It is the time of year when teams are evaluating their recruitment strategies and seeking ways to improve the hiring process. Currently, there are a variety of applicant tracking software programs available that are designed to streamline the hiring process. The most commonly used software is known as an applicant tracking system or ATS. We compiled a list of best applicant tracking software that can help you with your TA process based on their features and pros & cons.

Each system will vary on what features they offer but it is the features that tend to make the difference in the success of the business. Not every business will utilize certain features which is why it is good to know what features are needed for your company. Below, we discuss what an ATS is, common ATS features, and the top systems on the market today.

What is an Applicant Tracking System?

ATS is software that assists hiring managers in the hiring process by collecting applications, organizing candidates, and tracking metrics. It is known to automate processes that are time-consuming such as sending reminders to applicants, posting to job boards, and scheduling interviews.

Top Applicant Tracking Features

Not all applicant tracking systems are created equal, which is why it is important to shop around before deciding on which one is the best for your company. When searching for the right system, it is important to know your hiring team because some features will take recruiting to the next level, while some may be redundant to your team. Below are the most common ATS features.

Job Board Distribution

The goal is to get your job distributed to as many locations as possible. The easiest way to do this is when the ATS has job board distribution. Most programs will send your job requisition to the top employment platforms such as Zip Recruiter and Indeed. Other programs will post your position to fifty-plus platforms from local sources to global sources.

It is important to know where the majority of your candidates are sourced from so that you know which platforms are the most fruitful for your company. Once you have selected an ATS that you feel may be a good fit, confirm that it automatically posts to the job boards that you are already using.

For most ATS companies, you will have to talk with a customer service representative to learn which job boards they automatically distribute positions to.

Social Media Distribution

Top ATS programs seamlessly connect to the most popular forms of social media creating an easy way to reach potential candidates with current job openings. Social media distribution is an ATS feature that automates the process of posting to multiple social media outlets with one click.

Why does this matter? Because nearly 79% of applicants use social media in their job search. Social media is known to help build the company brand and over 85% of employers have said that social media helps them find and engage passive job seekers.

Imagine finding top talent when they weren’t even actively looking for a new position!

Sorting Applications

One of the more time-consuming tasks is sorting applications but an ATS can drastically improve this process. As the candidate works through the application, they will select which position they are applying to.

When the application is completed the system can review the candidate’s information and quickly decide if they will be an acceptable match based on predetermined criteria such as highest degree achieved or work experience.

If the candidate meets the criteria, the hiring manager will be notified that they have a match. It is then up to the manager to decide if they wish to invite the candidate to an interview.

Job Specific Filters

When an application is completed it will automatically be stored. This allows hiring managers to quickly and easily search through candidates when they need to fill a position. Having an ATS with specific job filters is key to effectively searching through candidates because you will be able to select which position you are looking to fill, similarly to sorting applications, and the system will find all potential employees that meet the position requirements.

Some ATS programs allow managers to search for specific talents, skills, and qualifications. This is especially helpful to staffing agencies when they receive a new position because you do not need to have a job description created and uploaded to begin the hunt for the perfect employee. This is becoming an increasingly common feature that is available on even the most basic plans for an ATS.

Interview Scheduling

Once a candidate has completed the application and is believed to be a good fit for the position you will want to schedule an interview. Some ATS programs can contact candidates and schedule interviews without the hiring manager having to make multiple calls to contact the candidate.
Playing phone tag with candidates is time-consuming, and there is finally a feature that simplifies the process. There is even an add-on feature that includes one-way video interviewing. This applicant tracking software allows you to send an interview link to your candidate.

The candidate will then open the link, read through the interview questions, and record themselves answering the questions that were provided. This can be done at their convenience. No more missed interviews, late arrivals, or interviews that exceed time restraints.

If you find that your interviewing process is inefficient, it can be easily improved with a feature like interview scheduling or one-way interviewing.

Document Management

The days of spending hours at the end of each shift hand-filing documents are long gone. If you adopt an ATS, the system will seamlessly organize documents that can be retrieved with a single click inside the candidate’s file.

This feature is fantastic for hiring teams because each hiring manager can see what documents are completed. It allows for any member of the team to assist candidates in the application and hiring process since progress can be viewed by all users thus creating a more efficient process.

Many companies offer e-signing as an add-on feature. This is particularly helpful because managers can go paperless. Instead of uploading endless forms at the end of the day, the forms are completed in the application and immediately saved in the candidate file.

If you find that document management hinders efficiency, these are excellent features to look into.

Automated Messaging

One of the most useful features is known as automated messaging. These are prewritten, scheduled messages that are automatically sent to candidates when they complete predetermined tasks.

When they complete the application they will receive instructions on what to do next. It will send various task and schedule reminders. This is the best and easiest way to maintain a great candidate relationship.

Most companies offer an add-on of SMS Text. This allows managers to communicate with candidates via text messaging that is not scripted or scheduled. In a world where 73% of job seekers interact through mobile phones more than they do in person, texting is a must-have feature!

Candidate Feedback

Improving the hiring process can be as easy as regularly collecting candidate feedback. Luckily for hiring managers, collecting feedback can be as easy as adding a form in the ATS. The candidate feedback form includes questions about the job description, interview process, and overall hiring process.

Be sure to include an open area where the candidate can freely give feedback that may not have been covered in the listed questions. This is a great way to improve the interviewing and hiring process while simultaneously building a lasting relationship with the candidate.

Best Applicant Tracking Software

Finding the ATS software for your business can be challenging. Below, we discuss the top trending applicant tracking software including their pros and cons. When deciding on an ATS, it is important to note if and how long the free trial is and how many users per month are allowed. For some companies listed, this information was easily accessible while for others it leaves us guessing.

Remember that not all ATS are created equally. It is important to know what your team’s needs are when selecting new applicant tracking software. Some software will perform better for smaller companies, while others are excellent for large enterprises.

If your team struggles to keep job boards and social media updated, then finding an ATS that will keep those platforms updated in real-time needs to be a priority. Understanding your team’s needs is imperative when selecting an ATS so that you can select the program that has the best features for your team. Continue reading to learn about the top trending applicant tracking systems.

1. Breezy HR

This HR software works best for fast-growing companies that are hiring for multiple positions. It is an ATS that advertises open positions on 50+ job sites, automates tedious tasks, and collects data along the way.

Breezy HR integrates with other programs like LinkedIn, Slack, Google Analytics, and much more. They offer a variety of plans ranging from $143 to $399 per month. Higher-tiered plans include customizable interview guides, e-signatures, automated reference checking, and more.

This applicant tracking software has access to a library of 800 human resource tools and templates as well as an online help center with articles about the software and how to troubleshoot it yourself.

Breezy HR Pros

  • User Friendly
  • Automates Most Processes
  • 14-Day Free Trial
  • Posts to Multiple Job Boards

Breezy HR Cons

  • No Phone Support, Only Email
  • Add-ons are Pricey
  • Lacks Reporting Capabilities
  • System lacks Intuition

2. Bullhorn

This ATS is known to help quickly find the perfect candidate and to streamline all workflows because it flawlessly integrates with other vendor management systems. If you struggle to remember to upload new positions this is the applicant tracking software for you! It automatically updates job boards based on the job requisitions added in the ATS.

There is no need to have a checklist of where to post the new position because once the requisition is in the system, the rest is done for you. This is particularly helpful for staffing companies that hire for a variety of positions.

It is a cloud-based system and mobile friendly. Staffing companies are thrilled with the software because it is easily accessible, can process high volumes of applicants, and has a user interface that is simple and efficient. Bullhorn does offer the add-on feature of SMS texting.

Bullhorn Pros

  • User-Friendly Interface
  • Excellent Document Management
  • Integrates with other HR Tools (CareerBuilder, Monster, etc)
  • Multi-user System

Bullhorn Cons

  • Parsing of Resumes Needs Improvement
  • Lacks Training Resources
  • Search Filters Need Improvement
  • Must Call for Pricing

3. JazzHR

The ATS allows you to set up the hiring process as you see fit resulting in a customizable workflow and task automation system. It allows the admin to create specific hiring teams and within that team, recruiters can evaluate and discuss candidates. Additional features can be added with a monthly paid plan such as candidate texting, e-signatures, and zoom integration.

This applicant tracking software is best for companies with fewer than 500 employees because they take pride in their ATS being purpose-built for growing businesses. Monthly plans start at only $49 and are billed annually.

JazzHR Pros

  • Affordable Entry Plan
  • Unlimited Users with All Plans
  • Entirely Customizable
  • Free 21-Day Trial

JazzHR Cons

  • Notification Settings Modify Every Users Settings
  • No Reference Checking System
  • Accessing Reports Require Contacting Customer Service
  • Metric Tracking Needs Improvement

4. BambooHR

This is an all-in-one HR software company that takes sourcing candidates and extending employment offers seriously. The ATS includes everything from document management, benefit tracking, open API, and candidate feedback reporting.

One of their most talked about features is sending offer letters immediately after a hiring decision is made. This feature has allowed BambooHR to decrease the time it takes to fill positions because there are zero delays from a decision to initiating the onboarding process.

The ATS is only available with the advanced plan. This software is geared towards businesses that are searching for full-service HR software that hosts one of the best ATS. It is ideal for handling all things HR in one place.

BambooHR Pros

  • All-In-One HR Platform
  • Manages Employee Records
  • Easy to Use Templates
  • Excellent Document Management

BambooHR Cons

  • No Free Plan
  • Must Call for Pricing
  • Mobile Version Needs Improvement
  • Platform Integration Needs Improvement

5. Workable

Workable is known for their best in class ATS for businesses of all sizes, however, it tends to be a favorite with computer software companies. This ATS allows for the automation of job postings, email and calendar sync, interview scorecards, and much more.

They have a top-rated mobile app for both iOS and Android devices that keeps the hiring process moving even when you are on the go. They also have over 1000 job description templates that have been optimized specifically for job boards.

Workable offers add-ons that include interview self-scheduling, referrals portal, page builder, reporting suite, CSV export, and additional automated actions. It seamlessly integrates with CareerBuilder, Indeed, Glassdoor, Gmail, LinkedIn, and SimplyHired.

This applicant tracking software begins at $129 per month per job, however, they offer a pay-as-you-go option where customers can pay per job instead of monthly.

Workable Pros

  • Posts to Multiple Job Boards
  • Fantastic Mobile Experience
  • User Friendly
  • Offers a Variety of Add-Ons

Workable Cons

  • Employee Referrals Need Improvement
  • Search Functions Need Improvement
  • Unable to Schedule Future Messages
  • Customer Service is Hard to Contact

6. Workday Recruiting

This recruiting and applicant tracking system works best for large companies. It is known to simplify the hiring process with various applicant management tools such as job requisition sourcing, workflow automation, social media integration, and more.

Workday is used in many industries and has various products from financial management to strategic sourcing. They have add-ons for payroll, talent management, and analytics/reporting. Sadly, they do not report on the cost of their software.

Workday Recruiting Pros

  • Intuitive Dashboard
  • End-to-End ATS
  • Multiple Workday Products and Add-ons
  • Customizable

Workday Recruiting Cons

  • Lacks Pricing Transparency
  • Must Contact Customer Service for Trial
  • Not for Small Businesses
  • Confusing about How Each Product Connects

7. Zoho Recruit

Zoho Recruit is a cloud-based applicant tracking system geared toward staffing agencies and corporate hr departments. This software is a beginning-to-end software, meaning that it assists in social media posting, pre-screening assessments, background checks, recruiting automation, and much more.

Zoho Recruit offers an all-in-one talent acquisition solution with three monthly options. They also offer a ForeverFree option that allows for one active job posting. The monthly plans range from $25 to $75 per recruiter, per month.

The upper paid tiers allow users to post more active jobs, process background checks, have candidate portals, have security control, and more. The enterprise tier has territory management, client and staffing portals, and autoresponders.

There are two add-ons available: client portal and video interviews. The client portal is $6 per month and allows you to create job openings, review candidates, and give feedback. The video interviews cost $12 a month and can be one-way or live interviews.

Zoho Recruit offers a 15-day free trial with no requirements of putting a credit card on file.

Zoho Recruit Pros

  • Affordable Plans
  • Integration with other Zoho Apps
  • Excellent Search Abilities
  • Blueprint Allows Users to track Applicant Progress

Zoho Recruit Cons

  • Mobile System Needs Improvement
  • Lacks Customization
  • Templates Need Improvement
  • Metric Tracking and Reporting Need Improvement

8. Recruitee

Recruitee is a cloud-based system that provides businesses with a comprehensive applicant tracking system. It seems to work best for small to midsize companies and seamlessly integrates with Slack, Zapier, Monster, Google, Indeed, LinkedIn, and CareerBuilder.

The most commonly discussed feature is that Recruitee posts your job to more than 1,450 free and paid job boards. This is a perk because it is reaching more candidates than most software.

Pricing starts at $224 a month with 10 job slots and increases to $449 for 20 job slots. They do offer a 16% discount when you pay annually instead of monthly. These prices are to launch your hiring. If you wish to scale your business the price starts at $399 for 10 job slots and jumps to $799 for 20 job slots.

If you wish to scale your business, you receive all of the launch features plus calendar meeting rooms, event schedulers, automated emailing, automated action and triggers, questionnaires, evaluation forms, and EEO compliance to take your business to the next level.

Recruitee offers an 18-day free trial with no requirements of putting a credit card on file.

Recruitee Pros

  • Free Trial
  • User Friendly
  • Posts to Job Boards and Social Media
  • Excellent Customer Service

Recruitee Cons

  • Lacks Candidate Matching
  • Mobile App Needs Improvement
  • Lacks Customization
  • Expensive Compared to Competitors

9. Discovered ATS

Discovered is best known for attracting, accessing, hiring, and nurturing candidates throughout the hiring process. They understand that companies lose 89% of potential candidates when the hiring process is prolonged and they utilize automation to create the most efficient hiring process.

The ATS instantly pushes jobs to job boards, automates workflow management, and offers customized messaging templates. It has built-in recruiting videos and additional training that other companies lack. There is an option for multiple users and easily tracks employee referrals.

The workflow management software is fully customizable to meet business needs. It allows you to communicate with candidates seamlessly through email and unlimited text messaging. No add-ons are needed! The best part is that the system is fully integrated with Google and Microsoft accounts.

The most popular feature is one-way video interviewing. This software allows candidates to record themselves answering interview questions and submitting it to the hiring manager at their convenience. No more waiting around for an interviewer that may never show. Managers can access the interview when they are available and can repeatedly review the video when making a final decision.

Discovered offers automated reference checking, candidate scorecards, interview guides, and more.

Discovered ATS Pros

  • Variety of Programs
  • Fully Automated Processes
  • Post Jobs instantly to Job Boards
  • Online eLearning Courses

Discovered ATS Cons

  • Limited Online Reviews
  • Must Call for Pricing

Success Starts with Discovered ATS

Discussed above are the best talent acquisition software programs that are on the market today. Some are geared toward finding candidates while others are capable of sourcing, hiring, and onboarding candidates while simultaneously collecting data. Of all the programs mentioned above, Discovered ATS covers all bases and offers educational resources for hiring managers.

Large and small businesses alike find success with Discovered ATS. They have an obligation-free trial that allows you to create a custom pre-employment assessment. This trial includes a personal call to discuss your specific hiring needs. Then leads to product recommendations that will help you meet your acquisition goals.

If you are looking to improve your talent acquisition process but aren’t sure where to start, book a demo today. To speak with a member of our customer support team today give us a call at (833) 332-837.