CRM vs ATS
In today's highly competitive job market, technology is a recruiter's best friend. Two essential tools at their disposal are Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). But do recruiters need one, the other, or both? Let's dive into these options to help recruiters make informed decisions.
The Growth Opportunity in 2025
In 2024, the economy shifted rapidly, and recruitment agencies seized the opportunity, growing by an impressive 11%*. What separated the top performers from the rest? How did they use technology to succeed? To find answers, Bullhorn conducted a survey involving over 2,000 industry professionals worldwide in their 13th annual GRID Industry Trends research.
What Distinguished Top Agencies in 2023?
So, what set the most successful recruitment agencies apart in 2023? Bullhorn analyzed top performers (with at least 10% year-over-year growth) and those with losses (over 10% revenue decrease) to uncover four key differences:
- Embracing Technology
- Going Digital
- Expanding Client Base
- Navigating Tight Labor Markets
CRM vs ATS: Understanding Their Role in Recruitment
For recruitment firms specializing in high-volume permanent recruitment, having the right tools in place for the recruitment process is crucial. This is where CRM and ATS technologies come into play.
When discussing CRM vs ATS, it’s important to understand that these systems serve different purposes in the hiring process. A CRM (Candidate Relationship Management) system helps recruitment firms build and nurture relationships with potential candidates even before they apply, while an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) takes over once a candidate submits an application, streamlining the hiring and selection process.
CRM vs ATS: When to Use Them
CRM (Customer/Candidate Relationship Management): CRM software helps build and maintain relationships with potential job seekers, current employees, and passive candidates. It offers features like creating a database of potential jobseekers, searching for resumes using keywords, sending targeted messages, tracking the hiring process, conducting surveys, collecting feedback, and gathering analytics.
ATS (Applicant Tracking System): ATS software automates recruitment from start to finish, from posting job ads on social media and job boards to organizing applications, creating candidate profiles, analyzing resumes, scheduling interviews, and more. It streamlines processes, improves the candidate experience, and reduces time-to-hire.
The Power of Integration
But what about combining CRM with ATS? Is it worth it?
CRM vs ATS or CRM with ATS Should Be the Focus?
Integrating CRM and ATS systems has several advantages. ATS manages the hiring workflow, ensuring the selection of the best candidate. It also allows for building relationships with applicants who may not be chosen. In a job market with plenty of options, an organized talent acquisition process sets your company apart.
Evaluating Your Systems
To check if your ATS and CRM are working well, look for signs like manual data entry, categorizing candidates based on current roles, lack of evaluation of candidate-recruiter interactions, and long vacancies for certain positions.
Leveraging Technology for Competitive Advantage
In today’s competitive market, adopting recruiting software to manage administrative tasks and connect with potential employees is crucial. CRM systems provide data-driven insights into past, current, and future candidates, enabling informed decisions.
