features

21 Nov 2025
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Top 7 Powerful ATS Features to Look For in 2025

Sticky Post By On November 21, 2025

In today’s hyper-competitive talent market, selecting the right Applicant Tracking System (ATS) isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about future-proofing your hiring process for efficiency, compliance, and candidate delight. With 97.8% of Fortune 500 companies relying on ATS platforms in 2025, the stakes are high. But amid the sea of options, which features truly separate the game-changers from the rest?

This guide breaks down must-have ATS features for 2025, focusing on texting, reference checks, custom application questions, manual candidate adds, scheduling, onboarding, and integrations. Backed by the latest stats—like how ATS adoption has surged to 85% among mid-sized firms for streamlined workflows—we’ll show you why these tools can slash time-to-hire by up to 40% and boost hire quality. Whether you’re a startup or scaling enterprise, prioritizing these ensures your ATS isn’t just software—it’s a strategic powerhouse.

Why ATS Features Matter in 2025: A Quick Stats Snapshot

Before diving in, consider this: 73% of job seekers are passive, waiting for the right nudge, and AI-driven features in modern ATS can increase engagement by 300%. As remote work evolves and Gen Z enters the workforce (preferring mobile-first experiences), your ATS must adapt. Look for platforms with robust analytics and automation—key trends projected to dominate 2025 recruiting.

Now, let’s explore the essentials.

1. Text Recruiting: Instant Engagement for Faster Responses

Gone are the days of email black holes. Text recruiting lets you send personalized SMS alerts directly from your ATS, turning passive candidates into active applicants overnight.

Why It’s a Must-Have

  • Speed & Conversion: Texts boast open rates of 98% and responses in under 5 minutes—300% faster than email. In 2025, with candidates glued to phones (averaging 4+ hours daily), this feature reduces no-shows by 40%.
  • Personalization at Scale: Automate nudges like “Hey Alex, your skills match our Marketing role—reply YES for details!” while complying with TCPA regulations.
  • Pro Tip: Seek ATS with texting in base plans to avoid hidden fees.

Tools like Pereless Systems make this seamless, integrating SMS into your pipeline for effortless candidate nurturing.

2. Automated Reference Checks: Verify Talent Without the Hassle

Reference checks often bottleneck hiring, but integrated automation changes that—requesting, tracking, and compiling feedback in one dashboard.

Key Benefits

  • Efficiency Gains: Automate multi-reference requests via email, cutting manual follow-ups by 60% and speeding verification from weeks to days.
  • Deeper Insights: Customizable templates capture qualitative data (e.g., “team fit”) alongside ratings, reducing bad hires by 25%.
  • Compliance Edge: Built-in audit trails ensure EEOC adherence, vital as DEI scrutiny rises in 2025.

Choose an ATS where references trigger post-interview, blending seamlessly with your workflow.

3. Custom Application Questions: Filter for Culture and Skills Fit

Standard forms miss the mark—custom questions let you tailor screens to reveal if a candidate aligns with your unique needs.

Standout Advantages

  • Precision Screening: Ask role-specific queries like “Describe your experience with remote team motivation” to prioritize high-fits, improving quality by 35%.
  • Diversity Boost: Include inclusive prompts (e.g., voluntary self-ID) to support equitable hiring, aligning with 2025’s focus on belonging.
  • Mobile Optimization: Ensure questions load quickly on phones to cut drop-off rates by 50%.

This feature turns applications into intelligent gates, not generic hurdles.

4. Manual Candidate Addition: Flexibility for Networking Gems

Not every star comes via job boards—manual adds let you import referrals or LinkedIn finds directly into your ATS.

Why It Excels

  • Pipeline Enrichment: Bypass ads to add 20-30% more qualified leads from your network, accelerating fills during talent shortages.
  • Seamless Integration: Auto-populate profiles from resumes or social data, tagging for easy tracking.
  • Hybrid Sourcing: Ideal for 2025’s blend of inbound/outbound recruiting, saving hours on data entry.

Look for bulk upload options to scale this for high-volume teams.

5. Integrated Scheduling: No More Calendar Tetris

Coordinating interviews across time zones? Built-in scheduling syncs with Google/Outlook, proposing slots in real-time.

Transformative Perks

  • Time Savings: Reduces back-and-forth by 75%, with self-scheduling links boosting candidate satisfaction.
  • Global Readiness: Time-zone auto-adjustments and group polling make remote hiring a breeze.
  • Analytics Tie-In: Track no-show patterns to refine outreach.

In a post-pandemic world, this feature is non-negotiable for agile teams.

6. Onboarding Automation: From Offer to Productivity in Days

Hiring ends at onboarding? Not anymore—ATS with digital portals handle paperwork, training, and check-ins pre-Day 1.

Critical Wins

  • Retention Lift: Automated e-signatures and task lists cut ramp-up time by 50%, improving first-year retention by 20%.
  • Compliance Automation: Embed I-9 forms and policy quizzes for seamless VEVRAA/OFCCP adherence.
  • Personalized Journeys: Welcome emails and progress trackers make new hires feel valued from the start.

Seek ATS that extend pipelines to “Onboarded,” closing the loop on your investment.

7. Robust Integrations: The Glue for Your Tech Stack

A siloed ATS is a liability—look for native connections to job boards, background checks, assessments, HRIS, payroll, and video interviewing tools.

Ecosystem Power

  • Workflow Harmony: Sync with HR tools for auto-data flow, eliminating double-entry errors by 90%.
  • Expansion Potential: API access for custom builds, supporting 2025’s AI trends like chatbots.
  • Cost Control: Free tiers for basics (e.g., Indeed syndication) keep scaling affordable.

Prioritize open APIs for long-term flexibility.

What Would Bradford Do? Choose an ATS That Grows With You

In 2025, the best ATS isn’t the flashiest—it’s the one that aligns with your goals, blending these features into a cohesive, user-friendly experience. With adoption rates climbing to 90% globally, now’s the time to audit yours.

Ready to upgrade? Book your demo today and discover how these features can transform your hiring!

Sources:
https://recruitcrm.io/blogs/applicant-tracking-system-statistics/
https://www.jobscan.co/blog/fortune-500-use-applicant-tracking-systems/
https://www.selectsoftwarereviews.com/blog/applicant-tracking-system-statistics
https://www.mokahr.io/myblog/2025-applicant-tracking-system-trends/
https://dishertalent.com/blog/top-applicant-tracking-systems-2025-review/
https://peoplemanagingpeople.com/recruitment/applicant-tracking-system-features/
https://www.peoplehum.com/blog/must-have-applicant-tracking-system-ats-features-for-hr
https://technologyadvice.com/applicant-tracking-systems/

14 Mar 2025
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Elevate Your Hiring Process: The Essential Guide to an ATS for Businesses

Sticky Post By On March 14, 2025

In today’s dynamic job market, attracting top talent can be a daunting task for business owners. With limited resources and time at a premium, implementing an effective recruitment strategy is crucial for success. This is where Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) come into play. In this guide, we’ll explore how ATS for businesses can transform your hiring process, streamline recruitment, and ultimately help you build a talented team. Whether you’re new to recruiting software or looking to optimize your current system, this blog post will provide valuable insights and tips.

What is an ATS?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software application that automates and streamlines the hiring process, from posting job openings to managing applicants and facilitating communication. For small businesses, an ATS is an invaluable tool that allows you to compete with larger firms by improving efficiency and enhancing the candidate experience.

Why Businesses Need ATS Software

Streamlined Recruitment Process: For small business owners juggling various responsibilities, an ATS simplifies the hiring process by automating tasks such as resume sorting, interview scheduling, and candidate communications. This efficiency can significantly reduce the time it takes to fill open positions.

Centralized Candidate Management: An ATS consolidates all candidate information in one place, making it easier to track application status and collaborate with your hiring team. With a centralized database, you can easily revisit candidates for future openings.

Enhanced Candidate Experience: A great candidate experience is key to attracting quality talent. An ATS often provides user-friendly application processes, clear communication, and timely updates on application status, making the experience positive for candidates.

Data-Driven Insights: Many ATS platforms come equipped with analytics tools that allow businesses to track hiring metrics, such as time-to-hire and source effectiveness. By leveraging these insights, small businesses can refine their recruitment strategies for better results.

Cost-Effective Solutions: Contrary to popular belief, investing in recruiting software doesn’t have to break the bank. Many ATS vendors offer pricing plans tailored to small businesses, enabling you to select a solution that fits your budget.


Key Features to Look for in an ATS for Businesses

When selecting an ATS, consider the following features to ensure it meets your recruitment needs:

User-Friendly Interface: Choose software that is intuitive and easy to navigate for both hiring managers and candidates.

Customizable Job Listings: Look for an ATS that allows you to customize job postings to reflect your company’s unique culture and requirements.

Collaboration Tools: Effective collaboration features help hiring teams communicate seamlessly throughout the recruitment process.

Integration Options: Ensure the ATS can easily integrate with your existing HR tools, such as payroll systems and employee management software.

Mobile Compatibility: A mobile-friendly system enables candidates to apply on-the-go, increasing your chances of attracting a wider talent pool.

WHAT WOULD BRADFORD DO?

In a competitive landscape, businesses must leverage the right tools to attract and hire top talent efficiently. An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a vital resource that not only streamlines recruitment but also enhances the overall candidate experience. By investing in recruiting software tailored for companies, you can optimize your hiring process and set your business up for success. Take the time to assess your specific needs and choose an ATS that aligns with your goals — empowering your business to thrive in the evolving job market. Embrace the future of hiring and transform your recruitment process today!


Unlock the potential of your business today with our affordable ATS solution! Discover the best business ATS system designed specifically for your needs. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to streamline your recruitment process with top-notch recruiting software for companies. Start your journey to effective hiring now!