Best Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) For Small Business in 2025

Applicant tracking system for small business is designed to help employers manage large numbers of job applications efficiently, by automatically sorting and filtering applications based on pre-set criteria. For small businesses, in particular, ATS can be an invaluable tool for managing the hiring process. By automating the initial stages of the process, ATS frees up time that can be better spent on other tasks, such as interviewing candidates. 

Choosing applicant tracking software or ATS can be a daunting task, particularly for small businesses. There are a wide variety of options on the market, and each has its own unique set of features. This guide will help you understand the basics of ATS and the things to consider before subscribing to one.

Many applicant tracking system small business solutions offer free trials, which allow businesses to try out the software before making a commitment. This is an important step in choosing an ATS program, as it allows businesses to see firsthand how the software works and whether it is a good fit for their needs. Free trials also give businesses the opportunity to test out different features of the software and determine which ones are the most beneficial. In short, free trials help businesses make sure they are choosing not just the right software but the right plan for their needs. You can start exploring ATS features with these top products: BambooHR, Greenhouse, Submittable, Sage HR, Rippling and WorkBright.

BambooHR – BambooHR is a cloud-based HR software solution that offers a comprehensive suite of tools to help small and medium businesses manage their employee data. Its ATS allows businesses to post job openings, track and manage job applicants, and make hiring decisions. The system also provides robust reporting capabilities, so businesses can track their recruitment progress and performance. BambooHR is arguably one of the more comprehensive applicant tracking systems for small business.

Greenhouse – Greenhouse is designed to help businesses streamline their recruiting process. Greenhouse facilitates job postings, applicant tracking, and performance reporting. Greenhouse also offers a variety of integrations with other HR software, making it a popular choice for businesses of all sizes.

Submittable – Submittable helps organizations streamline their submission process. With Submittable, users can easily create online forms and manage submissions in one central location. Submittable also allows users to track applicants and send automatic notifications when new submissions are received. In addition, Submittable provides real-time reporting tools so organizations can see which applications are being viewed and how often.

Sage HR – Sage HR helps businesses manage employee data, benefits, job applications and payroll. The software is designed to automate many of the tasks associated with HR, including onboarding new employees, tracking time off and vacation requests, and managing performance reviews. Sage HR also includes a self-service portal where employees can update their personal information and access their pay stubs and W-2 forms. 

Rippling – Rippling is a cloud-based HR and payroll software that provides a comprehensive solution for managing your workforce. Rippling allows you to manage your employee data, tracking their time off, benefits, and compensation. The software also includes tools for performance management, application tracking, onboarding, and recruiting.

WorkBright – WorkBright is a cloud-based solution that allows businesses to electronically onboard and manage their employees. The system includes a compliance engine that provides real-time guidance on compliance with federal, state, and local laws. WorkBright also offers a comprehensive suite of tools for tracking employee applications and records, managing benefits, and storing employee files.

Applicant tracking systems for small businesses may be offered as a stand-alone app or integrated with an HRMS or a talent management system.

• Stand-alone ATS – A standalone applicant tracking system is an independent software application designed specifically for the recruiting and hiring process. Unlike a human resources management system (HRMS), which includes an applicant tracking system as part of a suite of tools, a standalone ATS is only concerned with applicant tracking and, therefore, has more comprehensive features and functionality. Some of the key features of a standalone ATS are resume parsing, job posting, candidate management, workflow automation, and report generation. While an HRMS can be helpful for managing employee data and payroll, a standalone ATS is a more efficient and effective solution for streamlining the recruiting process.
• HRMS with integrated ATS – HRMS is a comprehensive solution that helps organizations manage employee data, process payroll, and more. Full HR software typically includes modules for tracking employee time and attendance, managing benefits and leave time, and performance management. Additionally, most HR software solutions offer an integrated ATS and have integrations with popular accounting and payroll systems. This allows organizations to automate many of their HR processes, saving time and money.
• Talent management software – Talent management software is a subset of HR software that helps organizations identify, attract, and retain the best employees. The main purpose of talent management software is to help organizations find and develop the skills and abilities needed to meet their strategic goals. Talent management software typically includes tools for applicant tracking, performance management, succession planning, learning and development, and employee engagement.

The best ATS for small business typically includes features such as resume parsing, job board posting, and email templates. In addition, some applicant tracking systems offer features such as background check integration and skills testing. 

Resume parsing – ATS can save businesses a significant amount of time and money by reducing the need for manual data entry. WITH resume parsing, ATS can help to ensure that job applicants’ resumes are properly formatted and do not contain any errors. To parse a resume, an ATS typically uses optical character recognition (OCR) or natural language processing (NLP) algorithms. OCR algorithms are designed to recognize text in digital images, while NLP algorithms are used to analyze written or spoken language. Once a resume has been parsed, the extracted data can be stored in the ATS database and used for various purposes, such as conducting searches or generating reports.

Job board posting – An ATS helps to automate and streamline the process of posting job listings on multiple job boards. It can also help to track and manage applications, making it easier to identify the best candidates for each position. In short, an ATS can save employers precious time and resources, while also helping to ensure that their postings are seen by a wider audience.

Email templates – One of the most beneficial features of an ATS is the ability to send automated recruiting emails. These templates can be customized to fit the unique needs of your organization, and they can help to keep candidates informed about the status of their applications. In addition, automated recruiting emails can help to improve your response rate and keep your recruitment process organized.

Background check – An applicant tracking system can help you collect information from job applicants. These include contact information, work history, and education information. It can also help you track the progress of your background check. This way, you can see which checks have been completed and which ones are still pending. Likewise, an applicant tracking system can help you keep all of your background check information organized. In this way, you can easily access it when you need to.

Skills assessment – Many applicant tracking systems (ATS) now offer skills assessments as a way to screen job candidates. This can be a valuable tool for employers, providing objective data on a candidate’s skills and abilities. Skills assessments can be used to identify applicants who may not have the necessary skills for the job, or who may need additional training. They can also be used to assess applicants who have the necessary skills but are not familiar with the specific terminology used in the job posting. In addition, skills assessments can help to identify qualified candidates who may have been overlooked during the initial screening process. By using an ATS with skills assessment capabilities, employers can ensure that they are making the best possible hiring decisions.

Reporting & dashboard – ATS reporting and dashboards allow businesses to see at a glance how many candidates are in each stage of the process, how long each stage is taking, and where bottlenecks are occurring. This information can be invaluable in streamlining the hiring process and ensuring that good candidates don’t fall through the cracks.

In a tight job market, employers are inundated with resumes for every open position. Sifting through all of these applications by hand would be an incredibly time-consuming task, but applicant tracking software (ATS) can help to streamline the process. 

A small business applicant tracking system is designed to manage large numbers of applications and help employers to identify the most qualified candidates. The software can also be used to evaluate resumes based on specific keywords and qualifications. As a result, ATS can save employers a significant amount of time and energy when it comes to reviewing job applications. 

In addition, the use of ATS can help to ensure that qualified candidates are not overlooked simply because their resumes are buried in a pile of paper. For these reasons, applicant tracking software is an indispensable tool for any business that is looking to fill open positions efficiently and effectively.

Artificial intelligence – In recent years, ATSs have begun to use artificial intelligence (AI) to help with various aspects of the recruiting process. For example, AI can be used to identify patterns in data that may help to predict which candidates are more likely to be successful in a certain role. AI can also be used to score resumes and rate candidates based on certain criteria. In addition, AI can be used to generate interview questions that are tailored to each individual candidate. Ultimately, AI can help to make the recruiting process more efficient and effective by helping organizations identify the best candidates for a given role.

Market growth – The applicant tracking system (ATS) market is expected to reach $3.54 billion by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research. The market is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% during the forecast period (2022–2030). 

The proliferation of cloud-based technologies and the rising adoption of big data and analytics in the human resources (HR) sector are some of the major factors driving the growth of the ATS market. Moreover, the increasing use of mobile devices and social media for recruiting is expected to create new opportunities for market expansion in the coming years.

Employee diversity compliance – As companies strive to comply with employee diversity regulations, many are turning to applicant tracking systems (ATS) to help them manage the hiring process. ATS software can be used to identify and track job applicants who belong to protected groups, as well as to monitor the overall diversity of the workforce. In addition, ATS can help companies assess their progress in meeting employee diversity goals. By using ATS to monitor applicant pools and hires, companies can ensure that they are making progress toward a more diverse workforce.

As companies increasingly look to technology to streamline the hiring process, applicant tracking systems (ATS) have become increasingly popular. These systems help to filter and organize job applications, making it easier for recruiters to identify qualified candidates. However, there are some potential drawbacks to using an ATS. One concern is that the systems may inadvertently exclude qualified candidates who don’t have the right keywords in their resumes. In addition, if a company relies too heavily on an ATS, it may miss out on talented candidates who are not a good fit for the specific job they are applying for but could be successful in other roles. As with any tool, it’s important to use applicant tracking systems with human intuition in order to avoid these potential pitfalls.

There are a few key things to keep in mind when shopping for an applicant tracking system (ATS). 

• Volume – The system can handle the volume of applications you receive. If you only receive a few applications per week, you won’t need as robust a system as someone who receives hundreds or even thousands of applications. 
• Intuitive – The system is user-friendly, both for you and your applicants. The last thing you want is a system that’s so complicated that it takes hours to input data or extract reports. 
• Integration – The system integrates with any other software you use, such as your human resources management system (HRMS) or your accounting software. By having everything in one place, you’ll be able to save time and keep track of your data more easily. 
• Tech support – The vendor offers good customer support in case you have any questions or run into any problems.

As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, it is more important than ever for businesses to have an efficient way to track and manage job applicants. Fortunately, there are many software options available that can help to streamline the hiring process. However, with so many choices on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your business. When choosing an applicant tracking system, there are a few key factors to consider, such as price, features, and user-friendliness. By taking the time to compare your options, you can find an applicant tracking system that meets your specific needs and budget. With the right software in place, you can streamline your hiring process and make sure you are getting the best candidates for the job.