Step 1: Determine Your Needs

Choosing the right Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a crucial decision for any company looking to streamline their hiring process. Before diving into the vast array of options available, it's important to assess your needs and goals to identify the most suitable ATS for your business.

Assess your hiring goals and requirements

The first step in choosing the best ATS for your company is to define your hiring goals, which could include the number of open positions, the required time-to-hire, or the type of roles you're looking to fill. Once you have a clear idea of your hiring goals, it's time to assess your hiring requirements. Consider factors like the volume of applications you typically receive, your recruiting budget, and the size of your hiring team. This information will guide you towards an ATS that can handle your specific needs.

Identify pain points in your current process

Take a closer look at your current hiring process to identify areas that could benefit from an ATS. Do you experience any bottlenecks or slowdowns in your process? Are you struggling with tracking applicant information and communication? Do you have difficulty collaborating with team members during the hiring process? An ATS can alleviate these pain points and provide a smoother hiring experience.

Make a list of must-have features in an ATS

Now that you have a clear picture of your hiring goals and pain points, it's time to identify the must-have features in an ATS. These features could include resume parsing, candidate scoring, email and calendar integrations, video interviewing, or mobile accessibility. Create a list of features that are essential for your hiring process and refer back to this list when evaluating potential ATS options.

By taking the time to assess your needs, pain points, and must-have features, you'll be better equipped to choose an ATS that aligns with your company's hiring goals.

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Step 2: Research ATS Providers

Now that you know what you need in an ATS, it's time to research potential providers. Here's an outline of how to go about it:

1. Compile a list of potential ATS providers: Start by gathering a list of ATS providers that meet your needs. You can use online directories, ask for recommendations from peers in your industry, or search for providers that integrate with your current systems.


2. Read reviews and case studies: Look for reviews and case studies from current and former customers of the providers on your list. This can give you an idea of how the provider performs in real-world situations.


3. Compare the features and pricing of each provider: Look at the features and pricing of each provider to see which ones fit within your budget and offer the features you need. Pay attention to any hidden fees or limitations.

By following these steps, you can narrow down your list of potential providers to find the best ATS for your business.

Step 3: Evaluate User Experience

After narrowing down your choices for an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to a few, it's important to evaluate the user experience to make sure the platform is easy to use and intuitive. Here are steps you can take to evaluate the user experience of the shortlisted ATS providers:

Request demos and free trials

It's crucial to get hands-on experience with the ATS platform before making a decision. Request demos and free trials from the shortlisted ATS providers to get a better idea of how the platform operates.

Assess the ease of use and intuitiveness of the platform

When testing the platforms, assess how easy it is to navigate the system, search for candidates, manage job postings, and track applicant progress. Evaluate how intuitive the platform is, and whether it requires a steep learning curve. Look for features that make your day-to-day tasks easier, such as scheduling interviews or sending candidate communications.

Get feedback from your team

It's important to involve your team in the evaluation process to gather feedback and ensure buy-in. Consider creating a survey or facilitating a meeting to gather feedback on the ease of use and functionality of each platform.

Evaluating the user experience can help you make an informed decision when selecting an ATS for your business.

Step 4: Analyze Integration Capabilities

When choosing the best applicant tracking system (ATS) for your business, it is important to consider integration capabilities. Evaluating the integration capabilities of an ATS with your current HR tech stack is necessary to ensure compatibility and seamless data transfer from one system to another. Moreover, it is crucial to check if the ATS is compatible with other commonly used HR tools and platforms.

Evaluate the integration capabilities of the ATS with your current HR tech stack

Before choosing an ATS, it is important to evaluate its compatibility with your current HR tech stack. Check if there are any compatibility issues that need to be addressed beforehand. Make sure that the ATS can seamlessly integrate with your current HR tools and platforms.

Check for compatibility with other commonly used HR tools and platforms

Aside from your current HR tech stack, it is also important to consider the compatibility of the ATS with other commonly used HR tools and platforms. This includes tools and platforms for performance management, onboarding, benefits administration, and more. Look for an ATS that can easily integrate with these tools to streamline your HR processes.

Step 5: Consider Costs

When looking for an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), it is important to consider the costs associated with each provider. This step will guide you on how to compare pricing plans, assess the ROI, and find the best value for your budget and requirements.

Compare Pricing Plans

Each provider offers different pricing plans with various options and limitations. It is essential to understand the pricing structure of each provider and compare it against other providers' plans to find the best fit for your budget and requirements.

• Research and compare the pricing plans of each ATS provider you are considering.


• Look for any additional charges, such as implementation fees, training costs, or extra features, that you may need.


• Determine if they offer monthly or annual subscription plans and which pricing model fits your organization’s needs.

Assess the ROI

When assessing the return on investment (ROI) of an ATS, it is essential to look at the benefits it offers, such as time savings, increased productivity, and improved hiring decisions. This step will help you determine if the ATS is worth the investment.

• Calculate the potential cost savings for your organization.


• Estimate the amount of time the ATS will save you in various hiring processes e.g., sourcing and screening candidates, interview scheduling, etc.


• Factor in potential gains in candidate quality and employee retention rates.

Determine the Best Value for Your Budget and Requirements

After comparing pricing plans and assessing the ROI, it's time to determine which provider offers the best value for your budget and requirements.

• Consider the pricing, implementation fees, training costs, ROI, additional features, and limitations of each provider.


• Identify which provider offers the best value for your budget and requirements and provide the best ROI.


• Make sure that the ATS provider can meet your needs and has excellent customer service and support.

By considering the costs, assessing the ROI, and determining the best value for your budget and requirements, you'll be able to choose the best ATS for your business.

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