9+ Top ATS Software For Founders

In the fast-paced business world, managing the recruitment process can be a complex and time-consuming task. For founders and business leaders, it's crucial to have tools that streamline this process and ensure they're attracting and retaining top talent. 

One such tool is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software. Today, we will delve into the topic of the top 9 ATS software for founders.

ATS software offers a systematic approach to managing job applications and candidates. It organises, tracks, and sorts job applicants, making the recruitment process smoother. 

In 2020, the global ATS market was valued at $1.81 billion, with a projected growth rate of 7.2% from 2021 to 2028, according to Grand View Research. This indicates ATS’s increasing reliance and importance in the modern business world.

Not all ATS software is created equal, and choosing one that fits your business needs is essential. This guide will provide an overview of the top 9 ATS software for founders, highlighting their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision.

1. GoHire

First on our list is GoHire. Known for its user-friendly interface and powerful features, GoHire is a popular choice for many founders.

GoHire simplifies hiring by allowing you to post jobs to multiple job boards with a single click, track applicants, and manage the entire recruitment process from a single dashboard. You can also schedule interviews, send automated emails, and even analyse your hiring process with its robust reporting features.

What sets GoHire apart is its focus on collaborative hiring. Team members can leave comments and ratings on candidate profiles, ensuring everyone involved in the hiring process has a voice.

This collaborative approach can lead to better hiring decisions and a more cohesive team. While GoHire doesn't have as many integrations as other ATS software, its features are well-designed and intuitive, making it an excellent choice for founders looking to streamline their hiring process.

2. Lever

Next up is Lever, an ATS software designed to engage candidates and manage relationships throughout the recruitment process.

Lever allows you to build and nurture relationships with candidates, even before a suitable role becomes available. It's excellent for businesses that value a proactive approach to hiring. Lever also provides powerful reporting features, giving you insights into your hiring process and areas for improvement.

Lever's main downside is its price. It's one of the more expensive ATS software on the market, which may put it out of reach for some SMBs. However, its powerful features and focus on relationship management make it a valuable tool for founders who can afford it.

3. Greenhouse

Greenhouse is a comprehensive ATS software that offers a full suite of features, from sourcing and interviewing candidates to onboarding new hires.

Greenhouse stands out for its structured hiring and interviewing approach, promoting better decision-making and reducing unconscious bias in hiring. It also integrates with various other software, making it a versatile tool for businesses using other HR tech.

The main drawback of Greenhouse is its complexity. It has a steeper learning curve than other ATS software, which may be a barrier for some users. However, Greenhouse can be a potent tool for those willing to invest the time to learn its features.

4. Workday

Workday is a cloud-based ATS software that combines applicant tracking with other HR functions, including payroll, time tracking, and employee data management.

One of Workday's standout features is its AI capabilities, which can help match candidates to suitable jobs and predict future hiring needs. It also provides robust reporting and analytics, giving you valuable insights into your hiring process.

The main downside of Workday is its complexity. While its broad range of features makes it incredibly powerful, it can also overwhelm new users. Additionally, Workday is more costly than some other ATS software for a startup, which could be a barrier for smaller businesses or startups.

5. Bullhorn

Bullhorn is an ATS and CRM hybrid that caters to recruitment agencies but is also suitable for businesses with extensive recruitment needs. Its strength lies in its relationship-tracking features and integration capabilities.

Bullhorn allows for easy tracking of every interaction with candidates, clients, and job orders, keeping all your recruitment data in one place. It also offers robust reporting features that help track performance and productivity.

However, Bullhorn might be a little overwhelming for smaller businesses that have simple recruitment needs as it's designed to handle complex processes. It's also on the pricier end of the spectrum.

6. iCIMS

iCIMS is a robust ATS solution that offers various features, including social media distribution, career site SEO, and mobile-friendly branded career portals.

One of its distinguishing features is its ability to scale with your business. Whether you're a small business or a large enterprise, iCIMS can handle your recruitment process efficiently.

The downside is that iCIMS can be complex to set up and learn. It may require a significant time investment initially, but once set up, it's an incredibly powerful tool.

7. SmartRecruiters

SmartRecruiters is an ATS known for its intuitive interface and robust functionality. It offers all the core features you'd expect from an ATS, including job posting, candidate tracking, and reporting.

One of its standout features is its marketplace of hundreds of HR services providers. This makes it easy to add new functionality as your business grows and your hiring needs change.

The main downside of SmartRecruiters is its customer service, which some users have found needing improvement. However, its ease of use and robust features make it a popular choice among founders.

8. Cezanne HR

Cezanne HR is an international, cloud-based HR system with an efficient ATS module. The ATS module is integrated with the rest of the HR suite, allowing a smooth transition from the hiring stage to the onboarding process.

Cezanne HR offers job posting, applicant tracking, and reporting features. It stands out for its international capabilities, making it an excellent choice for companies with a global reach or those planning to expand internationally.

One potential downside of Cezanne HR is that its ATS module is less comprehensive than some standalone ATS software. 

However, Cezanne HR is a robust and reliable choice for businesses looking for an integrated HR system with ATS capabilities.

9. JobDiva

JobDiva is an ATS and CRM hybrid that offers a wide range of features, including resume sourcing, applicant tracking, and onboarding.

JobDiva stands out for its sophisticated matching algorithms, which help streamline the sourcing process by matching candidates with suitable jobs. It also offers robust reporting and analytics features.

However, JobDiva can be overwhelming for new users due to its extensive features. It also tends to be more expensive than other ATS software, making it a better fit for larger businesses or those with extensive recruiting needs.

Let’s Wrap Up

Choosing the right ATS software can significantly streamline your recruitment process, saving you time and helping you attract the right talent. While many options are available, the top 9 ATS software for founders mentioned above stands out for their robust features, user-friendly interfaces, and positive user reviews.

Remember, the best ATS for your business will depend on your specific needs and resources. Consider factors like the size of your business, the recruitment volume, your budget, and the specific features you need before deciding.

The importance of a good ATS cannot be overstated in today's competitive job market. According to Capterra, 75% of large companies use an ATS to streamline their hiring process, and 94% of them report that it has improved their hiring process. As a founder, investing in a quality ATS is a decision that could significantly impact your business's success.