40%
Estimated Time Savings
20–30%
Cost Reduction
50–300 €
SME Price / Month
< 1 day
Learning Time
Definition
An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is recruitment management software centralising and automating the entire recruitment process. It enables job posting, receipt and screening of CVs, candidate tracking, interview scheduling and team collaboration. The ATS replaces scattered emails, Excel files and paper notes with a single platform where all information is accessible and traceable.
Essential vs Optional Features
Features to Prioritise for an SME
Avantages
- Multi-posting of jobs on job boards
- Automatic CV parsing
- Visual pipeline (Kanban view)
- Email communication templates
- Profile sharing internally with managers
- Basic statistics (time-to-hire, source)
- Integrated GDPR compliance
Inconvénients
- AI for CV/job matching (useful but secondary)
- Integrated tests and evaluations (separately payable)
- Referral management (dedicated module)
- Deferred video interviews (external tool possible)
- Electronic contract signature (dedicated tool)
- Advanced dashboards (before large volume)
ATS Selection Criteria for SMEs
ATS Selection Grid
| Criterion | What to Check | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Simplicity | Operational in less than a day, no training needed | Critical |
| Pricing | Fixed monthly/annual price, no hidden modules | Critical |
| Support | French-language support, responsive (chat/email/tel) | High |
| Integrations | Indeed, LinkedIn, Gmail/Outlook, calendar | High |
| GDPR Compliance | Consent management, candidate rights, traceability | Critical |
| Scalability | Adapts to growth without complete migration | Medium |
Getting the Most From Your ATS
1
Structure Your Pipelines
Define clear stages: application → pre-selection → interview 1 → test → final interview → offer.
2
Use Templates
Standard emails, pre-qualification questionnaires, interview grids — standardise to save time.
3
Automate Intelligently
Acknowledgements of receipt, follow-ups, interview scheduling — automate the repetitive.
4
Involve Your Managers
Give them partial access to view and evaluate candidates directly.
5
Exploit the Data
Analyse recruitment time, best sources and conversion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an ATS cost for an SME?
Between 50 and 300 euros per month depending on features and number of users. Some offer annual subscriptions with 20 to 30% discounts. Allow 3 to 6 months to recover investment through 40% time savings on administrative tasks.
Does an ATS replace human judgment in recruitment?
No, it assists it. The ATS automates administrative tasks and structures information, but you evaluate personality, motivation and cultural fit. The goal is to free your time for high-value human interactions.
Can you easily migrate from one ATS to another?
Migration is possible but requires exporting data (applications, contacts, histories) then re-importing. Allow minimum half a day of work. Always check export/import formats before committing to a provider.
What's the difference between an ATS and an HRIS?
An ATS focuses only on recruitment. An HRIS covers entire employee lifecycle: recruitment, payroll, training, evaluation, leave. For SMEs starting out, a specialised ATS is more appropriate before investing in complete HRIS.
Aurelia: The ATS Designed for SMEs
Intuitive interface, integrated AI, Kanban view, ready-to-use templates and SME pricing. Focus on people, Aurelia handles administration.