Over the years, we've spoken to thousands of companies considering new ATS software. As a point of reference, we thought it would be helpful to provide potential buyers with an overview of past clients' pain points and reasons for switching to a new software system.

1. Applicant Tracking Software
BuyerView Report
Insight into today’s software buyer

2. Abstract
Over the years, we’ve spoken to thousands of companies considering new ATS
software. As a point of reference, we thought it would be helpful to provide
potential buyers with an overview of past clients’ pain points and reasons for
switching to a new software system. Our key findings include:
• The majority of buyers we spoke to were using manual methods to track
applicants.
• Most buyers mentioned the need to improve efficiency and effectiveness as the
primary reason for purchasing applicant tracking software.
• Among buyers already using applicant tracking software, most were looking for
a more robust system with specific features or functionality.

3. Current Methods of Tracking Applicants
Paper/spreadsheets/email
Applicant tracking software
Proprietary software
Other
0
50
100
150
200
250
Number of participants
The great majority of recruiters are currently using manual methods to track their
applicants. About a third are replacing existing applicant tracking software.

4. Where Are Recruiters Looking for Candidates?
Job boards
Company website
LinkedIn
Referrals
Social media
Headhunters
Other
0
28
56
84
112
140
Number of mentions
Out of 165 buyers who responded to this question, almost all were posting to job
boards, with the majority using their company website as well.

5. Reasons for Purchasing - High Level Overview
Improve efficiency/effectiveness
Need more features/functionality
Company growth
Current system too complex
Update/modernize
Consolidate systems
Reduce costs
Other/no reason given
0
40
80
120
160
200
Number of mentions
The majority of buyers mentioned the need to improve efficiency or effectiveness
as the primary reason for purchasing applicant tracking software.

6. Reasons for Replacing an Existing Applicant Tracking System
Need more robust software
Current system too complex
Improve efficiency/effectiveness
Update/modernize
Too expensive
Consolidate multiple systems
Other
0
10
20
30
40
50
Number of mentions
Among buyers already using applicant tracking software, most were looking for a
more robust system with specific features and functionality.

7. Deployment Preferences
16%
1%
Web-based
On-premise
Unknown
82%
Web-based software has almost completely taken over this market, with only 1%
of buyers in our sample expressing a preference for on-premise software.

8. Demographics: Buyer Size by Number of Employees
8%
12%
9%
15%
14%
16%
1-50
51-100
101-100
101-250
501-1,000
1,001-2,500
2,5001+
25%
Half of the applicant tracking software buyers in our sample have fewer than 250
employees, with a quarter falling into the 101-250 employee range.

9. Learn More About Applicant Tracking Software
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10. @SoftwareAdvice
/company/software-advice
/SoftwareAdvice
@SoftwareAdvice
Software Advice™ is a trusted resource for software buyers. The company's
website, www.softwareadvice.com, provides detailed reviews, comparisons and
research to help organizations choose the right software. Meanwhile, the company’s
team of software analysts provide free telephone consultations to help each
software buyer identify systems that best fit their needs. In the process, Software
Advice connects software buyers and sellers, generating high-quality opportunities
for software vendors.