# Best Applicant Tracking Software 2026 | Capterra

> Find the top Applicant Tracking software of 2026 on Capterra. Based on millions of verified user reviews - compare and filter for whats important to you to find the best tools for your needs.

Source: https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/s/windows

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# Best Applicant Tracking Software

Last updated on March 31, 2026

How to find the right Applicant Tracking Software?

Learn more from our team about Applicant Tracking Software pricing features and benefits in our Applicant Tracking Buyers Guide

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## What is applicant tracking system software and how do I choose the right one?

Researched by: [Brian Westfall](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/bwestfall/)and reviewed by: [Jenn Tardy](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/jenn-tardy/)

Updated on March 31, 2026

[Applicant tracking system (ATS) software](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/) formalizes recruiting processes and maintains applicant databases. Employers can store applications and resumés, assess candidates, and analyze recruiting data for insights.

Recruiters and HR leaders primarily use ATS software; hiring managers also use it for evaluation and interview scheduling. In smaller businesses, owners might post job openings using an ATS.

ATS pricing is typically on a per-month basis, ranging from around $180 for basic systems used by a few users to $2,800 or more for advanced platforms for hundreds of users.

First-time buyers should consider budget, hiring needs, and necessary integrations with their HR software stack. Consulting stakeholders to determine key questions for vendors can help find the best system. Questions include:

_What pain points in our candidate experience will your software address?_

_What recruiting tasks can be automated?_

_What recruiting metrics can we track?_

_Is your software more for high-volume hiring or finding niche talent?_

For more information consult our [Applicant Tracking Buyers Guide](#buyers-guide-content)

[4.5 (1729)](https://www.capterra.com/p/66908/Workday-HCM/reviews/)

Workday HCM helps master the transition to a new era of work, with a comprehensive global HR suite, for core HR, talent, and benefits.  [Learn more about Workday HCM](https://www.capterra.com/p/66908/Workday-HCM/)

Applicant Tracking features reviewers most value

Activity Dashboard

Application Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Management

Onboarding

Resume Parsing

Resume Storage

Self Service Portal

Workflow Management

[4.6 (109)](https://www.capterra.com/p/144801/Teamtailor/reviews/)

Teamtailor is an all-in-one ATS and employer branding platform that helps companies attract, engage, and hire the right talent faster. [Learn more about Teamtailor](https://www.capterra.com/p/144801/Teamtailor/)

Applicant Tracking features reviewers most value

Activity Dashboard

Application Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Management

Onboarding

Resume Parsing

Resume Storage

Self Service Portal

Workflow Management

85% recommend this product

[4.7 (80)](https://www.capterra.com/p/174069/Pinpoint/reviews/)

[Capterra Shortlist](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/shortlist/)

Pinpoint is the ATS that simplifies complex hiring for organizations managing multiple types of hiring. [Learn more about Pinpoint](https://www.capterra.com/p/174069/Pinpoint/)

Applicant Tracking features reviewers most value

Activity Dashboard

Application Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Management

Onboarding

Resume Parsing

Resume Storage

Self Service Portal

Workflow Management

Connect with a Capterra advisor for a free 15-minute consultation

Get a personalized software list aligned to your business needs with guidance from our expert advisors.

[4.4 (659)](https://www.capterra.com/p/130175/Workable/reviews/)

[Capterra Shortlist](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/shortlist/)

Workable Recruiting helps you find and hire great people faster. Posting jobs everywhere and managing the entire process in one place. [Learn more about Workable](https://www.capterra.com/p/130175/Workable/)

Applicant Tracking features reviewers most value

Activity Dashboard

Application Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Management

Onboarding

Resume Parsing

Resume Storage

Self Service Portal

Workflow Management

[4.5 (12)](https://www.capterra.com/p/102328/AcquireTM-Talent-Management/reviews/)

Easy-to-use applicant tracking software that will allow companies to take control of their recruiting and hiring process. [Learn more about AcquireTM](https://www.capterra.com/p/102328/AcquireTM-Talent-Management/)

Applicant Tracking features reviewers most value

Activity Dashboard

Application Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Management

Onboarding

Resume Parsing

Resume Storage

Self Service Portal

Workflow Management

[4.4 (39)](https://www.capterra.com/p/125666/EMP-Force/reviews/)

EMP Trust is a next-generation employee onboarding software that helps create great new hire onboarding experiences globally  [Learn more about EMP Trust HR](https://www.capterra.com/p/125666/EMP-Force/)

Applicant Tracking features reviewers most value

Activity Dashboard

Application Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Management

Onboarding

Resume Parsing

Resume Storage

Self Service Portal

Workflow Management

[4.6 (1260)](https://www.capterra.com/p/226634/CEIPAL-ATS/reviews/)

[Capterra Shortlist](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/shortlist/)

Streamline communication, improve recruiter productivity, & build an adaptive strategy with Ceipal's Total Talent Acquisition Platform. [Learn more about CEIPAL ATS](https://www.capterra.com/p/226634/CEIPAL-ATS/)

Applicant Tracking features reviewers most value

Activity Dashboard

Application Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Management

Onboarding

Resume Parsing

Resume Storage

Self Service Portal

Workflow Management

90% recommend this product

[4.9 (4263)](https://www.capterra.com/p/205015/Deel/reviews/)

ATS is the AI-powered recruiting module within Deel that sources talent, manages candidates, offers, and approvals from one dashboard.  [Learn more about Deel](https://www.capterra.com/p/205015/Deel/)

Applicant Tracking features reviewers most value

Activity Dashboard

Application Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Management

Onboarding

Resume Parsing

Resume Storage

Self Service Portal

Workflow Management

87% recommend this product

[4.6 (40)](https://www.capterra.com/p/220475/JobBoardio/reviews/)

Niche job board software with branded domains, applicant tracking, analytics, social media integration, and RSS syndication features. [Learn more about JobBoard.io](https://www.capterra.com/p/220475/JobBoardio/)

Applicant Tracking features reviewers most value

Activity Dashboard

Application Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Management

Onboarding

Resume Parsing

Resume Storage

Self Service Portal

Workflow Management

[4.4 (1555)](https://www.capterra.com/p/264567/ApplicantStack/reviews/)

[Capterra Shortlist](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/shortlist/)

Affordable, mobile-friendly and easy-to-use ATS with texting. Get your FREE trial & start hiring today! No credit card required. [Learn more about ApplicantStack](https://www.capterra.com/p/264567/ApplicantStack/)

Applicant Tracking features reviewers most value

Activity Dashboard

Application Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Management

Onboarding

Resume Parsing

Resume Storage

Self Service Portal

Workflow Management

[4.2 (10916)](https://www.capterra.com/p/130706/ZipRecruiter/reviews/)

ZipRecruiter simplifies applicant tracking. Easily manage, screen, and rate candidates, or integrate your own ATS. [Learn more about ZipRecruiter](https://www.capterra.com/p/130706/ZipRecruiter/)

Applicant Tracking features reviewers most value

Activity Dashboard

Application Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Management

Onboarding

Resume Parsing

Resume Storage

Self Service Portal

Workflow Management

[4.5 (1192)](https://www.capterra.com/p/125768/Zoho-Recruit/reviews/)

[Capterra Shortlist](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/shortlist/)

Zoho Recruit's Applicant Tracking System (ATS) simplifies and automates end-to-end recruitment so you can focus on your candidates. [Learn more about Zoho Recruit](https://www.capterra.com/p/125768/Zoho-Recruit/)

Applicant Tracking features reviewers most value

Activity Dashboard

Application Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Management

Onboarding

Resume Parsing

Resume Storage

Self Service Portal

Workflow Management

82% recommend this product

[4.5 (442)](https://www.capterra.com/p/133064/Crelate-Talent/reviews/)

Applicant tracking software (ATS) built for staffing and recruiting industry. See why recruitment professionals and agencies love us. [Learn more about Crelate](https://www.capterra.com/p/133064/Crelate-Talent/)

Applicant Tracking features reviewers most value

Activity Dashboard

Application Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Management

Onboarding

Resume Parsing

Resume Storage

Self Service Portal

Workflow Management

82% recommend this product

[4.6 (3108)](https://www.capterra.com/p/110968/BambooHR/reviews/)

The BambooHR ATS is designed to help organizations find, evaluate, and hire the right talent as quickly as possible. [Learn more about BambooHR](https://www.capterra.com/p/110968/BambooHR/)

Applicant Tracking features reviewers most value

Activity Dashboard

Application Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Management

Onboarding

Resume Parsing

Resume Storage

Self Service Portal

Workflow Management

82% recommend this product

[4.9 (4600)](https://www.capterra.com/p/172127/Rippling/reviews/)

Connect and automate every step of the hiring lifecycle with Rippling. Streamlined, efficient, and global applicant tracking system.  [Learn more about Rippling](https://www.capterra.com/p/172127/Rippling/)

Applicant Tracking features reviewers most value

Activity Dashboard

Application Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Management

Onboarding

Resume Parsing

Resume Storage

Self Service Portal

Workflow Management

95% recommend this product

[4.6 (1142)](https://www.capterra.com/p/153076/Homebase/reviews/)

Easily post jobs, track applicants, and hire faster with Homebase’s simple, built-in applicant tracking tools for small businesses.  [Learn more about Homebase](https://www.capterra.com/p/153076/Homebase/)

Applicant Tracking features reviewers most value

Activity Dashboard

Application Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Management

Onboarding

Resume Parsing

Resume Storage

Self Service Portal

Workflow Management

83% recommend this product

[4.5 (737)](https://www.capterra.com/p/133100/Greenhouse/reviews/)

[Capterra Shortlist](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/shortlist/)

Greenhouse is the only hiring platform you’ll ever need, helping companies of all sizes make the best hires, faster, every time.  [Learn more about Greenhouse](https://www.capterra.com/p/133100/Greenhouse/)

Applicant Tracking features reviewers most value

Activity Dashboard

Application Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Management

Onboarding

Resume Parsing

Resume Storage

Self Service Portal

Workflow Management

[4.6 (39)](https://www.capterra.com/p/178067/fountain/reviews/)

Fountain is a hiring automation platform built for hiring in volume. We process millions of applicants each month. [Learn more about Fountain](https://www.capterra.com/p/178067/fountain/)

Applicant Tracking features reviewers most value

Activity Dashboard

Application Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Management

Onboarding

Resume Parsing

Resume Storage

Self Service Portal

Workflow Management

[4.7 (123)](https://www.capterra.com/p/204052/Gem/reviews/)

Accelerate your hiring process & improve recruiting ROI with Gem ATS. [Learn more about Gem](https://www.capterra.com/p/204052/Gem/)

Applicant Tracking features reviewers most value

Activity Dashboard

Application Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Management

Onboarding

Resume Parsing

Resume Storage

Self Service Portal

Workflow Management

92% recommend this product

[4.5 (1184)](https://www.capterra.com/p/129831/JobDiva/reviews/)

[Capterra Shortlist](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/shortlist/)

The market's most advanced end-to-end recruitment ERP. [Learn more about JobDiva](https://www.capterra.com/p/129831/JobDiva/)

Applicant Tracking features reviewers most value

Activity Dashboard

Application Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Management

Onboarding

Resume Parsing

Resume Storage

Self Service Portal

Workflow Management

83% recommend this product

[4.2 (30)](https://www.capterra.com/p/78088/JobScore/reviews/)

JobScore helps organizations with 20 to 2,000+ employees eliminate recruiting busywork and make better hiring decisions.  [Learn more about JobScore](https://www.capterra.com/p/78088/JobScore/)

Applicant Tracking features reviewers most value

Activity Dashboard

Application Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Management

Onboarding

Resume Parsing

Resume Storage

Self Service Portal

Workflow Management

[4.9 (89)](https://www.capterra.com/p/163189/VIVAHR/reviews/)

[Capterra Shortlist](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/shortlist/)

AvaHR is a cloud-based hiring software that helps growing businesses streamline recruitment processes and find suitable candidates. [Learn more about AvaHR](https://www.capterra.com/p/163189/VIVAHR/)

Applicant Tracking features reviewers most value

Activity Dashboard

Application Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Management

Onboarding

Resume Parsing

Resume Storage

Self Service Portal

Workflow Management

[3.7 (10)](https://www.capterra.com/p/12525/Hirebridge/reviews/)

Web-based recruiting & applicant tracking software that helps make the hiring process faster, easier and more efficient. [Learn more about Hirebridge](https://www.capterra.com/p/12525/Hirebridge/)

Applicant Tracking features reviewers most value

Activity Dashboard

Application Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Management

Onboarding

Resume Parsing

Resume Storage

Self Service Portal

Workflow Management

[4.9 (44)](https://www.capterra.com/p/144184/Recruiteze/reviews/)

Online applicant tracking & recruitment automation tool to streamline workflows, applicant data management, communications & more. [Learn more about Recruiteze](https://www.capterra.com/p/144184/Recruiteze/)

Applicant Tracking features reviewers most value

Activity Dashboard

Application Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Management

Onboarding

Resume Parsing

Resume Storage

Self Service Portal

Workflow Management

[5.0 (20)](https://www.capterra.com/p/228554/JobPixel/reviews/)

JobPixel leverages the power of video to attract and engage job seekers, assess potential candidates, and hire top talent faster. [Learn more about JobPixel](https://www.capterra.com/p/228554/JobPixel/)

Applicant Tracking features reviewers most value

Activity Dashboard

Application Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Management

Onboarding

Resume Parsing

Resume Storage

Self Service Portal

Workflow Management

Page 1 of 27

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We have selected the most important and critical features as defined by Capterra user reviews

[Activity Dashboard](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/features/2178-activity-dashboard/)

[AI Copilot](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/features/721-virtual-assistant/)

[Application Management](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/features/1863-application-management/)

[Assessment Management](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/features/263-assessment-management/)

[Background Screening](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/features/4011-background-screening/)

[Careers Page](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/features/1560-careers-page/)

[Customizable Branding](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/features/692-customizable-branding/)

[Email Management](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/features/1033-email-management/)

[Generative AI](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/features/2098-ai-content-creation/)

[Interview Scheduling](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/features/2681-interview-scheduling/)

[Job Management](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/features/3676-job-management/)

[Onboarding](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/features/1923-onboarding/)

[Pipeline Management](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/features/168-pipeline-management/)

[Resume Parsing](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/features/3470-resume-parsing/)

[Resume Storage](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/features/2549-resume-storage/)

[Self Service Portal](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/features/2095-self-service-portal/)

[Social Recruiting](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/features/2500-social-recruiting/)

[Workflow Management](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/features/3209-workflow-management/)

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Table of Contents

-   [Essential applicant tracking system buying information](#essential-applicant-tracking-system-buying-information)
-   [What are the most reviewed applicant tracking systems?](#what-are-the-most-reviewed-applicant-tracking-systems)
-   [What is an applicant tracking system?](#what-is-an-applicant-tracking-system)
-   [ATS pricing](#ats-pricing)
-   [Features of ATS software rated by users](#features-of-ats-software-rated-by-users)
-   [Top ATS benefits identified by users](#top-ats-benefits-identified-by-users)
-   [Common challenges of ATS software identified by users](#common-challenges-of-ats-software-identified-by-users)
-   [What is ATS software used for?](#what-is-ats-software-used-for)
-   [Who uses ATS software?](#who-uses-ats-software)
-   [Common ATS integrations](#common-ats-integrations)
-   [Recent trends in ATS software](#recent-trends-in-ats-software)
-   [Learn more about how an applicant tracking system can help your business](#learn-more-about-how-an-applicant-tracking-system-can-help-your-business)

## Essential applicant tracking system buying information

[Applicant tracking system (ATS) software](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/) allows organizations to formalize their recruiting processes and maintain a database of applicant information. Using an ATS, employers can store job applications and resumés, assess candidates against hiring requirements, and analyze recruiting data for important insights.

Recruiters and HR leaders are often the primary users of ATS software, but hiring managers can also use an ATS to evaluate candidates and schedule interviews. In smaller businesses that don’t have a dedicated recruiting role, the owner or CEO might use an ATS to post job openings.

Jenn Tardy\[[1](#sources)\], an HR trainer and consultant specializing in diversity recruitment, says an ATS shares many features with recruiting software. However, she explains, “an ATS will better serve you with things like hiring compliance and tracking key metrics like time to hire, cost per hire, and diversity.”

Most applicant tracking systems on the market are priced on a per-month subscription basis. Costs for popular systems can range from as little as $180/month for a basic system used by a handful of users all the way to up to $2,800/month or more for an advanced platform used by hundreds of users.\[[2](#sources)\]

First-time ATS buyers need to consider their budget, hiring needs, and any integrations with the rest of their HR software stack when evaluating their options. Tardy advises business leaders and decision-makers to consult with stakeholders to determine the most important questions to bring to vendors. They should ask vendors questions such as:

-   What pain points in our candidate experience will your software address?
    
-   What recruiting tasks can be automated by your software?
    
-   What recruiting metrics will your software help us track and analyze?
    
-   Is your software catered more toward high-volume hiring or finding highly-qualified niche talent?
    

Tardy explains that consulting stakeholders upfront not only helps you get the best system for your business but also helps you get buy-in from the people who will actually be using the system.

"It's important to bring them along in the purchasing and implementation process," Tardy says. "You may think it's just a matter of buying some software, but it can be a lot more challenging than you expected. What you thought would only take you a few months can end up taking almost a year because of all the issues you have to solve. So it's important to get everyone on board from the start.”

## What are the most reviewed applicant tracking systems?

[Capterra Shortlist](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/shortlist/) identifies the top applicant tracking systems based on a proprietary blend of user ratings and popularity, helping small businesses efficiently find the most effective ATS solution for their needs.\[[3](#sources)\] Here are the five most reviewed products in our Capterra Shortlist for this category:

**Product**

**Overall score**

**Popularity score**

**Ratings score**

[Breezy](https://www.capterra.com/p/141702/Breezy-HR/)

81/100

35/50

46/50

[JobDiva](https://www.capterra.com/p/129831/JobDiva/)

80/100

33/50

47/50

[Zoho Recruit](https://www.capterra.com/p/125768/Zoho-Recruit/)

78/100

31/50

47/50

[ApplicantStack](https://www.capterra.com/p/264567/ApplicantStack/)

73/100

28/50

45/50

[CEIPAL ATS](https://www.capterra.com/p/226634/CEIPAL-ATS/)

72/100

23/50

49/50

These rankings are determined by combining verified user ratings and publicly available web search popularity data: 

-   **Ratings score:** Relative score of the software based on ratings given by users on Capterra, normalized for number and recency of reviews.
    
-   **Popularity score**: Relative popularity of software based on web search trends and products’ web presence.
    

## What is an applicant tracking system?

An [applicant tracking system](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/), or ATS for short, is a type of [recruiting software](https://www.capterra.com/recruiting-software/) that helps businesses manage their recruiting pipeline and keep track of job applicants as they progress through the company’s hiring process.

Acting as the central hub for all of a company’s recruiting and hiring needs, applicant tracking systems allow users to post job openings, source job candidates, set up their online job application process, and store submitted resumes. Users can also schedule interviews, order background checks, or leverage analytics to identify pain points in their candidate experience.

Gartner views applicant tracking systems as a subsegment of the broader human capital management (HCM) software market, which had annual revenue of $22.4 billion with 11.7% year-over-year growth in 2022.\[[4](#sources)\] Capterra covers 846 different ATS products, with 8,922 reviews added in the last year.\[[5](#sources)\]

## ATS pricing

Most applicant tracking systems on the market are priced on a per-month subscription basis. Costs for popular systems can range from as little as $180/month for a basic system used by a handful of users all the way to up to $2,800/month or more for an advanced ATS platform used by hundreds of users. 

-   Entry-level applicant tracking systems include the core functionality of candidate tracking, candidate profiles, and job posting.
    
-   An advanced product that’s priced higher typically includes additional features such as advanced reporting, automated candidate scoring, and customizable branding.
    

Tardy advises first-time buyers should be aware that:

-   Setup, customization, and integration are common upfront costs. 
-   Maintenance and customer support are common recurring costs.
    
-   Training might be an additional cost. Vendors might offer general training, but you could end up being charged extra for more specialized training.
    

Pricing is often based on the number of users or employees you have, but can also depend on the number of job openings you post, or the number of applications you receive. To incentivize longer contracts, ATS vendors might offer a discount if you opt for an annual subscription instead of a monthly one.

“You need to ask up front how much it's going to cost you to add additional software users so you can estimate the long-term cost,” Tardy says.

Buyers can also save money by using a [free ATS system](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/s/free/) or one with a free trial. There can be drawbacks to free software, however, like having to host and fix the system yourself (instead of getting assistance on this from a vendor).

For reference, 51% of the buyers looking for applicant tracking software that we spoke to in the past year are budgeting $5 to $10 per employee, per month.\[[6](#sources)\]

## Features of ATS software rated by users

All ATS software include candidate tracking, candidate profiles, job posting features, and candidate sourcing, and most have a variety of common features such as application management, resume storage, and interview scheduling.

### Core ATS features

-   **Candidate tracking**: Record interactions, notes, and developments with job candidates. 93% rate this feature as critical or highly important.
    
-   **Candidate profiles**: Track candidate information such as role, professional qualifications, experiences, skills, or other attributes. 91% rate this feature as critical or highly important.
    
-   **Job posting**: Post, track, and manage job openings on multiple channels. 87% rate this feature as critical or highly important.
    
-   **Candidate sourcing**: Proactively search for potential hires online to fill job openings and build talent pipelines.
    

### Common ATS features

-   **Application management**: Track, manage, and store job applications. 88% rate this feature as critical or highly important.
    
-   **Resume storage**: Upload and store candidate resumes. 84% rate this feature as critical or highly important.
    
-   **Job management**: Create and manage company roles and job listings. 79% rate this feature as critical or highly important.
    
-   **Interview scheduling:** Schedule job candidate interviews. 79% rate this feature as critical or highly important.
    
-   **Onboarding**: Automate the process of turning new hires into legal employees.
    
-   **Alerts/notifications**: Enable pop-up notifications or email alerts for various events. 
-   **Assessment management**: Create, administer, and grade assessments that test candidate skills and knowledge.
    
-   **Background screening**: Order and manage background checks on job applicants.
    
-   **Collaboration tools**: Share messages, files, and other important information with recruiting stakeholders.
    
-   **Pipeline management**: Track data on the various stages of the recruiting and hiring pipeline.
    
-   **Resume parsing**: Automatically flag job applications and resumes with important keywords or phrases.
    
-   **Workflow management**: Create and monitor workflows for repetitive recruiting tasks.
    

Tardy says many systems offer AI-powered functionalities that can make for a better and more personalized candidate experience: “One of the complaints I hear from job seekers all the time is that they submit their resume and never hear back—they feel like their resume is going down a black hole,” she notes.

“Until recently, it wasn’t uncommon for candidates to only hear back from a company once they moved forward in the process, but with AI-powered applicant software, you can make the process much more interactive and also provide feedback to applicants who are rejected.”

Tardy explains that AI systems can automatically generate personalized feedback based on a candidate’s performance in assessments, interviews, or qualifications based on the job description. By analyzing the gaps between the candidate’s profile and the qualifications for the role, the software can create a structured, consistent feedback template.

## Top ATS benefits identified by users

**More seamless communication between recruiters, applicants, and other stakeholders**: Users say applicant tracking system features such as automated notifications, user tagging, and direct messaging improve collaboration and response timeliness.

_“The integrated communication tool facilitates interaction with candidates and the internal team, ensuring seamless collaboration and quick response to queries.”_

\-Alfonso G., CEO in tech

**The ability to customize software to your unique recruiting process**: Users say their ATS has a ton of customization options to mold the software to their needs and preferences.

_“The customizable templates and automated workflows have been particularly helpful in optimizing our recruitment efforts and maintaining consistency in communication with candidates.”_

\-Salome J., HR administrator in hospitality

**Automated candidate tracking and insights**: Applicant tracking systems automatically track candidates through recruiting processes and provide data to help improve those processes. 

_“It helped to organize and systematize candidate tracking, set up reporting for our in-house recruiters, and streamline data collection.”_

\-Tatiana R., HR employee in IT technology and services

## Common challenges of ATS software identified by users

When it comes to challenges with applicant tracking systems, reviewers most often cite problems with system bugs or glitches that prevent them from accessing certain features.

The second most cited challenge is speed. Systems either run too slow during normal operation, or hit performance snags that cause lag.

A third top cited issue more specific to applicant tracking systems is candidate filtering. Users say filters either go missing, or they don’t function as expected to show only the candidates that they’re looking for.

And finally, buyers have to be aware of challenges that impact applicants. If the application process set up through your ATS software isn’t seamless, promising candidates may bounce. In a recent Capterra survey, 30% of job seekers didn’t finish a job application because it was too confusing, 29% because it was too time-consuming, and 23% because they encountered errors or glitches.\[[7](#sources)\]

Be sure to look for these common issues when reading product reviews. In addition, when you demo different applicant tracking systems, ask vendors about known issues that can affect system performance.

## What is ATS software used for?

Analysis of our extensive ATS reviews highlight the most common use cases:

-   **Managing the entire recruiting process from beginning to end**: Recruiters use their ATS as a one-stop shop to attract, assess, and hire job seekers.
    
-   **Creating and advertising job postings**: Whether it’s an internal careers page, or an external job board or social media site, [users post job openings in multiple places](https://www.capterra.com/job-board-software/) to attract the most job seekers.
    
-   **Keeping track of applicants across multiple job openings**: Features such as application filtering, keyword search, and notifications ensure no job candidates fall through the cracks.
    
-   **Collaborating with managers on hiring decisions**: Applicant tracking systems allow recruiters to communicate with hiring managers on talent needs and schedule candidate interviews with them.
    

## Who uses ATS software?

Because recruiting is a cross-functional business need, and one that all sizes and industries of businesses have to engage in, the roles who use ATS software vary.

In a small business, an owner or hiring manager might use a basic ATS to post job openings. In larger organizations with dedicated HR personnel, recruiters or other talent acquisition specialists might use a more advanced ATS to source candidates, schedule interviews, and identify recruiting process bottlenecks.

Notes from our advisor calls support this wide variance, as some of the most common kinds of users that contact us about ATS software are HR directors (12%), HR managers (11%), and business owners (8%).

ATS software is intended to be used by businesses hiring for their own needs. If you’re a recruiting or staffing agency, there’s [recruiting agency software](https://www.capterra.com/recruiting-agency-software/) and [staffing agency software](https://www.capterra.com/staffing-agency-software/) that have different features to support the specific needs of these types of businesses (such as client management). 

The person who has contacted us for ATS software in the last year most often comes from companies with between $6-25 million in annual revenue needing a system for two to five users.

## Common ATS integrations

According to our conversations with ATS software buyers in the past year, 81% prefer an integrated suite for their ATS needs. Instead of a standalone applicant tracking system, companies more often prefer to purchase a comprehensive [HR](https://www.capterra.com/human-resource-software/) or [talent management suite](https://www.capterra.com/talent-management-software/) that not only has applicant tracking capabilities but also those for other HR needs, such as [performance management](https://www.capterra.com/performance-appraisal-software/) and [employee engagement](https://www.capterra.com/employee-engagement-software/).

When buyers do need their ATS to integrate with other systems, analysis of our extensive reviews database reveals the three categories that most often integrate with ATS software are: [HR software](https://www.capterra.com/human-resource-software/), [recruiting software](https://www.capterra.com/recruiting-software/), and [background check software](https://www.capterra.com/background-check-software/).

## Recent trends in ATS software

[Capterra’s 2025 HR Software Trends report](https://www.capterra.com/resources/hr-technology-trends/) finds that AI-powered applicant tracking software (ATS) streamlines talent acquisition by automating resume reviews and allowing recruiters to focus more on building relationships with candidates. The report further advises organizations to be transparent about their use of AI and to ensure that human involvement remains central in the hiring process. This study also finds that 42% of HR leaders who use ATS rate it as critical to their company's HR operations.\[[9](#sources)\]

**Artificial intelligence (AI) lends a helping hand:** Gartner predicts that 80% of recruiting technology vendors will have embedded AI into their products by 2027. \[[3](#sources)\] AI in ATS software can help recruiters write job postings, source candidates, and even conduct screening interviews. But recruiters also need to be on the lookout for applicants [using their own AI to deceive employers and land a job](https://www.capterra.com/resources/how-to-stop-job-application-ai-cheating/).

**Keeping track of alternative credentials:** With college costs rising, more and more employers are dropping degree requirements and focusing on increasingly prevalent “alt creds,” such as certifications and digital badges on resumés, instead. However, 71% of recruiters told us it's [harder to evaluate the quality of alternative credentials](https://www.capterra.com/resources/alternative-credentials/) than college degrees, so any ATS functionality that can help you track or determine the quality of alt creds is a plus.

**Pay transparency becomes the norm:** In 2024, 40% of recruiting leaders anticipate that their organization will share salary details in job postings across all of their locations—up from 15% in 2022.\[[8](#sources)\] Pay transparency has become increasingly important to attract top talent, so you should leverage not only an ATS to maintain pay transparency consistently, but something like a [compensation management tool](https://www.capterra.com/compensation-management-software/) as well to ensure that salaries are competitive in your area.

## Learn more about how an applicant tracking system can help your business

-   [7 Top-Rated AI Applicant Tracking Software](https://www.capterra.com/resources/ai-applicant-tracking-software/)
    
-   [Capterra Value Report: A Price Comparison Guide for Recruiting Software](https://www.capterra.com/resources/recruiting-software-pricing-report/)
    
-   [4 Key Recruiting Software Features and Top Products That Offer Them](https://www.capterra.com/resources/recruiting-software-key-features/)
    
-   [4 Recruiting Trends to Follow in 2024](https://www.capterra.com/resources/recruiting-trends/)
    

Sources

1.  [Jenn Tardy](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifertardy/), LinkedIn
    
2.  **Capterra software pricing data:** Only products with publicly available pricing information and qualified software products within the category, as of the production date are included in the pricing analysis. [Read the complete methodology here](https://www.capterra.com/resources/proprietary-data-research/#software-buyers-guides-methodology).
    
3.  **Capterra Shortlist:** Capterra Shortlist identifies the top products in our software categories based on a proprietary blend of user ratings and popularity. We featured the products with the most reviews at the time of Capterra Shortlist publication. [Read the complete methodology](https://www.capterra.com/resources/proprietary-data-research/#capterra-shortlist-methodology).
    
4.  [Market Guide for Talent Acquisition (Recruiting) Technologies](https://www.gartner.com/doc/5308963), Gartner
    
5.  **Capterra reviews data:** Capterra reviews are collected from verified users for individual software products. For this report, we analyzed reviews from the past year as of the production date. [Read the complete methodology](https://www.capterra.com/resources/proprietary-data-research/#software-buyers-guides-methodology).
    
6.  **Capterra adviser call notes:** Findings are based on data from telephonic conversations that Capterra’s adviser team had with small to midsize businesses seeking applicant tracking software. For this report, we analyzed phone interactions from the past year as of the production date. [Read the complete methodology](https://www.capterra.com/resources/proprietary-data-research/#software-buyers-guides-methodology). 
7.  **Capterra’s Job Seeker AI Survey** was conducted in July 2024 among 2,997 respondents in the U.S. (n: 250), Canada (n: 250), India (n: 250), Brazil (n: 250), Mexico (n: 250), the U.K. (n: 250), France (n: 247), Italy (n: 250), Germany (n: 250), Spain (n: 250), Australia (n: 250), and Japan (n: 250). The goal of the study was to to understand the factors in AI-driven recruiting processes, and how prevalent AI tool usage is among job seekers. Respondents were screened to be actively looking for a job.
    
8.  [8 Trends That Will Shape Talent Acquisition Strategy for 2024](https://www.gartner.com/doc/5017131), Gartner
    
9.  **Capterra's 2025 HR Software Trends Survey** was conducted in April 2025 among 3,256 respondents in Australia (n=278), Brazil (n=300), Canada (n=289), France (n=300), Germany (n=300), India (n=294), Italy (n=300), Mexico (n=300), Spain (n=300), the U.K. (n=296), and the U.S. (n=300). The goal of the study was to understand the HR software that companies are buying, their benefits and challenges, and the impact of AI on HR. Respondents were screened for employment at companies with more than one employee, working in management-level roles or above. Respondents were also confirmed to be at least partially responsible for HR software purchase decisions within their organization.