How ATS for SMEs level the playing field in recruitment

Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face unique challenges in attracting, selecting, and retaining top talent. Limited budgets, lean HR teams, and time constraints often make it difficult for SMEs to compete with larger organisations.

However, a good Applicant Tracking System (ATS) can be a game-changer, levelling the playing field by streamlining the recruitment process, improving candidate experience, and making data-driven hiring decisions accessible to companies of all sizes.

What Is an ATS and why is it essential for SMEs?

An ATS is a software solution designed to automate and optimise various stages of the recruitment process. From posting job vacancies and screening applicants to scheduling interviews and making job offers, an ATS can significantly reduce the administrative burden on HR professionals. For SMEs, this means less time spent on manual tasks and more time focusing on strategic hiring decisions.

Unlike larger corporations with dedicated recruitment teams, SMEs often rely on a small group of individuals to manage hiring while juggling other responsibilities. An ATS helps bridge this resource gap by providing tools that enhance efficiency, improve communication with candidates, and ensure a consistent and professional recruitment experience.

Is an ATS the same as a CRM?

While both an ATS and a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system manage large volumes of data, their purposes and functions differ. An ATS is specifically designed for recruitment, focusing on the entire candidate lifecycle—from application to hiring. It tracks job applications, automates workflows, and ensures compliance with hiring regulations.

On the other hand, a CRM is primarily used for managing customer relationships. In recruitment, some companies use CRM-like tools for talent engagement and candidate nurturing, especially when building long-term pipelines of passive candidates. Some modern ATS platforms, such as our Skills-First ATS, offer integrated CRM-like features, allowing SMEs to maintain ongoing relationships with potential hires while still managing active recruitment processes efficiently.

Is ATS used in the UK?

Yes, ATS solutions are widely used in the UK across companies of all sizes. In fact, the UK has seen a growing trend of SMEs adopting ATS platforms as they recognise the importance of efficient and data-driven recruitment processes. With talent shortages and increased competition for skilled professionals, having a reliable ATS is no longer a luxury but a necessity for SMEs looking to secure top talent.

Moreover, UK employment laws, such as GDPR regulations regarding candidate data, make it essential for companies to maintain accurate and secure recruitment records. ATS systems help ensure compliance by offering features like automated data retention policies and secure candidate data storage.

What ATS do most companies use?

There is a wide range of ATS solutions available, catering to different company sizes and recruitment needs. Here are some popular options, including one specifically tailored for SMEs:

1. Clevry’s Skills-First ATS
   • Designed to prioritise candidates’ skills and potential rather than just their experience and qualifications, our ATS is ideal for SMEs looking to identify high-fit candidates quickly and efficiently. It includes features such as automated candidate scoring, streamlined workflows, and integrated assessments, making it a comprehensive solution for skill-based hiring.
     
2. Workable
   • Known for its user-friendly interface and scalability, Workable is popular among SMEs for its job posting, candidate tracking, and interview scheduling capabilities. It also offers a robust mobile app, allowing recruiters to manage the hiring process on the go.
     
3. BambooHR
   • BambooHR’s ATS is part of a broader HR management suite, making it suitable for SMEs that want an all-in-one solution. It excels in simplifying the recruitment process while integrating seamlessly with other HR functions such as onboarding and performance management.
     
4. Jobvite
   • Jobvite is a versatile ATS with features that cater to both small businesses and large enterprises. It offers tools for candidate sourcing, CRM-like engagement, and data-driven decision-making, making it a popular choice for companies looking to scale their recruitment efforts.
     
5. Recruitee
   • Recruitee is known for its collaborative hiring features, allowing teams to work together on candidate evaluations and decisions. It’s ideal for SMEs that value team input and want to make the hiring process more inclusive and transparent.

Benefits of using an ATS for SMEs

1. Time savings and efficiency

Manual recruitment tasks, such as sorting through CVs and scheduling interviews, can be time-consuming. An ATS automates these tasks, allowing SMEs to fill positions faster and focus on high-impact activities.

2. Improved candidate experience

A positive candidate experience is crucial for employer branding. An ATS ensures timely communication, streamlined application processes, and transparent feedback, enhancing the overall candidate journey.

3. Data-driven decision-making

By centralising recruitment data, an ATS enables SMEs to make informed hiring decisions based on metrics such as time-to-hire, candidate source effectiveness, and assessment scores.

4. Enhanced collaboration

With features like shared candidate profiles and team feedback, an ATS promotes collaboration among hiring managers and team members, ensuring a more comprehensive evaluation process.

5. Compliance and security

Maintaining compliance with employment regulations is critical. An ATS helps SMEs stay compliant by tracking candidate data, managing consent, and ensuring secure data storage.

Choosing the right ATS for your SME

When selecting an ATS, it’s essential to consider your company’s specific needs and growth plans. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

• Ease of use:
  Choose a system that is intuitive and easy to implement without requiring extensive training.
  
• Scalability:
  Ensure the ATS can grow with your company as your hiring needs evolve.
  
• Customisation:
  Look for features that allow you to tailor the system to your recruitment processes.
  
• Integration:
  Consider whether the ATS can integrate with other tools you use, such as payroll or HR management systems.

Why choose Clevry’s skills-first ATS?

Our Skills-First ATS stands out by focusing on candidates’ skills and potential rather than just their past experience. This approach is particularly beneficial for SMEs, as it allows them to uncover hidden talent and make more inclusive hiring decisions. Key features include:

• Automated candidate scoring:
  Quickly identify top candidates based on their skills and assessment results.
  
• Integrated assessments:
  Evaluate candidates’ suitability through scientifically validated psychometric assessments.
  
• Streamlined workflows:
  Reduce administrative tasks and speed up the hiring process.
  
• GDPR compliance:
  Ensure secure and compliant candidate data management.

For SMEs looking to compete with larger organisations in the talent market, an ATS is no longer optional—it’s essential. By automating tasks, improving candidate experience, and enabling data-driven decisions, an ATS empowers SMEs to attract and retain top talent efficiently. Our ATS takes this a step further by prioritising skills-based hiring, helping SMEs find candidates who not only meet job requirements but also have the potential to drive long-term success.

Ready to elevate your recruitment process? Book a quick demo now to see for yourself.