Knowing the differences between ATS and CRM software can help recruitment agencies gain a competitive edge in the recruitment sector. By understanding the nuances of each system, agencies can begin to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Understanding when and how to use ATS vs CRM software is vital in seeking out and then retaining the top talent as a recruiter. Although these two terms have subtle differences, our comprehensive guide explains the details of each system and why implementing a combination of ATS and CRM could be the ideal software solution for recruiters.
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Key features of an ATS
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is a software tracking system that works to smooth out and simplify the journey for candidates progressing through your recruitment processes. Learn more about what ATS systems are in our guide.
This type of software ensures a positive candidate experience by focusing on:
- Managing information: job specification, screening criteria, interview scheduling and recruitment projects.
- Accountability: transparent and compliant applicant handling.
- Accessibility: easy-to-monitor applicant data and commercial measures.
- Enhanced accuracy: detailed record of all processes in the applicant ‘journey’.
The best ATS software option would be adaptable to your specific business goals and sector. It would also automate some of the tasks involved in applicant handling, to save you time and money.
Key features of a CRM
A CRM is a tool for managing customer relationships, and in recruitment, it’s used to manage business development by tracking potential clients and moving them through the sales pipeline, helping find leads and close deals.
A CRM works to support recruiters in the following ways:
- Improved lead management: Enable efficient lead generation, qualification and nurturing.
- Enhanced client relationships: Helps recruiters build and maintain strong relationships by tracking deal progress and interactions.
- Streamlined sales process: Clear overview of the recruitment pipeline, tracking position openings and progress.
Using traditional methods to identify job seekers is no longer a viable option in today’s digital world, and ambitious recruiters appreciate that the best software for recruitment is designed to streamline the recruitment pipeline and ensure the satisfaction of both candidates and clients in a competitive landscape.
CRM software is also used as a talent pipeline, keeping job seekers and current employees engaged and ready to leverage for your specific recruitment and hiring purposes.
Differences: What makes ATS and CRM unique?
To further clarify ATS vs CRM, you need to look at how they dovetail with each other. In effect, a CRM proactively seeks out candidates who are relevant and engaged with the types of job roles you handle. An ATS, on the other hand, is a reactive software tool that enables you to process those candidates in an efficient, effective and compliant manner.
Let’s explore more differences between ATS vs CRM below:
|
|
ATS |
CRM |
| Software focus | Software used to manage and track candidate information, from application to placement. | Software that manages and nurtures client relationships, streamlining the lead generation and closure process. |
| Key functions | Job posting, candidate sourcing, screening, interviewing, onboarding | Contract management, lead generation, client communication |
| Data | Candidate information, job applications, interview feedback | Client information, client communication history, deal stages |
| Automation | Automating tasks like resume screening, scheduling interviews, sending offer letters | Automating tasks like lead scoring, analytics of sales |
| Outcome | Efficient recruitment process, improved candidate satisfaction, improved time-to-fill | Increased client satisfaction, improved sales performance, improved understanding of lead generation |
Put simply, a CRM is the core that focuses on leads and clients, while an ATS underpins the applications and placement of candidates. Using the two integrated together allows for a harmony from candidate scoping all the way to lead closure, underpinning business productivity and profitability.
Without the best CRM system for recruitment, the candidates stored in your ATS may not be entirely suitable for your clients. However, if you focus only on your CRM, your clients and candidates may not experience the same level of agile, incisive and decisive job post handling you achieve using ATS software.
Should you integrate your CRM and ATS?
One of the myths regarding recruitment software is that you should choose either a CRM or an ATS option, or that you need to have both operating in tandem. In fact, there are strong reasons why CRM and ATS functionality should be combined into one intuitive software solution for recruitment businesses.
Integration leads to various commercial benefits and saves you time and money.
There are more insights on the advantages below, but it is worth emphasising that you need to be confident that your software genuinely integrates the two. You will not achieve the same results by investing in a CRM that does some applicant-related management tasks, or ATS software that ‘bolts on’ some CRM functionality.
With this in mind, here are some factors to consider when questioning whether or not to integrate the two systems:
- Company size: this factors in size, reach and usage. Small-scale recruiting businesses may benefit from one system that combines both ATS and CRM software, whereas growing or mid-sized businesses may benefit from two separate systems.
- Industry: depending on your industry, and the speed at which you need to place candidates, you may need to implement one system rapidly (e.g. ATS), and then look to store data on a CRM.
- Business goals: work out your long-term recruitment goals and the processes that could be improved by implementing new software systems.
- Non-negotiables: decide which features of an ATS vs CRM are essential to the smooth daily operations of your recruitment.
- User experience: check if good customer support, beta testing and customisation features are available so that you can be supported through your CRM vs ATS user experience.
The benefits of combining the two
Finding an authentic combination of CRM and ATS software is the optimum way to enjoy the advantages of both, as well as end-to-end software for recruitment pipelines. In effect, you are tying up recruitment candidate identification, attraction, processing and retention into one streamlined software package for hiring professionals.
The benefits of CRM and ATS combined include optimising the candidate journey and improving analytics and data flow. This is particularly true for recruitment agencies, whose purpose is to find appropriate candidates for clients.
Recruitment agencies can create strong data flow, with excellent transparency and control by combining ATS and CRM software. For instance, candidate information from your recruitment marketing will pass seamlessly into your applicant tracking system.
In a similar manner, less time will be needed for inputting, cross-checking and updating your data. For example, it’s essential that you can automatically update an applicant list information with the latest candidates attracted via your CRM. This rapid process ensures that your tracking systems are not ‘bogged down’ or cluttered by out-of-date data. When you automate various recruiting tasks, you can free up your agency staff for more ‘hands-on’ work, including client account management.
Integrating CRM and ATS software also creates a ‘library’ of candidate information you can draw on for multiple purposes, such as carrying out vital reporting tasks. Having one comprehensive and streamlined software solution improves your ability to smooth out and measure candidate experience during recruitment. This improved experience is key to talent retention and your organisation’s reputation in the recruitment industry.
Enhance your candidate and client experience with Vincere Core ATS & CRM in one
The next logical question is how to source CRM and ATS in one platform that works? The answer is the transformational CRM and ATS system offered by recruitment tech specialist Vincere. Vincere integrates the two systems to provide the ultimate candidate and client experience, particularly for high-speed recruitment agencies.
Vincere Core recruitment ATS and CRM is the ultimate data-driven solution for ambitious agencies that want to speed up, coordinate and smooth out client and candidate experiences, and build fruitful relationships with both. Contact Vincere, or book a free demo to begin your agency’s road to efficient and effective recruitment.
