Top 10 Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Definition, Importance, Pricing

In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent is crucial for the success of any organization. To efficiently manage the hiring process, companies often turn to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These software applications have revolutionized the way companies’ structure and streamline their recruitment efforts. In this article, we’ll delve into what an ATS is, how it works, why you need one, and present the top 10 ATS solutions to help you find the right fit for your organization.

What is an Applicant Tracking System?

An Applicant Tracking System, commonly referred to as an ATS, is a specialized software application designed to automate various administrative tasks involved in the hiring process. Its primary objective is to simplify the recruitment process by centralizing candidate data, streamlining communication between team members, and making it easier to identify the best candidates. Essentially, an ATS acts as a virtual assistant to hiring managers and recruiters, allowing them to work more efficiently.

How Do Applicant Tracking Systems Work?

ATSs are designed to cover the entire candidate lifecycle, from job posting to onboarding. They provide a comprehensive hiring dashboard that simplifies and automates various tasks, including:

1. Job Posting: You can automatically publish job descriptions to multiple job boards and company websites.
2. Resume Screening: ATS software allows you to quickly sort through applicants’ CVs, using keyword matching and other criteria.
3. Video Screening: Some advanced ATS solutions enable automated video screening, making it easier to assess a candidate’s communication skills.
4. Scheduling: You can schedule candidate interviews, coordinate availability with interviewers, and send out interview invites.
5. Application Evaluation: Evaluate candidate applications based on predefined criteria or custom evaluation processes.
6. Collaboration: ATSs facilitate collaboration by allowing team members to review and rate candidates, ensuring everyone involved in the hiring process is on the same page.

In essence, an ATS streamlines your hiring process, making it more efficient and less prone to errors.

Why Do You Need an Applicant Tracking System?

There are several compelling reasons for adopting an ATS:

1. Speed and Efficiency: ATSs allow recruiting teams to work faster and more efficiently. They help attract more applicants, quickly filter out non-relevant applications, and identify the most promising candidates.
2. Centralization: An ATS centralizes all aspects of the hiring process, ensuring that important data and communication aren’t lost. No more lost CVs, and candidates won’t be left waiting for follow-ups.
3. Streamlined Decision-Making: The collaboration features of an ATS simplify the decision-making process by providing a platform for team members to evaluate candidates and reach a consensus without the need for endless meetings.

How Much Does an Applicant Tracking System Cost?

The cost of an Applicant Tracking System can vary significantly based on factors such as the provider, features, and the specific needs of your organization. ATSs typically follow a subscription-based model, offering monthly or annual pricing options with standard and premium features. The cost can range from being free (for basic versions) to up to $100,000 or more for enterprise-level solutions.

Startups and small businesses might find free or low-cost options suitable for their needs, while larger enterprises that manage a high volume of applicants across multiple departments often require premium features and can expect to pay more.

Now that you understand the fundamentals of ATSs, let’s explore the top 10 ATS solutions available in the market.

Top 10 Applicant Tracking System Solutions

1. Workable:
   • Ideal for: Small to mid-sized businesses
   • Key Features: Workable offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface that allows companies to customize recruitment pipelines. It supports job posting, resume screening, interview scheduling, and collaboration among team members.
   • Pricing per month: Starter $149, Standard $299, Premier $599.
2. Breezy HR:
   • Ideal for: Businesses of all sizes
   • Key Features: Breezy HR provides a streamlined recruitment process with automation tools. It includes features like candidate sourcing, interview scheduling, and customizable pipelines. It is known for its user-friendly platform.
   • Pricing per month: Bootstrap $0, Startup $157, Growth $273, Business $439.
3. Greenhouse:
   • Ideal for: Larger companies
   • Key Features: Greenhouse is an enterprise-level ATS with a comprehensive suite of tools. It supports candidate sourcing, interview management, and analytics. It is highly customizable and integrates well with HR systems.
   • Pricing: Greenhouse pricing per year is (rounded off):1 – 10 employees: $6.50011 – 25 employees: $8.500

     26 – 50 employees: $7.000

     51 – 100 employees: $10.000

     101 – 250 employees: $15.000

     251 – 500 employees: $23.000

     501 – 1000 employees: $23.000

     >1000 employees: $24.500 and up

4. Zoho Recruit:
   • Ideal for: Small to mid-sized businesses
   • Key Features: Zoho Recruit is an affordable option offering recruitment automation, candidate tracking, and collaboration features. It is known for its straightforward approach and strong customization options.
   • Pricing per month: STANDARD EDITION $30, PROFESSIONAL $60, ENTERPRISE $90.
5. iCIMS:
   • Ideal for: Enterprise-level businesses
   • Key Features: iCIMS is an enterprise-grade ATS with advanced capabilities. It includes features like advanced analytics, integrations with HR systems, and customizable workflows.
   • Pricing: iCIMS typically caters to large organizations, so its pricing can be higher. iCIMS pricing per year is (rounded off):1 – 100 employees: $9.000101 – 250 employees: $11.500

     251 – 500 employees: $15.000

     501 – 1000 employees: $24.000

     1000 – 2500 employees: $55.000

     2500 – 5000 employees: $80.000

     >5000 employees: $140.000 and up

6. JazzHR:
   • Ideal for: Small to mid-sized businesses
   • Key Features: JazzHR is tailored for small to medium-sized businesses and offers recruitment and applicant tracking in a user-friendly package. It includes features like job posting, resume screening, and interview scheduling.
   • Pricing: JazzHR provides competitive pricing suitable for smaller organizations. JazzHR has 3 pricing starts from $39 to $329. There is also a free trial of JazzHR available.
7. Bullhorn:
   • Ideal for: Staffing and recruiting firms.
   • Key Features: Bullhorn is an all-in-one ATS and CRM solution, making it a popular choice for staffing and recruiting firms. It supports sourcing, candidate tracking, and client management.
   • Pricing: Bullhorn ATS and CRM starts from $120 per user per month and varies based on business needs.
8. SmartRecruiters:
   • Ideal for: Enterprise-level businesses
   • Key Features: SmartRecruiters is a cloud-based platform designed for large organizations. It offers scalability, advanced AI-driven tools, and features like candidate sourcing, collaboration, and analytics.
   • Pricing: The basic cost of a license starts from $100 per user/month and the pricing varies and is tailored to the requirements of enterprise-level businesses.
9. Jobvite:
   • Ideal for: Businesses of all sizes
   • Key Features: Jobvite is a comprehensive recruiting suite known for its powerful analytics and reporting features. It supports candidate sourcing, screening, and collaboration.
   • Pricing: Jobvite’s pricing starts at $500 per month and is flexible and can accommodate a range of business sizes.
10. Oracle Taleo:

• Ideal for: Enterprise-level businesses
• Key Features: Oracle’s Taleo is an enterprise-grade ATS with advanced capabilities. It offers features such as advanced analytics, onboarding, and integrations. It is highly customizable.
• Pricing: Taleo caters to large organizations, and pricing can be on the higher side. Oracle Taleo Virtual private network setup fee: $5,000 onetime fee Additional 12% of net subscription fee per month for solution support center, minimum $10,000

When selecting an ATS, consider your company’s size, specific needs, and budget. The right ATS can significantly enhance your hiring process, saving time and resources while ensuring that you attract and retain the best talent for your organization.