The best Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Applicant Tracking Systems centralise job postings, candidate profiles and hiring workflows for recruiters and HR teams. The main differences between tools lie in automation depth, integration scope and compliance features, especially around GDPR and data localisation in the EU.
Providers
What to look for
GDPR compliance
Verify the vendor offers a DPA and processes all candidate data within the EU. Look for certifications like ISO 27001 as added assurance.
Server location
Check if the primary data centres are in the EU and whether backups are also stored within the bloc to avoid cross-border transfers.
Integration depth
Assess how well the ATS connects with job boards, HRIS and communication tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams to streamline workflows.
Customisation options
Evaluate whether the system allows tailored hiring pipelines, custom fields and branded career pages to match your company’s processes.
Frequently asked questions
Are there free applicant tracking systems for small businesses?
Some European ATS offer free tiers with basic features for small teams or limited job postings. Personio, for example, provides a free plan for up to a certain number of employees. Paid tiers typically unlock advanced automation and reporting.
How do European ATS ensure GDPR compliance?
EU-based ATS providers store data in European data centres and offer a Data Processing Agreement as standard. Many also provide features like automatic data deletion after a set period and role-based access controls to meet GDPR requirements.
Can I host my ATS data exclusively in the EU?
Yes, most European ATS guarantee EU-only hosting. Tools like Teamtailor and Recruitee explicitly state that all customer data remains within European data centres, including backups.
What are the key differences between Greenhouse and European ATS?
Greenhouse is a US-based tool with global hosting, while European alternatives like Teamtailor or Personio focus on EU data sovereignty. European ATS often integrate better with local job boards and comply with GDPR by default.
Do European ATS integrate with LinkedIn and other job boards?
Most European ATS support multi-posting to LinkedIn, Indeed and local platforms like StepStone or XING. Teamtailor, for instance, offers direct integrations with over 200 job boards globally.
How much does an ATS cost for a mid-sized company?
Pricing varies by provider and scale. European ATS typically use per-user or per-job pricing, with mid-sized companies often paying a monthly fee based on active recruiters or published job postings. Some vendors offer custom enterprise quotes.
Can I migrate candidate data from Workday or Lever to a European ATS?
Yes, most European ATS provide migration tools or support for importing data from major platforms like Workday or Lever. The process usually involves CSV exports or API-based transfers, though complexity depends on the data volume and structure.
Are there ATS with built-in video interview tools?
Several European ATS include or integrate with video interview functionality. Recruitee, for example, offers native video screening features, while others connect with tools like Whereby or Zoom for live interviews.