Zoho Recruit also offers excellent customer service and support.

One standout feature is Zoho Recruit’s ability to automatically parse resumes and input candidates’ information into the system. It also allows for scheduling and tracking interviews, as well as personalized email templates for communication with candidates.

Breezy HR

Breezy HR is a user-friendly ATS that offers a customizable candidate pipeline, candidate sourcing, resume parsing, interview scheduling, and custom workflows. It supports multiple job boards and social media integrations, allowing for a wider pool of candidates.

Breezy HR’s standout features include video interviewing, automated reference checks, and a searchable database of candidates. It also offers an intuitive mobile app, making it easy to manage the recruiting process on-the-go.

Workable

Workable is an ATS that offers resume parsing, interview scheduling, and candidate evaluation. It integrates with various job boards, including LinkedIn and Indeed, and offers open API access for custom integrations.

One standout feature is Workable’s collaboration tools, which include the ability to add feedback and notes to candidate profiles, as well as assigning tasks and setting up reminders. It also includes a powerful reporting system for analyzing recruiting metrics and identifying bottlenecks in the hiring process.

Greenhouse

Greenhouse is an ATS that offers a range of features, including sourcing, custom workflows, scheduling, and team collaboration. It includes integrations with popular job boards and social media platforms, as well as features for candidate assessments and custom interview scorecards.

Greenhouse’s standout feature is its ability to create customized hiring workflows, ensuring every step of the hiring process is tailored to the specific needs of the employer. It also includes a powerful reporting system for analyzing hiring metrics and identifying areas for improvement.

Jobvite

Jobvite is an ATS that offers features such as candidate pipeline management, interviewing, and collaboration. It includes integrations with social media platforms and job boards, as well as tools for employee referrals and onboarding.

Jobvite’s standout feature is its AI-driven recruiting assistant, which can help identify top candidates and provide insights for optimizing the hiring process. It also includes customizable job templates and workflows, ensuring a seamless and consistent recruiting experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an ATS and a CRM?

An ATS streamlines the recruiting process and helps employers manage job applicants, while a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system helps companies manage customer interactions and improve relationships.

However, some ATS systems, such as Salesforce, offer CRM functionality, which can be beneficial for companies that want to integrate their recruiting and customer management processes.

Does my business need an applicant tracking system?

If your business is actively recruiting and receiving a high volume of job applications, an ATS can help streamline your process and save valuable time and resources. It can also increase the chances of finding the right candidate for the job.

However, if your business is not actively recruiting, an ATS may not be necessary.

Can ATS systems discriminate against certain candidates?

ATS systems are designed to help employers screen candidates objectively based on qualifications and experience. However, it is important to ensure that the system is not programmed to discriminate against candidates based on race, gender, age, or other protected characteristics. Employers should also have a human review process in place to ensure fair hiring practices.

Can an ATS integrate with other HR software?

Many ATS systems offer integrations with other HR software, such as HR management software, payroll software, and more. These integrations can help streamline HR processes and improve overall efficiency.

What should I look for in an ATS system?

When selecting an ATS system, it is important to consider factors such as ease of use, integrations, cost, customer support, and features such as resume parsing, job posting, and candidate tracking. It is also important to ensure that the system is compliant with federal hiring laws and that it can be customized to fit the specific needs of your business.

How much does an ATS system cost?

ATS systems can vary in price depending on the size and needs of your business. Some ATS systems offer free trials, while others charge a monthly or yearly subscription fee. It is important to consider the cost alongside the benefits and potential ROI of implementing an ATS system.

Can an ATS system screen for keywords and qualifications?

Yes, many ATS systems include built-in screening tools that can filter candidates based on specific keywords and qualifications. This can help streamline the hiring process by reducing the amount of time spent manually reviewing resumes and applications.

Can an ATS system schedule interviews?

Many ATS systems offer scheduling tools that allow employers to schedule interviews and send automated reminders to candidates. Some systems even offer video interview capabilities, which can help save time and resources.

Can an ATS system track the hiring process?

Yes, an ATS system can help track the entire hiring process, from initial job posting to final hiring decision. This can help employers identify bottlenecks in the process and improve overall efficiency.

Can an ATS system post job listings?

Many ATS systems offer job posting capabilities, which allow employers to post job listings to multiple job boards and social media platforms at once. This can help increase visibility and attract a wider pool of candidates.

What is the best ATS system for small businesses?

There are several excellent ATS systems available for small businesses, such as Zoho Recruit and Workable. When selecting an ATS system for a small business, it is important to consider factors such as ease of use, cost, and features that are tailored to the specific needs of the business.

Can an ATS system integrate with social media platforms?

Many ATS systems offer social media integrations that allow employers to post job listings and source candidates from platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. This can help increase visibility and attract a wider pool of candidates.

What is the best ATS system for large businesses?

There are several excellent ATS systems available for large businesses, such as Greenhouse and Jobvite. When selecting an ATS system for a large business, it is important to consider factors such as scalability, customization, and integration with existing HR software.

How can an ATS system improve the candidate experience?

An ATS system can improve the candidate experience by providing clear communication throughout the hiring process, offering personalized email templates, and allowing for easy scheduling and rescheduling of interviews. It can also provide a seamless and consistent application process for candidates.

Conclusion

Applicant tracking software can revolutionize the recruiting process and help businesses efficiently and effectively find the best candidates for the job. With a wide range of features and pricing options, there is an ATS system that can fit the needs of any size business.

By selecting the right ATS system and maximizing its features, employers can streamline the hiring process, save valuable time and resources, and ultimately find the perfect candidate for the job.

Ready to find the best ATS system for your business? Try out one of our top recommendations today!

Closing or Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the company. The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. The author and company are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this article.

Please consult with a legal or HR professional for advice specific to your business needs and compliance with federal and state hiring laws.