20 Best Applicant Tracking Tools (ATS) for 2024

The hiring process can be quite complicated, especially for large enterprises that grow and maintain a diverse set of skilled workers. Hiring steps and processes cannot be generic. Each job type has different requirements and requirements, which can range from education and technical skills to experience and soft skills. Hence, using a cookie-cutter approach would just lead to more bad hires and inefficiencies. Also, inefficiencies can result in higher hiring and onboarding costs.

For large enterprises, doing everything manually isn’t tractable anymore. Managing hiring processes can’t be the most efficient when HR professionals are jumping from one program to another. This just creates data silos and segregated workflows. It may be even worse when this is done on outdated legacy platforms. To resolve these issues, tech-savvy HR teams are jumping ship to modern applicant tracking tools (ATS).

But not all platforms are created equal—and if you want to perform well, you don’t want to settle for just any software. So, to help you find the right platform for your needs, we have prepared a list of the best applicant tracking tools (ATS) available today. In this way, you can cut down your product research time and get on to testing.

Today, the job market can be very competitive. Technology and best practices have not only increased performance benchmarks but there are also power shifts in the workplace. So, HR teams really have to keep themselves abreast of HR trends, technology, and techniques. This is especially so when it comes to the hiring process. It’s because applicant tracking and management may not only be complicated but can also prove to be costly. This is especially so when processes are not efficient. Let’s take a look at the numbers.

So far, in 2022, the average cost per hire has been estimated to be $4,683 with a median of $1,244. The average cost per hire for executives reached $28,239. But, this, as experts contend, is just the “hard costs” of hiring. It only covers expenses and investments in job board postings, ads, career site maintenance, candidate screening, and, of course, salary and benefits. Companies spend more resources than just that; resources that are considered “soft costs.” As such, experts find the estimate too conservative.

The real cost of recruitment, they say, can be 300% to 400% of the position’s salary. This is because hard costs only account for 30% to 40%. The rest is accounted for by soft costs. Soft costs include time spent on paperwork, unqualified candidates, an employee’s time to productivity, training meetings, and lost productivity on unfilled jobs. Furthermore, inefficiencies that creep in also add to such costs.

Fortunately, we now have digital software solutions that can optimize hiring processes. The best applicant tracking tools don’t only streamline workflows but also connect productivity metrics with financial metrics. In this way, users can track performance in real time and adjust when they need to. The best tools for the job are listed below.

Best Applicant Tracking Tools (ATS) for 2024

1. BambooHR

BambooHR is known for providing the best applicant tracking tool among HR software solutions today. It is fitted with modern recruiting solutions that help users match the right talent with their current needs. Key features include application management, applicant experience management, mobile application management, offers management, electronic signatures, collaboration tools, job board posting management, and its robust reporting and analytics module.

BambooHR

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Furthermore, the platform is also very easy to use. This is thanks to its intuitive design that is reminiscent of the high out-of-the-box functionality of popular social media platforms. However, BambooHR is not your average standalone ATS solution. In fact, it is a full HR management suite that comes complete with HRIS, onboarding, employee training, and employee well-being management features, among many others. Moreover, the product integrates with other third-party solutions, including Motivosity and Okta. Lastly, as it is deployed with features according to your needs, it is only available via quote-based plans.

2. Greenhouse

Greenhouse is one of the top applicant tracking tools around. It is prized for its comprehensive features fitted into an easy-to-use interface. Moreover, it provides end-to-end solutions for the hiring process. These include features for managing job boards, interviews, onboarding, and even take-home tests. Plus, it offers tools for quantifying performance and applicant eligibility. These include focus attributes, candidate scorecards, and an intuitive scorecard summary.

Greenhouse

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Other features include an interview kit, interview behavior nudges, welcome emails, next-step emails, e-signature templates, and employee feedback questions. Furthermore, it has a report builder with good customization options. Furthermore, it has a neat feature that allows you to share company diversity and inclusion initiatives as well. So, HR teams will be able to adhere to such values and policies. Also, Greenhouse works seamlessly with more than 360 third-party apps, including Calendly, Docusign, and Expensify. Lastly, it is only available via quote-based subscription plans.

3. Submittable

Submittable is a go-to web-based submissions management solution for HR teams for their applicant tracking processes. The platform is flexible enough to be customized to support any submissions management workflow, including those for job applications, performance reviews, and budget requests, among many others. Moreover, like other top apps, it spots great automation tools that can streamline processes and free employees from clerical tasks.

Submittable

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Key features include a file viewer, team notes, team messaging, conditional logic, auto-labels, response templates, and custom review forms. Moreover, the platform also has an auto-scoring feature that can automate employee eligibility screening processes. Plus, it has a reference letters management tool. Aside from its all-in-one review portal, Submittable also has multichannel marketing solutions. This allows users to improve job search discoverability and visibility. Submittable works seamlessly with other tools, including QuickBooks and Salesforce. Lastly, pricing starts at $99 per month.

4. Sage HR

Sage HR is a comprehensive cloud-based HR management software suite. It comes with top-of-the-line recruitment management and applicant tracking tools. These include an application form, landing page, and career page builder. Moreover, it allows users to create custom pipeline stages with custom pipeline triggers. It supports unlimited pipelines and an unlimited number of applicants. It also has features for managing friend referrals. Plus, it has a one-click add/hire feature that enrolls an applicant directly into the HR program.

As a complete HR suite, Sage HR has other modules for core HR, performance management, timesheet management, shift scheduling management, leave management, and expenses management. Also, it has iOS and Android mobile applications. Hence, you can access the platform while you are on the go. The product has native integrations with other tools such as Slack. Thanks to its API, you can connect it to any custom-built software. Lastly, its recruitment module costs $200 per month while the whole suite is priced at $16 per employee per month.

5. Rippling

Rippling is a unique HR and IT management platform designed for highly technology-driven companies. The platform integrates HR processes with device usage and employee behaviors. With this, companies can gauge productivity better and identify best practices along the way. Of course, like other top HR solutions, it has advanced talent management and applicant tracking tools. It has end-to-end features for managing recruitment, onboarding, learning, and engagement processes. Also, on Rippling, users can post openings on job boards with just one click.

Rippling

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The software also allows users to create custom hiring workflows and processes. So, HR teams can make Rippling their own. Plus, it has automation features that can help streamline calendaring and scheduling. But the platform is really prized for its easy onboarding capability that does not only enroll a new hire to your HR program but also provides them with access to all digital work tools and credentials. All of these are done in just 90 seconds. The product also integrates with over 500 apps, including Zendesk and Expensify. Lastly, pricing starts at $8 per user per month.

6. WorkBright

WorkBright is a web-based HR solution specializing in applicant tracking and onboarding. It helps users consolidate HR information so that they can build workflows around them. These include employee files, standard government forms, and custom office forms. Its document management solution also has photo uploads and upload scanning features with transcribing capability. Its applicant tracking module is also very easy to use. Key features include a branded career page, online applications management, candidate screening, HR team collaboration tools, and progress tracking,

WorkBright

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Moreover, its job posting feature allows users to publish openings on over 500 free and/or paid job boards. Plus, its onboarding feature includes tools for managing job offers and important workplace information materials. WorkBright also works with other business applications, from other ATS and HRIS to ERP and payroll software solutions. Lastly, pricing starts at $158 for companies with up to 100 users.

7. eSkill

eSkill is a specialized digital solution for hiring and applicant tracking management. It provides users with customizable pre-employment assessment tools, complete with video interviewing features. With this, organizations can streamline their hiring processes and minimize bad hires. The platform is prized for its wide range of assessment features. Aside from standard tests, it also includes job-based and subject-based tests. Plus, it has both test digitization and test validation capabilities. It provides users with behavioral and training needs assessment tools complete with skills gap identification.

eSkill

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eSkill’s voice and video interviewing features are very easy to use. The interface is very intuitive just like popular messaging applications. So, virtually anybody can use it instantly. You can find this high level of usability across the program. This and its comprehensive feature set allowed it to become a top HR testing solution today. Also, it works seamlessly with other applications. It has integrations with platforms such as Jobvite, Workday, and SmartRecruiters. Lastly, pricing starts at $850.

8. Sage People

Sage People is an end-to-end HRIS solution complete with AI-powered talent acquisition management features. It does this by supporting three hiring steps. Firstly, the product provides users with branding tools to improve the job candidate experience. With these, users can design and optimize digital hiring touchpoints. Secondly, it helps users find the most qualified candidates via its AI-powered matching technology. It also allows users to set parameters for candidate scores and create assessment stages. Thirdly, it enables users to create personalized onboarding experiences for new hires.

Other features include flexible dashboards, configurable HR reports, worldwide job advertising, dynamic organizational charts, HR workflows, data analytics, and United States regulation compliance tools. It is prized for the comprehensiveness of its feature set and the intuitiveness of its interface. Of course, the platform integrates with other Sage applications. It can also work seamlessly with other applications, thanks to its API. Lastly, as the solution is deployed tailored to your needs, it is only available via quote-based plans.

9. JobAdder

JobAdder is a comprehensive staffing solution with robust applicant tracking tools. It enables companies to manage hiring communication processes across various channels such as video, email, and SMS. With this, HR teams can easily engage with candidates and new hires. Also, it is known for its powerful global search engine that allows users to sift through tons of applications from across the world. Paired with its powerful candidate-matching algorithm, companies can rest assured that they will always get the best results.

JobAdder

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Key features include candidate management, job board posting, task linking, task management, job ad templates, custom job portals, geo-searching, resume import, status updates, and many more. Furthermore, the platform integrates with other solutions such as Checkmate, SmartAI, Xero, and Gmail, among others. Plus, you can access it on the go from its native mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices. Lastly, product features are deployed according to your needs, so JobAdder is only available via quote-based plans.

10. untapt UNLOCKED

untapt UNLOCKED is a recruitment management solution that allows users to create hiring marketplaces, recruitment sites, and job platforms. Hence, it is popular among HR startups, niche job communities, and online recruitment agencies. Moreover, it is also known for its AI-powered talent-matching feature. With this, the program automatically provides users with the highest-rated candidates.

Key features include a custom job board builder, built-in resume editor, multimedia job posts, collaborative job post editing, custom email nurturing, one-click apply emails, and a live user chat tool, among others. With these, users will be able to create custom hiring touchpoints and manage applicants quite easily. Lastly, untapt UNLOCKED features are deployed according to your needs. Hence, it is only available via quote-based plans.

11. Pinpoint

Pinpoint is a comprehensive end-to-end recruitment solution. It helps users find the best candidates for openings at lower costs. The platform allows users to accomplish this by providing them with the right tools to attract, screen, and hire the best candidates out there. These include targeted social media campaigns, custom digital application forms, centralized applicant data tracking, candidate scorecards, and automatic interview scheduling.

Pinpoint

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Moreover, Pinpoint has advanced intelligence and analytics tools. In this way, users can make better data-driven decisions as they move along. These include recruitment analysis, vacancy progress reports, and consolidated views. Furthermore, users can also impose a blind recruitment policy within the platform. Furthermore, the platform integrates with other solutions such as PeopleHR, BambooHR, and Sonru. Lastly, pricing starts at £5,000 per year.

12. Teamtailor

Teamtailor is billed as an all-in-one hiring and recruitment platform filled with collaboration, communication, and automation features. The solution is also known for its elite applicant tracking tools. Key features include nurture campaigns, requisition flow, test automation, survey automation, candidate chat, employee referral management, and candidate NPS.

Teamtailor

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Furthermore, the platform is fitted with productivity tools. These include internal sharing jobs, task triggers, hiring teams, customized workflows, and external recruiter access. Also, the platform is GDPR compliant and even logs system activities for audits. Furthermore, you can access all of its features via its mobile app available to both iOS and Android devices. It integrates with third-party business solutions. These include Alva Labs, Jobma, AlexisHR, and Oyster, among many others. Lastly, Teamtailor offers its platform via quote-based plans based on your company size.

13. Zoho Recruit

Zoho Recruit is a recruitment management platform from software giant Zoho. It has the trademark ease-of-use and affordability that Zoho products are known for. This makes this applicant tracking platform popular among small and medium-sized companies. Key features include a careers website page, resume database, and job openings creation and publishing. Moreover, it allows users to send emails directly from the platform and it even comes with CRM.

Zoho Recruit

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Other functionalities include interview scheduling, resume source tracking, resume embed form, and advanced candidate search. Of course, Zoho Recruit integrates seamlessly with other Zoho tools such as Zoho CRM, Zoho Mail, and Zoho Reports. Moreover, it also works seamlessly with other solutions like Twilio, Screen Magic, and RingCentral. Additionally, you can access its features via its mobile app for both iOS and Android devices. It has a free plan available that comes with basic candidate and email management features. Paid plans start at $30 per user per month.

14. SmartRecruiters

SmartRecruiters is a recruitment and applicant tracking management solution that helps companies modernize their recruitment processes. Key features include multi-board job posting, custom interview scorecards, applicant progress tracking, a centralized email gateway, an application screening form, and candidate database management. Plus, it offers collaboration tools like team response and review sharing. These make the platform ideal for medium and large enterprises.

Also, like other well-rounded applicant tracking tools, it provides users with a career site feature. With this, users can offer customized branded applicant experiences from the get-go. It is mobile-friendly as well. Speaking of mobile apps, SmartRecruiters has mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices. So, you can access the platform even when you are out of the office. Moreover, SmartRecruiters integrates with third-party platforms, including Tableau, Indeed, and Enboarder. Lastly, pricing starts at $10,000 annually.

15. Workday

Workday is one of the most popular HR solutions around. It is an all-in-one suite that comes complete with human capital management, financial management, and payroll management modules. Workday Recruiting, its applicant tracking system, is considered to have the most comprehensive offering today. It has features for sourcing, hiring, and onboarding.

It has tools for managing job requisitions, candidates, referrals, endorsements, and job postings. Workday also has hiring management features, complete with collaborative candidate selection tools and offer management. Like other top tools, it allows users to create and customize workflows, including those for onboarding. Furthermore, you can access these features on its mobile app. Plus, it integrates with other products such as AngelPoints, Chatter, and Kronos, among many others. Lastly, Workday is deployed according to your requirements. Hence, it is only available via quote-based plans.

16. ClearCompany

ClearCompany is an easy-to-use talent acquisition and applicant tracking solution. The product is prized for its customizable automation tools that streamline hiring processes. Moreover, it is also known for its powerful Sourcing Module as it enables users to shortlist employees based on competencies and other parameters you require. With this, it has become a go-to solution for small and medium-sized businesses. It is also popular among freelance HR professionals.

Key features include branded career sites, candidate experience management, referral management, interview scheduling, video interviews, interview guides, talent pools, background checks, and predictive performance. Also, it provides users with discounted job board posting options. It also supports multilingual applications—perfect for international operations. ClearCompany works well with other platforms and apps, including LinkedIn and Zenefits. Lastly, as you are given a version based on your particular needs, ClearCompany is only available via custom plans.

17. Freshteam

Freshteam combines recruitment and applicant tracking features under one digital roof. A Freshworks product, Freshteam has the trademark Freshworks look, feel, and ease of use. It comes with high out-of-the-box functionality that first-time users will easily know their way around it in minutes. Paired with its comprehensive set of tools, it has become popular among businesses of all sizes across different industries. Its affordability is also a big factor.

Key features include applicant tracking, recruitment CRM, collaborative hiring, job posting management, offer templates, employee directories, searchable talent pools, interview feedback, contextual conversations, and employee onboarding. Furthermore, the platform works seamlessly with other solutions, including Zoom, Classarker, and HackerEarth. Freshteam also has a free plan available. It supports up to 50 active employees and up to three job posts. As with many SaaS tools, it comes with the basic tools that smaller businesses need. Paid plans start at $1 per employee per month with a $59 monthly platform fee.

18. Recruiterbox

Recruiterbox is an applicant tracking tool (ATS) known for making complex hiring processes extremely simple for small and medium-sized companies. This is because it has a comprehensive set of features packed into an intuitive user interface. Key features include resume management, a centralized candidate database, customizable recruitment workflow, customizable application forms, centralized communication, collaborative recruiting, and interview scheduling.

Furthermore, the product has collaboration tools like notes and evaluation sharing. Also, it is fitted with productivity tools, including those for managing tasks. It also has a recruitment automation solution. Recruiterbox works well with other systems including Checkr, Namely, and PandaDoc, among others. Lastly, pricing starts at $199 per year.

19. UltiPro

UltiPro is a cloud-based human capital management (HCM) software with recruitment and applicant tracking features. It provides users with tools to attract, screen, hire, and onboard the right candidates for the right jobs. Key features include core HR, recruiting, talent management, onboarding management, and position management. The product is also fitted with analytics tools. So, users will be able to see their performance in real-time and make adjustments when necessary.

Moreover, the app offers job posting on the platform. So, HR teams can leverage this wide network for their recruitment needs. Also, UltiPro seamlessly integrates with other third-party solutions, including Bitium, NetSuite, and Yammer. Plus, you can access all of its features via its mobile apps for both Android and iOS devices. Lastly, UltiPro is deployed specifically to your needs. Thus, it is only available via personalized plans.

20. TalentLyft

TalentLyft is a powerful talent acquisition solution that offers recruitment teams comprehensive tools to find the right candidates for the right jobs. The platform is proud of its easy-to-use talent-sourcing tool with omnichannel recruitment capabilities. With this, users can improve the visibility of their openings. Key features include a career site builder, landing pages, candidate engagement, interview scheduling, and applicant tracking.

It also has an intuitive candidate selection interface for quick and easy hiring. Also, TalentLyft has good hiring analytics capabilities. With this, users will be able to get an accurate view of their performance and optimize accordingly. Additionally, the program integrates with other platforms like LinkedIn, GitHub, and Facebook. Lastly, pricing starts at $99 per month.

What is the best applicant tracking tool (ATS) for you?

Thanks to technological innovations and the level of competition in the market, one would really be very unlucky to end up using a lousy software product. Today’s tools are not just feature-rich but are also quite easy to use. Moreover, according to recent HR software statistics, the HR tech industry is quite robust. So, players are likely to stick around. This means that you will always have so many software choices. Analysis paralysis can be debilitating. So, it’s better to start looking at the best tools first and work your way down. Where do you start?

When you take a look at all the features, capabilities, and even the look and feel of the platform, BambooHR looks to have the best offering. BambooHR is a real HR software suite in every sense. It offers end-to-end solutions for everything HR—from hiring to offboarding. Applicant tracking is just at the very tip of its capabilities. What’s great about the solution is that it is also deployed according to your needs. With this, we mean that you only get the tools and services that you require—nothing less, nothing more. Of course, the software company allows users to scale their subscriptions up or down as they go along. In this way, BambooHR adapts to your needs and not the other way around.

If you are looking for lighter standalone tracking solutions, then you won’t go wrong with the ones we listed, especially the top 15. These are popular products that have been tested and proven across a wide variety of industries and by businesses of all sizes. However, to really make sure that you get what you need, we recommend that you sign up for free trials and demos. In this way, you can test the solution first-hand. Also, we suggest that you let your target end-users test products with you as well. In this case, more heads are truly better than one.

By Louie Andre

B2B & SaaS market analyst and senior writer for FinancesOnline. He is most interested in project management solutions, believing all businesses are a work in progress. From pitch deck to exit strategy, he is no stranger to project business hiccups and essentials. He has been involved in a few internet startups including a digital route planner for a triple A affiliate. His advice to vendors and users alike? "Think of benefits, not features."