Replacing spreadsheets or simple hiring software with an applicant tracking system (ATS) helps recruiting teams organize, track, and evaluate candidates. The best ATS software for small business owners centralizes job posting and screening tools, with many offering features powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
Find the right ATS platform for your needs by comparing the best applicant tracking systems for small businesses. This guide breaks down features, pricing, and implementation, so you can choose a hiring platform that streamlines your recruiting and hiring process.
Comparison of the best ATS software for small business
Evaluate pricing, features, and ideal use cases to choose an applicant tracking system for your small business.
Here’s a quick comparison of popular ATS platforms:
- 100Hires: Best for startups needing customizable tools. The starting price is $99 monthly. You can personalize application forms, hiring pipelines, and interview tools. Only one person can use the entry-tier plan.
- BambooHR: Best HR suite with applicant tracking. Pricing starts at $250 monthly for 25 or fewer employees. It integrates with over 150 third-party apps and automates candidate and employee alerts. Payroll or benefits administration costs extra.
- Zoho Recruit: Best free ATS plan for recruiters. Free plan or paid subscriptions starting at $30 per user monthly. You can customize a branded career website page and email templates. But resume parsing doesn’t come with the free ATS system.
- Breezy HR: Budget-friendly HR and ATS tools. Free plan or paid versions starting at $189 monthly. It offers mobile apps and built-in video interviewing tools. However, the free plan only supports one active position.
- Workable: Best for sourcing and employee management. Pricing starts at $360 monthly. It distributes job posts to over 200 boards and has built-in e-signature tools. But it’s pricey for small teams with occasional hiring needs.
- JazzHR: Best ATS for collaborative hiring teams. The starting price is $1,000 annually. You can assign employees to job-specific recruiting teams and customize hiring stages. It doesn’t have a smartphone app.
- Bullhorn: Best for small staffing firms. Price available via custom quote. It comes with customer relationship management (CRM) software and AI-powered tools for workflow automation. However, the base plan doesn’t support candidate texting.
How to choose ATS software for small business hiring
The way your team manages candidates, how often you hire, and your budget determines which applicant tracking systems are right for your small business. Assess your needs to identify bottlenecks and learn which features could improve your hiring process.
Consider the following factors:
- Hiring volume: Low-cost or free ATS systems offer basic applicant tracking and communication features for managing a few posts or job roles simultaneously. When hiring dozens or hundreds of employees, shift to a platform with AI screening and automated interview scheduling.
- Team size: If multiple people collaborate on hiring, consider pay-as-you-go or per-job pricing to keep costs lower. Choose cloud-based ATS software with mobile-friendly apps to track applicant progress, update availability, and share feedback.
- Budget: Factor in monthly costs for an ATS and any third-party scheduling and interviewing tools. Explore the differences between free and paid ATS software, pricing structures (per-job or per-user), and your return on investment, including time saved.
- Ease of setup: Consider the setup time for ATS implementation, including how much training small teams need to use it, even if they only occasionally post jobs. Think about the features you will use most and make sure they’re accessible to nontechnical staff.
- Integrations: When your ATS system connects to email, scheduling, and communication tools, you can get more done in fewer steps. The best applicant tracking software integrates with multiple job boards, social media channels, payroll services, and human resource information systems (HRIS).
- Candidate experience: Test ATS software to understand the applicant’s perspective. Tools should provide an excellent experience on mobile devices, improving how people access and complete the application process while speeding up communication.
What ATS features support small companies?
Small business ATS tools should simplify your recruitment process, saving you time and effort. Focus on features that automate basic tasks, integrate with your current software, and improve communication between candidates and internal teams. Explore the most important capabilities for small teams and compare features across systems to see which ATS is best for small business hiring.
Job posting and candidate sourcing
Get access to popular job boards with an ATS system that posts to Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter. Many platforms offer syndication tools, enabling one-click job posting to dozens of sites, including social media, automatically.
Other application management tools help small businesses:
- Import candidate profiles from job posting sites to your ATS database.
- Use drag-and-drop career page builders for website or stand-alone landing pages.
- Create an effective staff referral program with an employee portal and administrative dashboard.
- Customize job and internship applications using built-in compliance and editing tools.
Resume screening and candidate evaluation
An applicant tracking system organizes candidates in a searchable ATS database. You can filter applications based on skills or experience. Many provide contact management features to store details, including resumes and interactions, in one place.
Some offer text and video screening options that can automatically prequalify (or disqualify) applicants. Others automatically parse resumes, use logic-based questionnaires to route candidates, or apply AI scoring to identify qualified applicants.
Interview scheduling and communication
Hiring communication and interview scheduling tools helps small businesses move candidates through the process efficiently. The top ATS systems send automated emails or text updates when an applicant applies to your job post. Many platforms include AI hiring tools with some plans and provide email templates for consistent messaging. Some sync to your Microsoft Outlook or Google calendars and offer self-scheduling capabilities.
Reporting and hiring analytics
The best applicant tracking systems for small businesses offer an ATS dashboard with essential metrics for measuring hiring pipeline performance. You can track time-to-hire and candidate sources, including Indeed, LinkedIn, and direct messages. The top ATS reporting tools show where applicants drop off and how candidates move through each stage.
Integrations with payroll and HR systems
Connecting an ATS with payroll or onboarding tools helps small teams onboard new hires quickly. If you use human resources (HR) software, look for ATS integrations that sync candidate data with your existing tools. Plug-and-play integrations are easier than configuring workarounds using Zapier or application programming interfaces (APIs).
In addition to HR and payroll integration, ATS systems may connect to video tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams and collaboration software, such as Slack. Many offer in-app assessment and background checks via third-party integrations with Checkr or Canditech.
How much does an ATS system cost for small businesses?
ATS pricing varies based on features and capabilities. You can choose between free tools, low-cost plans, and advanced AI-driven ATS software. The cost of an applicant tracking system ranges from $30 per month for Zoho Recruit to hundreds of dollars monthly for all-in-one HR services with recruiting and hiring features, like BambooHR.
Free ATS plans offer basic tracking and limited features, while paid subscriptions add automation, integrations, and analytics. Some vendors charge per user, others per job posting. When comparing applicant tracking systems, consider your team size, the access levels you need, and the number of active job postings you have at any given time.
Small business ATS tools should simplify your recruitment process, saving you time and effort. Focus on features that automate basic tasks, integrate with your current software, and improve communication between candidates and internal teams.
7 top ATS vendors for small businesses
The best ATS software for small businesses include free candidate sourcing services and comprehensive platforms for high-volume hiring. In addition to standalone tools, you can choose an HRIS with built-in job posting, interviewing, and communication capabilities. Evaluate top ATS systems to find options that align with your budget and criteria. Here are seven solutions to include in your comparison.
100Hires: Most customizable ATS for fast-growing startups
100Hires is recruitment software for small and medium-sized businesses. Pricing starts at $99 monthly or $49 with annual billing. It is highly customizable, allowing small business owners to personalize hiring workflows, including pipeline stages and interview scorecards. However, only one user can access tools on the base plan, while some alternatives support unlimited team members.
Key highlights include:
- 14-day free trial.
- One-click job posting to Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster, and more.
- AI-generated job descriptions, application forms, and interview questions.
- Scheduling automation via Google or Outlook calendar and email integrations.
BambooHR: Best small business HR suite with applicant tracking
BambooHR is a complete HR platform. Pricing starts at $10 per employee per month for companies with more than 25 employees, or $250 monthly for small businesses with 25 or fewer employees. It offers tools to collect and maintain information throughout your employees’ lifecycle. Costs increase with add-on packages for payroll, benefits administration, time tracking, and performance management.
Key highlights include:
- Seven- to 14-day free trial.
- Automatic alerts and updates for candidates and hiring teams.
- Over 150 third-party integrations, including job boards and background checking tools.
- Digital offer letter templates, new hire packets, and custom emails.
Zoho Recruit: Best free ATS software for small business recruiters
Zoho Recruit offers free candidate and email management for one recruiter and one active job. Paid subscriptions start at $30 per user monthly or $25 with annual billing. The free ATS system works well for occasional, low-volume hiring but doesn’t include social posting, video interviewing tools, or resume parsing.
Key highlights include:
- Forever-free ATS plan, 15-day free trial, and 45-day money-back guarantee.
- A free career website page and web forms with auto-response rules.
- Customizable email templates and automated response sequences.
- Integrations with Google Meet and Microsoft Teams.
Breezy HR: Most budget-friendly HR and applicant tracking tools
Breezy HR is an affordable ATS system with free and paid plans. Pricing starts at $189 monthly or $157 monthly with annual billing. It automates communication and scheduling while providing real-time analytics and reporting. However, the free ATS software only supports one active position at a time.
Key highlights include:
- Free ATS for unlimited users and job candidates, and a 14-day free trial.
- Android and iOS apps.
- Built-in task management and video interviewing tools.
- Slack, email, and calendar integrations.
Workable: Best ATS software for sourcing and employee management
Workable is an all-in-one platform to attract, hire, onboard, and manage employees. Pricing starts at $360 monthly or $299 monthly with annual billing. It stands out for its customer support, offering response times within 25 seconds by phone or chat. Workable also has thousands of tutorials and hiring templates for growing businesses.
Key highlights include:
- 15-day free trial.
- Unlimited active jobs and distribution to over 200 job boards.
- Custom hiring pipelines.
- Self-scheduled interviews, offer letter templates, and native e-signatures.
JazzHR: Best ATS for collaborative hiring teams
JazzHR’s recruiting software supports unlimited users, which is ideal for collaborating on hiring decisions. Pricing starts at $1,000 yearly for three job postings per month. It lets you create job-specific recruiting teams and custom workflow stages. The program is mobile-friendly but doesn’t offer a separate smartphone app.
Key highlights include:
- Free demo.
- Roles and privileges management with all plans.
- Team assessment and ranking tools.
- Integrates with LinkedIn Recruiter.
Bullhorn: Best ATS software for small staffing agencies
Bullhorn is a cloud-based ATS and customer relationship management (CRM) platform. Pricing is available via quote. The mobile-first platform supports recruitment workflows with AI, automation, and analytics. However, the basic ATS doesn’t include omnichannel engagement tools, like SMS messaging.
Key highlights include:
- Free demo.
- Candidate, contact, and company management.
- Integrates with over 100 third-party tools, including email and calendars.
- Job posting, a career portal, and resume parsing.
ATS implementation checklist: Setup, integrations, and training
Most small business ATS platforms can be set up in a few hours to a few days, depending on integrations and customization.
Use this checklist to set up your ATS system quickly:
- Define your hiring workflow and stages: Map five to seven stages of your hiring process, such as Applied, Screened, Interview, Offer, and Hired. Highlight steps where decisions stall, like second interviews or approvals from multiple team members.
- Import or create job templates: Create reusable templates for common roles, such as hourly staff or sales. Include responsibilities, qualifications, and legal requirements to reduce posting time and maintain consistency.
- Set up job board integrations: Connect your ATS software to top job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn first, then add paid channels, as needed. After posting your first job, check the live listings to ensure it appears in search results.
- Connect payroll, HR, or onboarding systems: Integrate your HRIS, payroll, and collaboration tools to reduce manual data errors and push candidate data directly into employee recordkeeping systems.
- Configure user roles and permissions: If you have multiple users, limit access by role. For example, owners and admins typically have full access, while hiring managers can review and offer feedback.
- Customize application forms and screening questions: Develop a short application process ranging from three to five minutes and provide role-specific qualification questions to prefilter candidates.
- Test the candidate experience: Check your job posting on mobile and desktop devices. Consider tasks that slow down or confuse applicants, like long forms, unclear instructions, or broken links.
- Train team members on using the system: Run a 30-minute walkthrough for anyone involved in your hiring process. Focus on key features, including how to review candidates, leave feedback, and move applicants through stages.
- Monitor early hiring activity and adjust workflows: Use the ATS dashboard and reporting tools to track time-to-first-response, drop-off rates, and bottlenecks.
Does your small business need ATS software?
While there are no set rules for when a small business should get an ATS system, many owners look into options when hiring becomes time-consuming or disorganized. If you spend multiple hours searching for job candidates or lose applicants during slow processes, it could be time to replace your spreadsheet or email-based workflow with an applicant tracking platform.
The benefits of an ATS system for small businesses include:
- Expanded reach via one-click job posting to free and paid job boards.
- More consistent branding with built-in application and communication templates.
- Fewer missed messages, thanks to automated candidate messages and team notifications.
- Ability to compare candidates more objectively.
- Faster recruiting workflows and less manual effort.
- More collaborative hiring process with a central location for reviewing candidates and leaving notes.
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