Best Applicant Tracking Systems for 2020
We compared 46 of the most popular Applicant Tracking Systems to help you find the best for your business. Prices and ranking updated as of Feb. 2020.
Updated on February 4th, 2020
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An applicant tracking system, or ATS, is a software application that organizes recruitment, chiefly by organizing the hiring process. Many applicant tracking systems feature the ability to bulk message candidates, rate them, and store notes about them. They are often web-based.
Hiring Tools
Learn more about the best hiring tools for small and medium-sized businesses in 2020. Includes features, pricing, and frequently asked questions.
Jan 1, 2020
Our Pick
Breezy HR
Start My Free TrialFree "Bootstrap" plan for 1 position
Unlimited users and candidates
Access to 50+ job boards
Why We Chose Breezy:
Breezy HR offers a variety of features, such as background checks, searching resumes, and tracking applicants. It's a great all-in-one hiring software.
Breezy is compatible with desktop and mobile devices and features an intuitive interface. It is easy to use, helps you better organize your applicants, assists in finding a wide pool of qualified candidates, and has received many positive reviews.
Breezy offers a free Bootstrap plan to let you test its capabilities.
If you're mainly focused on getting your job in front of as many candidates as possible you might also consider our runner-up, Betterteam.
Things to Consider When Evaluating Applicant Tracking Systems:
- Consider the features you need and look for an ATS that suits all your needs.
- Evaluate the platform's ease of use as well as the search function for accuracy, speed, and logical layout.
- Compare prices with your budget to ensure it is financially viable for you to use a particular ATS.
Best Applicant Tracking Systems:
Rank | Name | Offer | Review | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | $0.00 /mo. | Has a clean interface, free tier, and many features, including background checks. | ||
2. | $39.00 /mo. | Intuitive interface works well on desktop and mobile. Great for reaching many candidates. | ||
3. | $25.00 /mo. | Offers strong search and reporting functions but lacks integration capabilities. | ||
4. | Quote only. | Is user friendly with great integration capabilities but lacks full-text search. No free trial. | ||
5. | $99.00 /job per month. | Well organized with email and interview templates but lacks customization capabilities. | ||
6. | $20.00 /opening. | Easy to manage with a strong customer support team but certain features are only available with the Pro Plus plan. | ||
7. | Quote only. | Is secure with strong recruitment functions but can be confusing and there is no live support. | ||
8. | $79.00 /mo. | Is reasonable priced and offers a strong customer support team but the interface is cluttered and sometimes has problems with PDF files. | ||
9. | $0.00 /mo. | Features an interview scheduling tool and a strong support team but can be expensive. | ||
10. | Quote only. | Offers great reporting tools and an intuitive interface but should update its integration capabilities. | ||
11. | $95.00 /mo. | Easy to set up and use with strong technical support. Free trial allows you to view the first 100 candidates. | ||
12. | Free | Easy to manage applicants but there is a lack of customer reviews. | ||
13. | Quote only. | Is easily customizable but integration with LinkedIn and Google Apps is problematic. | ||
14. | Quote only. | Applicants have sometimes been unsatisfied with the tests. | ||
15. | Quote only. | Features great talent management and recruitment analytics but lacks frequent updates. | ||
16. | $6.19 /mo. per employee | Offers a wide range of features aside from ATS, such as payroll, performance management, and employee data analytics. | ||
17. | Quote only. | Is easy to use but does not feature a video interview tool. | ||
18. | $85.00 /mo. per user | Features rich functionality but the interface can be outdated. | ||
19. | $100.00 /mo. | Is easy to use and integrates well with G Suite Apps but sunsets Sept. 1, 2020. | ||
20. | Customized quotes. | Offers a great list of features and a strong customer support team but can be difficult to use. | ||
21. | $59.00 /job. | Does not provide background screening services but is an affordable solution. | ||
22. | $99.00 /mo. | Simple to understand and use but certain features are not available on the cheaper plans. | ||
23. | $399.00 /mo. | Features a strong customer support team and an easy-to-use interface but the mobile app fonts are small. | ||
24. | Quote only. | A simple and solid tool that is feature-rich and easy to use. | ||
25. | $100.00 /mo. | Is customizable and user friendly but is not supported by Android. | ||
26. | Quote only. | Can be difficult to understand and use but offers a strong support team. | ||
27. | $2.00 - $3.00 per employee | Is cost effective and easy to use but can only be used by companies with more than 10 employees. | ||
28. | €239.00 /mo. | Is easy to use with a strong support team but lacks enough archives. | ||
29. | $40.00 /mo. | Is customizable and easy to use but does not feature mass emailing to candidates. | ||
30. | €145.00 /mo. | Is user-friendly and offers a strong support team but users will not be able to edit email templates. | ||
31. | $7.00 per employee /mo. | Features a simple and clean design but customers have reported issues with the support team response time. | ||
32. | Quote only. | Features an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate but does not feature workflow management or assessments. | ||
33. | Quote only | Offers a wide variety of features but does not offer payroll management. | ||
34. | $3,000.00 per year. | Offers useful features that are easy to use but does not feature background screening capabilities. | ||
35. | $82.00 /mo. | An effective service but there is a lack of customer reviews. | ||
36. | Quote only. | Peforms quick searches and offers custom filters but their technical support could use improvements. | ||
37. | Quote only. | Features automated workflows but no live chat option. | ||
38. | $210.00 /mo. | Creates vacancies easily but does not perform background screening. | ||
39. | $39.00 /mo. | Simple and easy to use but can become expensive. | ||
40. | Quote only. | A well established company but there is a lack of information on this particular product. | ||
41. | Quote only. | The admin screen can get complicated but this is a great applicant tracking system. | ||
42. | $89.00 /mo. | Simple to use and easily customizable but could be more intuitive. | ||
43. | Quote only. | Features data migration but it can be complicated when importing emails. | ||
44. | Quote only. | Is easy to use but lacks the ability to search within datasets. | ||
45. | $89.00 /mo. | Simple to use and easily customizable but the reports are sometimes inaccurate. | ||
46. | Quote only. | A simple and solid solution but there is a lack of information on this product. |
How do applicant tracking systems work?
- Applications are received.
- Profiles are created for each applicant with a resume and vital info.
- Users are alerted when new applications come in.
- Users review candidates and take actions such as declining, emailing, or leaving a note.
- Actions are recorded by the system.
- Users review actions and see where applicants are in the hiring process.
- Applicants are sorted based on actions taken.
Latest Developments in Applicant Tracking Systems:
Applicant tracking system developers are constantly improving their software in this competitive market. Many employers are having difficulty finding candidates or sorting through the vast number of applications they get. New features such as artificial intelligence and chatbots aim to solve these problems.
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Artificial intelligence can improve applicant tracking systems by intelligently sorting and scoring resumes, researching candidates, sending follow up emails, and making them easy to sort depending on the type of candidate being sought.
2. Chatbots.
Chatbots, which often use a form of AI, can be used to answer candidate questions, screen candidates, schedule interviews, and gather additional information about them. They use messaging apps such as Facebook Messenger, Skype, email, and SMS.
ATS Resume Optimization:
Job seekers are well aware of advancements in recruiting technology and are now formatting their resumes to make sure they are parseable by applicant tracking systems. There are many articles available to job seekers on how to format a resume, and what keywords to use to make it ATS friendly.
Alternatives to an ATS:
If you're not quite sure if your company needs an ATS yet, or there's no budget for one at this time, you might consider some of the free options available.
1. Use a free applicant tracking system.
We have a ranked list of the best free applicant tracking systems for your business to choose from.
Free Applicant Tracking Systems
We profiled the best TRULY FREE applicant tracking systems for 2019. Includes detailed information, reviews, and answers to FAQs.
Nov 18, 2019
2. Use an applicant tracking log template.
Also known as a recruitment tracker template or an applicant tracking log, this is the manual version of the ATS.
Applicant Tracking Log Template:
Download this free applicant tracking log template and use it to track your applications for free. Instant download, no email required.
3. Use an applicant tracking spreadsheet.
These go by several names, including recruiting tracking spreadsheet, candidate tracking spreadsheet, or recruitment tracking spreadsheet. They're a bit more sophisticated and useful as an ATS replacement. You can create one in Excel or in Google Sheets so that you can access it online and share it with others.
Applicant Tracking Spreadsheet:
Download this free applicant tracking spreadsheet for use in Excel or Google Sheets. Instant download, no email required.
FAQs:
What are the best applicant tracking systems?
What is an applicant tracking system used for?
Applicant tracking systems manage the hiring process by organizing candidate information and filtering candidates according to criteria such as skills and experience.
How do applicant tracking systems work?
Applicant tracking systems work by tracking job applicants as they go through each stage of the hiring process. Many ATS systems offer additional features, such as note-taking, bulk emailing, and job posting.
Who uses applicant tracking systems?
Companies use applicant tracking systems in their hiring process. Human Resource departments use ATS to manage candidate' information.
Can applicant tracking systems read PDFs?
Yes. PDFs are easily read by applicant tracking software.
What is the difference between an ATS and CRM?
ATSs are designed to filter out unsuitable candidates according to specific skills or traits. CRMs, in comparison, are a database of all passive and active applicants as well as candidates who have previously applied.
How much is an applicant tracking system?
Prices for applicant tracking software vary depending on the software provider.
Is Workday an applicant tracking system?
Yes, Workday is an example of an applicant tracking system.
Do applicant tracking systems scan cover letters?
Yes. Software such as Taleo use bots to search through cover letters and scan for keywords.
What percentage of companies use applicant tracking systems?
It is estimated that 75% of companies use applicant tracking systems.
What are the top benefits of applicant tracking systems?
- Organizing information on applicants in one place.
- Preventing great candidates from slipping through the cracks.
- Making it easy to know where candidates are in the hiring process, and what to do next.
- Saving time on communication with candidates using bulk messaging.
- Making it easy to access information on the hiring process from anywhere.
What is an ATS?
An ATS system is an applicant tracking system or a piece of web-based software used to track job candidates as they move through the hiring process.
What does ATS stand for?
For the purposes of hiring and HR, hiring and recruiting, it stands for Applicant Tracking System.
When should I start using ATS software?
You'll want to consider an online applicant tracking system when you get to the point where your company is always hiring at least one person, or when people doing the hiring are having trouble keeping track of applicants. If you're unsure, try a free version, or a free alternative to an ATS solution and see if it works for you.
What is the difference between an ATS and a candidate tracker?
An ATS is a web-based application tracking software. A candidate tracker is typically a spreadsheet or a PDF form used to track information about candidates.
What are the top applicant tracking systems for corporate recruiting?
What are the key features an ATS should have?
When compiling your applicant tracking system list of features, you'll want to write down your current pain points with the hiring process. Do you have trouble attracting candidates? Do you need it to be easier for your team to collaborate on hiring? Are you spending too much time on emails? Knowing what problems you face with hiring will help you figure out what key features your company needs, and do an applicant tracking system comparison that's useful.
What is the typical applicant tracking system pricing?
The typical price for an applicant tracking system ranges from free to $60,000 per year or more for software that is meant for large-scale corporate use.
What ATS open source options are available?
There are three popular open source ATS, OpenCATS, CandidATS, and YAWIC.
What is the difference between an automated recruiting system and an ATS?
Automated recruiting systems are more focused on the recruiting side of the hiring process, whereas an ATS platform is meant to assist with the entire process, from recruiting to final selection.
Why would you recommend a cloud-based applicant tracking system?
A cloud ATS is recommendable because it can be accessed from anywhere you have an internet connection. This can be very convenient for being able to react more quickly to recruiting prospects, sharing information across a team, or working from multiple locations.
What is CV screening software?
Also known as resume screening software or a cv scanner, these allow CVs to be searched and filtered quickly, saving lots of time that would be spent manually scanning them to see if applicants are qualified. You can find some free resume parsing software available if you're on a budget, such as Big Help.
When I post jobs online, I get more resumes than I can sort through. Any tips on how to screen resumes from job portals?
This is a perfect time to have resume review software to help you go through all your applications more quickly. You can also try screening by automatically sending out a batch of 5 questions each candidate must answer about their qualifications and the job. The answers can be used to determine which resumes you should look at.
What is the best way to manage job applications?
Great applicant tracking system software is best, but even a free or a cheap applicant tracking system can help you manage job applications by giving you an easy way to organize who has applied, and where they are in the process. If this isn't an option, you may want to try managing applications with a spreadsheet.
Can an ATS be used as a recruiting CRM?
Yes, many of the top applicant tracking systems have similar features to a CRM, so that you can maintain relationships with your talent pool.
Where can I find an applicant tracking spreadsheet template?
You can access an applicant tracking spreadsheet download free by downloading one of our candidate tracking spreadsheets at the top of the page.
When should I consider implementing web-based applicant tracking software?
It's probably worth it for most businesses to take a free trial of a web ATS and see if it benefits their hiring process. The only time I'd warn against going to web-based applicant tracking would be if you need to collect highly sensitive personal data about applicants, and can't afford to use an ATS with a high level of security.
What features do the best applicant tracking systems for small companies offer?
Applicant tracking software for small business offers a lot of features that you might expect for larger companies these days, such as bulk messaging, private notes, multiple users, multiple user permission levels, and recruiting tools such as job posting.
What are the most important applicant tracking system features?
The most important features are the ability to track where applicants are in the hiring process, send bulk messages, keep notes on candidates, and share hiring info with your team.