Given the vast array of applicant tracking software options available, it’s crucial for staffing agencies to choose a system tailored to their unique needs. Top-rated ATS platforms offer a range of features such as advanced resume parsing, automated candidate questionnaires, and comprehensive candidate pipelines. The right ATS incorporates strategic methodologies for screening and candidate assessment and can complement a company’s employer brand by providing a positive application process.
When selecting recruiting software, staffing agencies consider various factors like integration capabilities with platforms like LinkedIn, background screening functionalities, and the ability to customize candidate pipelines. Aspects such as employee onboarding efficiency, precise product data, and the sophistication of talent acquisition software play a pivotal role in the decision-making process. An ATS with a high degree of adaptability and robust features positions itself as a valuable tool in a competitive hiring market, aiding agencies in optimizing their recruitment processes and ultimately securing the best talent.
What we cover
Benefits of Using Applicant Tracking Systems for Staffing Agencies
ATSs provide significant benefits to staffing agencies, playing a crucial role in modernizing recruitment processes. The advantages of employing such systems are multi-faceted:
- Enhanced Efficiency: They automate recruitment workflows, swiftly handling numerous applications. This streamlining leads to a faster and more organized hiring cycle, enabling agencies to cater to their clients promptly.
- Improved Candidate Management: ATSs act as a centralized CRM for candidate information, ensuring all data is neatly organized and accessible. This allows for better tracking of applicants throughout the hiring process and helps maintain a high-quality talent pool.
- Easier Job Distribution: ATSs offer integration with various job boards, making job posting and candidate sourcing simplified for staffing agencies. The broad dissemination of job ads increases the likelihood of finding suitable candidates.
- Insightful Analytics: The inclusion of reporting and analytics helps HR managers and agencies to assess the performance of their recruitment efforts. These insights can lead to informed decisions, optimizing recruitment strategies for better outcomes.
- Customizable Solutions: ATSs allow for customizable workflows, thereby suiting the specific needs of individual staffing agencies. Small businesses benefit from such tailor-made solutions, ensuring that their unique processes are adequately supported.
General Pricing of Applicant Tracking Systems for Staffing Agencies
Generally, ATS providers offer a range of pricing tiers to cater to the diverse needs of staffing agencies, from small boutique firms to large multinational corporations. Understanding these pricing structures can help staffing agencies select the most cost-effective solution for their recruitment needs.
Entry-Level Pricing
Entry-level pricing is typically designed for small to medium-sized staffing agencies with basic recruitment needs. These plans often include core ATS functionalities such as job posting, candidate tracking, and basic reporting. The price range for entry-level tiers can vary from free limited versions to monthly subscriptions that range from $50 to $250. While more affordable, these plans may have limitations on the number of users and active job postings or may lack advanced features such as AI-driven candidate matching and analytics.
Mid-Level Pricing
Mid-level pricing tiers are geared towards growing staffing agencies requiring more advanced features and customization options. These plans often include enhanced capabilities such as branded career pages, advanced job boards, and HR systems integrations, more comprehensive reporting and analytics, and better customer support services. Monthly costs for mid-level tiers can range from $250 to $600. These plans strike a balance between cost and functionality, offering more flexibility and scalability without the full expense of enterprise solutions.
Enterprise-Level Pricing
Enterprise-level pricing is designed for large staffing agencies and firms with complex and high-volume recruitment needs. These plans offer the highest level of functionality, including full customization, advanced AI and machine learning capabilities, sophisticated analytics and reporting, premium customer support, and extensive integration options with other business systems. Enterprise solutions often require a custom quote, but pricing can range from $600 to several thousand dollars per month, depending on the specific requirements and scale of the agency.
Additional Costs
Beyond the base subscription costs, staffing agencies should also consider additional expenses that may be associated with implementing and using an ATS. These can include one-time setup or implementation fees, training costs, fees for additional users or job postings beyond what’s included in the subscription, and charges for premium integrations or add-ons. It’s important for agencies to thoroughly review and understand these potential extra costs when evaluating different ATS solutions.
Features to Look for In Applicant Tracking Systems for Staffing Agencies
When selecting an ATS for staffing agencies, it is essential to consider features that enhance productivity and streamline the recruitment process. The following are some of the top features to look out for:
- Mobile App: In today’s fast-paced environment, a mobile application for on-the-go access to the ATS is crucial. It enables recruiters to work remotely, conduct video interviews, and keep in touch with candidates and clients at any time.
- Assessments and Video Interviews: An ATS that includes assessments helps in evaluating candidate skills. Moreover, built-in video interview capabilities save time and expedite the hiring process.
- Free Trial and Plans: A free trial allows agencies to test the ATS and ensure it matches their workflow. Agencies should also look for flexible pricing plans, including a free forever plan for basic features or unlimited job postings for higher-tier plans.
- Integration Ecosystem: An ATS should seamlessly integrate with job boards, social media platforms, and other HR tools to facilitate applicant tracking and improve the real-time stream of activities.
- Enhanced Security and Performance: Given the sensitivity of applicant data, an ATS must comply with regulations like GDPR and have robust security measures. Performance metrics and analytics are equally important for assessing productivity.
- Customer Support and GDPR Compliance: Reliable customer support is vital for resolving issues promptly. Additionally, GDPR compliance ensures that the ATS adheres to data protection standards.
Best Applicant Tracking Systems for Staffing Agencies
Here is a comprehensive look at some of the top ATS platforms tailored for staffing agencies, each with their specific features, pros, cons, and pricing to aid in making an informed decision.
Best ATS for Staffing Agencies (At a Glance)
| Software | Focus Area | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullhorn | End-to-end recruitment process automation | CRM integration, operations software | Staffing agencies needing CRM and operations integration |
| Lever | Intuitive interface and powerful sourcing tools | Collaborative hiring, streamlined workflows | Companies looking for intuitive and collaborative tools |
| Greenhouse | Data-driven hiring and integration capabilities | Strong emphasis on integration capabilities | Organizations focusing on data-driven decisions |
| SmartRecruiters | Full functionality for recruitment marketing | Collaborative hiring, actionable insights | Businesses seeking comprehensive recruitment marketing |
| iCIMS Talent Cloud | Scalable ATS solutions for talent advancement | Attract, engage, hire, and advance talent | Enterprises needing scalable and versatile ATS solutions |
| Jobvite | Analytics-driven recruiting from sourcing to onboarding | Comprehensive and analytics-driven platform | Companies valuing analytics in the recruiting funnel |
| Recruitee | Team collaboration and process efficiency | User-friendly, focuses on efficiency | Small to mid-sized businesses prioritizing efficiency |
| JazzHR | Optimizing hiring for SMEs | Powerful, user-friendly ATS | SMEs seeking an optimal hiring process |
| Workable | Comprehensive features including candidate sourcing | Candidate sourcing, ATS, mobile app | All sizes of companies for comprehensive hiring solutions |
| Zoho Recruit | Customization and automation for recruiters | Ecosystem integration, customizable | Recruiters needing customization and automation |
| CEIPAL ATS | AI-powered sourcing and VMS integration | Workforce management, comprehensive staffing | Staffing and recruiting agencies with AI focus |
| Avature | Customizable workflows for complex hiring needs | Highly customizable ATS and CRM platform | Large enterprises and professional staffing firms |
| Manatal | AI to streamline recruitment processes | Enhancing candidate engagement and team collaboration | Small and medium enterprises leveraging AI for recruitment |
1. Bullhorn
Key Features:
- CRM integration
- Interview scheduling
- Mobile accessibility
Rating: 4.2/5
Pros:
- Robust candidate sourcing and tracking
- Comprehensive onboarding features
- Advanced analytics and reporting
Cons:
- Can be expensive for small businesses
- May have a steep learning curve
- Customization can be complex
Pricing: Starts at $99/user/month.
Bullhorn is renowned for its comprehensive end-to-end recruitment process automation capabilities, making it a top choice for staffing agencies that require seamless integration with CRM and operations software.
Its cloud-based platform enables recruiters to manage the entire candidate lifecycle from sourcing to placement.
The system’s strength lies in its automation tools, which significantly reduce manual tasks, and its CRM functionality, which enhances client relationships.
Bullhorn’s mobile accessibility and real-time data analytics further empower recruiters to make informed decisions quickly.
Its scalability and customization options make it suitable for agencies of all sizes, ensuring they can adapt as their business grows.
Verdict: Bullhorn stands out for its expansive integration ecosystem and mobile capabilities, making it adept for real-time activities in the fast-paced recruitment environment.
2. Lever
Key Features:
- Employer branding tools
- Customizable workflows
- Referral programs
Rating: 4.5/5
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Strong focus on candidate experience
- Efficient automation of repetitive tasks
Cons:
- Features may be overwhelming for new users
- Higher cost for advanced features
- Intensive to set up
Pricing: Available upon request.
Lever stands out for its intuitive user interface and powerful sourcing tools, designed to optimize collaborative hiring and streamline workflows.
This ATS is particularly favored by companies looking for a solution that supports a high level of team involvement in the hiring process.
Lever’s approach to talent acquisition emphasizes building meaningful relationships with candidates throughout the hiring journey.
Its suite includes features such as Lever Nurture, which automates personalized candidate engagement, significantly improving response rates.
The platform integrates easily with various HR technologies, offering robust analytics to drive strategy and decision-making.
Verdict: Lever excels in providing an intuitive platform that facilitates candidate tracking while strengthening employer branding through a refined candidate journey.
3. Greenhouse
Key Features:
- Interview scheduling
- Scorecards
- Job board integration
Rating: 4.6/5
Pros:
- Feature-rich for candidate sourcing
- Emphasis on data-driven hiring with scorecards
- Broad range of integrations
Cons:
- Can be costly for smaller teams
- Initial setup might be time-consuming
- Some features have a learning curve
Pricing: Custom pricing based on organization size and needs.
Greenhouse is celebrated for its data-driven hiring and robust integration capabilities, which support a holistic approach to talent acquisition. It focuses on optimizing every aspect of the hiring process, from planning and sourcing to interviewing, evaluating, and onboarding.
Greenhouse’s structured hiring methodology ensures that decisions are based on data, reducing biases and improving hiring outcomes.
The software offers a wide range of customization options, allowing companies to tailor the platform to their specific processes and needs.
Its comprehensive reporting and analytics tools provide valuable insights into recruitment performance, helping organizations continuously improve their strategies.
Verdict: Greenhouse offers a powerful ATS platform focused on streamlining the recruitment process with in-depth analytics and a robust integration network.
Check out Greenhouse here!
4. SmartRecruiters
Key Features:
- Candidate pipeline management
- Customizable workflows
- Talent acquisition CRM
Rating: 4.4/5
Pros:
- Easy to use and intuitive platform
- Strong employer branding capabilities
- Good support and community
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- In-app communication can be improved
- Basic reporting in lower-tier plans
Pricing: Free basic version, paid versions start from $10,000/year.
SmartRecruiters offers a full-feature set for recruitment marketing and collaborative hiring, with a strong emphasis on providing a great candidate experience. This platform supports businesses in attracting, selecting, and hiring top talent at scale.
Its marketplace of pre-integrated apps and its powerful analytics capabilities allow for a high degree of customization and efficiency in recruitment processes.
SmartRecruiters is known for its user-friendly design, which encourages team collaboration and speeds up hiring decisions. The system also features robust compliance and governance tools, making it a secure choice for global companies.
Verdict: SmartRecruiters is distinguished by its hiring pipeline focus and its capacity for enhancing recruitment marketing efforts through employer branding initiatives.
Check out SmartRecruiters here!
5. iCIMS Talent Cloud
Key Features:
- Advanced communication tools
- Analytics and reporting
- Global job distribution
Rating: 4.3/5
Pros:
- Expansive set of features for talent acquisition
- Robust reporting and analytics for performance tracking
- Flexible to accommodate various business sizes
Cons:
- Interface can be complex
- Some features may have additional costs
- Occasional updates can require user readjustment
Pricing: Pricing is available upon request.
iCIMS Talent Cloud is a scalable ATS solution that excels in helping businesses attract, engage, hire, and advance the right talent.
Its comprehensive suite of products enables organizations to manage the entire recruitment lifecycle in a unified platform.
iCIMS offers advanced automation tools for candidate sourcing, engagement, and onboarding, facilitating a seamless transition for new hires. The platform’s flexibility and extensive integration capabilities stand out, allowing it to fit into various HR technology ecosystems.
With a focus on innovation, iCIMS continually updates its offerings with the latest in AI and machine learning to enhance recruitment efficiency.
Verdict: iCIMS Talent Cloud’s strength lies in its broad capabilities suitable for a wide spectrum of staffing needs, backed by thorough analytics to bolster decision-making.
Check out iCIMS Talent Cloud here!
6. Jobvite
Key Features:
- Social recruiting
- Employee onboarding
- Candidate CRM
Rating: 4.1/5
Pros:
- Integration with social media for wider outreach
- Streamlined onboarding process
- Engaging candidate relationship management tools
Cons:
- Reporting could be more robust in basic package
- May require additional training for optimal use
- Some processes may not be as automated as others
Pricing: Quote-based depending on the size of the organization and specific needs.
Jobvite is an analytics-driven recruiting platform that covers the entire recruiting funnel, from sourcing to onboarding.
It is particularly valued for its ability to provide deep insights into the recruitment process, enabling companies to optimize their strategies based on data.
Jobvite’s comprehensive suite includes advanced tools for candidate relationship management, recruitment marketing, and employee referrals, fostering a proactive approach to talent acquisition.
Its emphasis on diversity and inclusion tools also helps organizations build more diverse workforces.
Verdict: Jobvite is revered for its strong social recruiting capabilities and for fostering memorable touchpoints throughout the candidate journey.
7. Recruitee
Key Features:
- Customizable career pages
- Candidate sourcing tools
- Recruitment automation
Rating: 4.3/5
Pros:
- User-centric design that simplifies hiring tasks
- Attractive and customizable career pages to attract top talent
- Cost-effective for small to mid-sized companies
Cons:
- More advanced features may require higher-tier plans
- Limited reporting capabilities in the basic plan
- Integration options are moderate but growing
Pricing: Plans start at $79/month per user.
Recruitee is known for its user-friendly design and focus on team collaboration and process efficiency, making it ideal for small to mid-sized businesses.
The platform aims to streamline the recruitment process, making it easier for teams to attract, evaluate, and hire candidates.
Recruitee’s features include customizable career pages, job posting to multiple boards with a single click, and a range of tools to improve candidate engagement.
The software’s analytics capabilities provide insights into the effectiveness of recruitment efforts, helping businesses refine their strategies. Its scalability ensures that Recruitee grows with your company, adapting to changing hiring needs.
Verdict: Recruitee is noted for its ease of use and customizability, making it a solid choice for growing businesses focusing on scaling efficiently.
8. JazzHR
Key Features:
- Job posting syndication
- Candidate tracking
- Customizable workflows
Rating: 4.2/5
Pros:
- Affordable for small businesses
- High degree of customization for workflows
- Straightforward job posting and syndication
Cons:
- Some integrations may lack depth
- Limited in-depth analytics features
- Customer support can be variable
Pricing: Starts at $39/month per user.
JazzHR offers a powerful, yet user-friendly ATS designed to optimize the hiring process for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Its affordability and ease of use do not come at the expense of functionality; JazzHR provides comprehensive tools for posting jobs, screening candidates, and managing interviews.
The platform’s customizable workflows enable companies to tailor the recruitment process to their specific needs, while its collaborative features ensure that hiring teams can work together effectively.
JazzHR’s reporting tools offer valuable insights into hiring performance, helping businesses make data-driven decisions.
Verdict: JazzHR specializes in providing small businesses with a cost-effective ATS that does not compromise on functionality needed for effective recruitment.
9. Workable
Key Features:
- Interview scheduling
- Candidate tracking
- Reporting and analytics
Rating: 4.4/5
Pros:
- Comprehensive hiring pipeline management
- Strong analytical tools for data-driven decision making
- Wide range of integrations
Cons:
- Pricier for smaller budgets
- Feature set can be complex for beginners
- Initial implementation may take time
Pricing: Starts at $99/job/month.
Workable is celebrated for its all-encompassing features, including robust candidate sourcing tools, an ATS, and a mobile application, catering to companies of all sizes.
Its one-click job posting to multiple job boards, alongside a rich database of candidates, streamlines the sourcing process. Workable’s AI-driven tools enhance candidate screening, reducing time-to-hire.
The platform’s intuitive interface and collaborative hiring features facilitate team involvement in the recruitment process, improving decision-making.
Workable’s analytics and reporting capabilities provide insights into hiring metrics, enabling continuous improvement.
Verdict: Workable is recognized for its thorough candidate management and insightful analytics, catering to both operational efficiency and strategic hiring insights.
10. Zoho Recruit
Key Features:
- Automate tasks
- Recruitment CRM
- Customizable workflows
Rating: 4.3/5
Pros:
- Affordable with scalable plans for different business sizes
- Strong automation to streamline the hiring process
- Simple to use, even for those new to ATS
Cons:
- Customization can be limited compared to competitors
- More complex features may require a learning curve
- Integration with external tools can be improved
Pricing: Free version available; paid plans begin at $25/user/month.
Zoho Recruit stands out for its customization and automation capabilities, making it a versatile choice for both in-house recruiters and staffing agencies.
As part of the Zoho ecosystem, it offers seamless integration with other Zoho products and third-party applications, enhancing its utility.
The platform’s automation tools streamline various stages of the hiring process, from sourcing to offer letter generation, saving time and reducing manual errors.
Zoho Recruit’s candidate management features are comprehensive, including advanced search, communication tools, and collaboration options, making it easier to manage relationships with candidates and clients.
Verdict: Zoho Recruit is praised for bringing automation and efficiency to the recruitment processes at a competitive price, appealing to a broad range of businesses.
11. CEIPAL ATS
Key Features:
- AI-driven insights
- Job board integration
- End-to-end recruitment workflow
Rating: 4.0/5
Pros:
- Feature-rich platform with AI capabilities
- Broad job board and social integration for expansive reach
- Strong workflow automation
Cons:
- The interface may not be as intuitive as competitors
- Some features could be more user-friendly
- Occasional lags reported with heavy use
Pricing: Starts at $24/user/month with a minimal setup fee.
CEIPAL ATS leverages AI-powered sourcing and VMS (Vendor Management System) integration to offer a comprehensive staffing solution.
Its focus on workforce management and staffing efficiency makes it particularly suitable for staffing and recruiting agencies looking to leverage technology for competitive advantage.
CEIPAL’s platform includes features for candidate sourcing, engagement, and onboarding, all designed to enhance productivity and placement quality.
Its analytics capabilities provide actionable insights, helping agencies optimize their operations and improve their service offerings.
Verdict: CEIPAL ATS stands out for incorporating advanced technologies like AI to refine talent sourcing and improve overall recruitment efficiency.
12. Avature
Key Features:
- High configurability
- Recruitment marketing tools
- Advanced CRM capabilities
Rating: 4.5/5
Pros:
- Highly customizable to meet unique business processes
- Built-in marketing tools to improve candidate engagement
- Sophisticated CRM for nurturing talent relationships
Cons:
- High level of customization may result in longer implementation times
- Pricier option for smaller agencies
- Some users find the interface less intuitive
Pricing: Custom pricing is provided based on client requirements.
Avature is tailored for complex hiring needs, offering a highly customizable ATS and CRM platform that caters to large enterprises and professional staffing firms.
Its flexibility allows for the creation of unique workflows and processes, adapting to the intricate requirements of global organizations.
Avature’s emphasis on social recruiting, employee referrals, and internal mobility supports a holistic approach to talent acquisition and management.
The platform’s advanced analytics tools enable strategic decision-making based on comprehensive data analysis. Avature’s commitment to innovation ensures that its clients have access to the latest in recruitment technology.
Verdict: Avature distinguishes itself with its advanced customization and rich CRM functionalities tailored for large enterprises with complex hiring needs.
13. Manatal
Key Features:
- Social media recruitment
- Applicant tracking and matching
- AI-powered recommendations
Rating: 4.1/5
Pros:
- Forward-thinking with AI-driven candidate matching
- Extensive social media integration for candidate sourcing
- Streamlined applicant tracking system
Cons:
- Limited advanced reporting features
- Customer support responses can vary
- Occasionally reported glitches in system updates
Pricing: Starts at $15/user/month.
Manatal is designed to streamline recruitment processes through AI, enhancing candidate engagement and team collaboration for small and medium enterprises.
Its easy-to-use interface simplifies recruitment tasks, while its AI-driven recommendations help identify the best candidates faster.
Manatal’s features include social media recruitment, a comprehensive candidate database, and collaboration tools that enable hiring teams to work efficiently.
The platform’s analytics offer insights into recruitment performance, assisting in the optimization of hiring strategies.
Manatal’s affordability and scalability make it an attractive choice for companies looking to leverage AI in their recruitment processes without significant investment.
Verdict: Manatal is innovative with its use of AI to deliver a modern and efficient approach to managing the talent acquisition process for businesses of all sizes.
FAQs
How does an applicant tracking system streamline the recruitment process for staffing agencies?
An applicant tracking system optimizes the hiring workflow for staffing agencies by automating tasks such as resume parsing, candidate tracking, and interview scheduling. It ensures efficient management of the talent acquisition process from job posting to onboarding.
Can small staffing agencies benefit from using an applicant tracking system?
Yes, small staffing agencies can significantly benefit from an applicant tracking system. These systems offer scalable solutions that grow with the agency, improve candidate management, and save time by automating repetitive tasks.
How do applicant tracking systems integrate with other HR tools commonly used by staffing agencies?
Applicant tracking systems often have integrations for various HR tools such as payroll systems, performance management software, and talent sourcing platforms. These integrations create a seamless data exchange and unified workflow, consolidating various HR functions into a coherent system.
