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    How ATS and CRM Work Together to Revolutionize Recruitment

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    MokaHR
    ·March 18, 2025
    How ATS and CRM Work Together to Revolutionize Recruitment
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    Hiring gets easier when considering ATS vs CRM systems working together. Almost 99% of big companies use ATS to speed up hiring. These tools can make hiring 60% faster. CRM systems help connect with candidates and cut admin work by half. Together, in the context of ATS vs CRM, they change how hiring is done.

    Key Takeaways

    What is an ATS?

    Definition and Purpose

    An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software that makes hiring easier. It helps organize job applications, check candidates, and track their progress. By handling tasks like sorting resumes and setting up interviews, an ATS lets you focus on finding the right person for the job.

    Metrics like time-to-hire and quality-of-hire show how well an ATS works. These numbers help spot problems and keep hiring smooth. Companies using these metrics are 36% faster at filling jobs.

    Key Features of an ATS

    Modern ATS tools have many features to improve hiring. Here are some important ones based on research:

    Feature Description

    Percentage

    Fortune 500 companies using ATS

    99%

    Recruiters agreeing ATS reduces time-to-hire

    86%

    Teams finding more high-quality candidates

    62%

    Recruiters agreeing ATS improves hiring

    94%

    These features make ATS tools essential for businesses big and small.

    Benefits of Using an ATS

    Using an ATS brings clear benefits to hiring:

    • Faster Hiring: Over 86% of recruiters say their ATS saves time.

    • Improved Candidate Quality: 79% of recruiters think new hires are better with an ATS.

    • Reduced Turnover: New hires through an ATS stay 40% longer than others.

    • Cost Savings: Automating tasks like scheduling saves time and money.

    An ATS also helps hiring teams work together better. Everyone stays on the same page. By using an ATS, you can make hiring easier and get better results.

    What is a Recruiting CRM?

    Definition and Role in Recruitment

    A recruiting CRM helps you connect with future employees. It focuses on building relationships with people who might work for you later. Unlike an ATS, which manages active job seekers, a recruiting CRM works with passive candidates. It’s like a customer management tool but made for hiring. This tool helps you talk to candidates before they apply, keeping your talent pool ready.

    Recruiting CRMs save time by automating tasks like emails and reminders. They show useful data, like who opened your emails or replied. This helps you decide when someone might be ready for a new job.

    Key Features of a Recruiting CRM

    Recruiting CRMs have tools that make hiring easier. Here’s a list:

    Feature

    Description

    Candidate database management

    Stores all candidate details in one place for easy use.

    Communication management

    Helps you stay in touch with candidates and plan interviews.

    Workflow automation

    Handles repetitive tasks, saving time and avoiding mistakes.

    Analytics and reporting

    Uses data to improve hiring plans and make better choices.

    These tools make recruiting CRMs very helpful for hiring teams.

    Benefits of a Recruiting CRM

    Using a recruiting CRM gives clear advantages:

    1. Improved Quality of Hire: Companies see better hires with these tools.

    2. Enhanced Recruiter Experience: Recruiters work faster and more efficiently.

    3. Faster Time-to-Fill: Jobs are filled quicker, saving time for important roles.

    With a recruiting CRM, you can make hiring smoother and build strong connections with great candidates.

    ATS vs. CRM: Key Differences

    Core Functionalities of ATS and CRM

    ATS and CRM systems have different purposes in hiring. An ATS helps manage the hiring process. It collects resumes, tracks applications, and automates tasks. A CRM focuses on building relationships with future candidates. It connects with passive job seekers before they apply.

    Feature

    ATS

    CRM

    Candidate Journey

    Handles after-application steps

    Engages before application

    Primary Focus

    Manages applications, automates tasks

    Builds talent pipelines, proactive outreach

    User

    Recruiters and hiring teams

    Talent acquisition specialists

    Engagement

    Improves hiring process efficiency

    Creates lasting candidate connections

    These features show how ATS and CRM work well together.

    Unique Strengths of Each System

    Each system has its own strengths. An ATS makes hiring tasks faster and easier. It automates things like sorting resumes and scheduling interviews. A CRM is great for building relationships. It uses personal communication to keep candidates interested.

    For example, a tech company cut hiring time by 30% using an ATS. This saved them $150,000 each year. Companies using CRMs report better candidate engagement and stronger talent pools.

    Why Both Are Essential for Recruitment

    Using both systems together improves hiring. An ATS organizes applications, while a CRM builds a pool of future candidates. Together, they make hiring smoother and more effective.

    “Combining ATS and CRM systems creates a powerful tool for managing candidate and customer data.”

    By using both tools, you can save time and connect better with candidates. This combination helps companies stay ahead in today’s competitive job market.

    How ATS and CRM Work Together

    Making Recruitment Easier

    When ATS and CRM are combined, hiring becomes simpler. ATS organizes job applications and automates tasks like sorting resumes. CRM helps build strong connections with future candidates. Together, they make work faster and more organized.

    For instance, a small marketing company had trouble managing clients and hiring. By using both ATS and CRM, they combined their data and improved communication. This cut hiring time by 25% and kept 30% more clients happy. It shows how these tools help both hiring and customer service.

    Aspect

    Details

    Background

    A small marketing company focused on digital ads.

    Challenge

    Trouble managing clients and tracking job candidates.

    Solution

    Used ATS and CRM together to organize data better.

    Outcome

    - Better communication with clients and candidates.

    - 30% more clients stayed due to better service.

    - Hiring became 25% faster, finding great workers quickly.

    Keeping Candidates Interested

    Using ATS and CRM together also keeps candidates engaged. Tools like chatbots can give quick updates and answer questions. This makes candidates feel valued and informed during hiring.

    For example, Unilever used ATS with AI tools and cut hiring time by half. Candidates were happier with the faster process. HubSpot also improved candidate satisfaction by 30% through regular updates and communication.

    Success Stories of ATS and CRM

    Many companies use ATS and CRM together to improve hiring. A tech company used this combo to grow quickly while hiring top talent. They made hiring faster, improved teamwork, and kept customers happy in new areas.

    • Faster Hiring: Found skilled workers quickly worldwide.

    • Happy Customers: Better service in new locations.

    • Teamwork: HR and sales worked better together.

    • Clear Reports: Easier tracking for rules and reports.

    By using ATS and CRM together, companies can hire smarter and plan for the future.

    Building a Simple Recruiting CRM Tech Stack

    Steps to Combine ATS and CRM

    To create a recruiting tech stack, start by combining tools. First, check your current systems for problems. Find where ATS and CRM can help improve things. Make sure both tools can work together smoothly. This helps share data, automate tasks, and save time.

    Involve your team early on. Ask recruiters and managers what they need. This makes sure the tools match your company’s goals. Test everything before using it fully. Fix any problems to avoid delays in hiring.

    Picking the Best Tools for Your Company

    Choosing the right tools is very important. Look at things like cost, ease of use, and how well they grow with your company. The table below shows key points to think about:

    Metric

    What It Means

    Cost per hire

    How much it costs to hire one person.

    Candidate experience

    How candidates feel during the hiring process.

    Offer acceptance rate

    How many job offers are accepted by candidates.

    Application completion rate

    How many people finish the job application.

    Quality metrics

    Measures how good the candidates and hires are.

    User-friendly interface

    How easy the tool is to use for everyone.

    Integration capabilities

    How well the tool works with other systems.

    Customization

    How much you can change the tool to fit your needs.

    Scalability

    If the tool can grow as your company grows.

    AI and automation features

    If the tool uses AI to make hiring easier.

    Pick tools that are easy to use and can be customized. Make sure they can grow with your company. Tools with AI and automation can save even more time.

    Tips for Combining Tools

    Follow these tips to make combining tools easier:

    • Know your company’s needs. Match the tools to your goals.

    • Pick tools that fit how your team works. This makes them easier to use.

    • Train your team well. Teach them how to use the tools properly.

    These tips help manage data better and improve hiring. By following them, you can build a system that works now and in the future.

    ATS and CRM systems handle different parts of hiring but work better together. ATS speeds up hiring tasks, while CRM improves how candidates feel through communication. Companies using both systems see quicker hiring, better employees, and lower costs. For example:

    Case Study

    Key Results

    Big Tech Company

    Kept 30% more clients; hiring became 25% faster.

    Small Tech Business

    Cut hiring time by 40%; sales grew by 35%.

    Worldwide Retail Brand

    Saved money by automating hiring and customer service.

    Using these tools together makes hiring easier, keeps candidates happy, and helps companies stay ahead.

    FAQ

    What is the difference between an ATS and a CRM?

    An ATS handles job applications from active candidates. A CRM focuses on connecting with people before they apply. Both tools make hiring easier but have different jobs.

    Can small businesses benefit from using a CRM?

    Yes, small businesses can use a CRM to find future workers. It automates messages and keeps candidates interested. This helps them compete with bigger companies in hiring.

    How do ATS and CRM systems work together?

    An ATS organizes job applications, while a CRM builds relationships. Together, they make hiring faster and improve the candidate's experience.

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