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Top 10 Best AI Recruiting Tools (ATS) for 2025 | Features & Reviews

04/07/2025

22 MIN

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming every part of the recruitment process. Agency recruiters are among those seeing the biggest impact with rising client demands and intense competition for top candidates. Manual workflows simply no longer suffice. That’s where the best AI recruiting tools come in.

These platforms go beyond basic applicant tracking, using AI to automate sourcing, improve candidate matching, and personalise communication at scale. By taking care of repetitive tasks, AI applicant tracking systems (ATS) free up recruiters to focus on what they do best: building strong client relationships and closing placements.

Whether you’re running a small agency or scaling a larger operation, adopting the right AI-driven recruitment platform can help you fill roles faster and improve your candidates’ experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the best AI tools for recruitment in 2025 and what to look for if you’re considering making the move to smarter, more efficient recruitment.

1. Atlas – the Recruitment Platform

Atlas – the Recruitment Platform is the top AI recruitment software for agency recruiters looking to minimise their admin. It’s built on AI-first principles, allowing recruiters to focus on building meaningful relationships instead of manual workflows. Smart AI agents transcribe interview notes, parse candidate data from resumes, and create tasks for recruiters to follow up on.

Candidate competency scoring also ensures that recruiters can quickly and precisely shortlist talent without bias or countless hours spent looking over CVs and interview notes. With customisable outreach campaigns and white-label executive search reports, Atlas – the Recruitment Platform is the total solution for solo recruiters and scaling agencies. As a bonus, you can write job descriptions and share job postings directly from your ATS. Its growing list of integrations also allows recruiters to connect it with their favourite tools without losing momentum.

What are the key features of Atlas – the Recruitment Platform?

End-to-end admin-free recruitment
Automation with AI agents
Candidate filtering with keywords
AI-powered note taker
Candidate sourcing with BD outreach campaigns
Calendar with interview scheduling
Candidate pipeline and deal valuing
To-do lists powered by an AI task agent
Competency scoring with magic columns
Customisable executive search reports
Chrome browser extension with record enrichment
Analytics
Integrations

Best for: agency recruitment, executive search, teams looking for AI-first workflows and automation

Not a great fit for: seasonal recruitment, in-house recruitment

Pricing: Free trial available, book a demo for your pricing.

Scale your recruitment ops with the top AI-powered ATS. Start for free >>

2. Mercury

Mercury positions itself as one of the best AI recruitment platforms for agencies looking to modernise and scale their operations. With AI-powered candidate matching to job openings, automations, and CV parsing, it helps recruiters streamline shortlisting and engage candidates more effectively. The platform also provides real-time dashboards and analytics, supporting data-driven decision-making and offering visibility into every stage of the recruitment process.

Seamless integrations ensure that teams can work smoothly across various tools. With support for permanent, contract, and executive search roles, Mercury is particularly suited to mid-sized and large agencies that need a comprehensive, scalable solution. Its focus on automation and workflow efficiency helps agencies deliver better results to clients while maintaining strong operational control.

What are the key features of Mercury?

Automation with AI agents
AI-powered candidate matching
Candidate resume parsing
Candidate filtering
Candidate and client portals
Vacancy and application management
Mobile-friendly
Analytics
Integrations

Best for: Mid to large-sized agencies, teams looking for automations

Not a great fit for: Small agencies, teams focused on transactional recruitment

Pricing: No free trial available, contact the vendor for pricing details.

3. hireEZ

hireEZ earns its place among the top AI ATSs by focusing on proactive, data-driven sourcing and engagement. Its AI-driven matching automatically connects candidates to relevant roles, while automated outreach capabilities support personalised, multi-channel engagement at scale. It centralises candidate and client information, making it easier to track progress and nurture relationships.

For agencies tackling niche or hard-to-fill roles, hireEZ’s combination of sourcing intelligence, predictive analytics, and automated workflows provides an advantage. By enabling recruiters to build stronger talent pipelines and work more strategically, hireEZ supports faster, higher-quality placements, helping scaling agencies stand out in competitive markets.

What are the key features of hireEZ?

Automation with AI agents
AI candidate sourcing
Candidate matching
AI outreach campaigns
AI interview scheduling
Recruitment workflows
Outreach automation
Analytics
Integrations

Best for: Scaling agencies, teams focused on outbound sourcing

Not a great fit for: Smaller teams, solo recruiters, inbound-focused recruitment

Pricing: Free trial available, pricing starts at £124 per user/month.

4. Manatal

Manatal is recognised as one of the best AI recruiting tools for agencies looking for a practical, user-friendly solution that blends powerful AI with accessible design. Its AI recommendation engine automatically scores and ranks candidates against specific job criteria, helping recruiters build stronger shortlists faster. In addition, Manatal enriches candidate profiles by pulling in data from social media platforms, providing a more complete view of each applicant.

Beyond AI, it offers an intuitive drag-and-drop pipeline, integrated CRM for managing client relationships, and branded career page capabilities to support recruitment marketing. With analytics, agencies can monitor performance and make data-driven improvements without heavy technical setups. Ideal for small to mid-sized recruitment agencies, Manatal helps streamline hiring processes, improve candidate matching, and strengthen client delivery, all at an accessible price point.

What are the key features of Manatal?

AI candidate recommendations
AI-generated job descriptions
Candidate sourcing
Candidate information parsing
Client portals
Pipeline management
Social media data enrichment
Customisable career pages
Analytics
Integrations

Best for: Mid-sized recruitment agencies, teams looking for streamlined ATSs

Not a great fit for: Small-scale recruitment, teams looking for highly customisable workflows

Pricing: Free trial available, pricing starts at £14 per user/month.

5. RecruitCRM

RecruitCRM is widely considered one of the top AI recruitment software solutions for agencies that want a simple yet powerful platform to centralise operations and automate routine tasks. Its AI-powered candidate matching and resume parsing make shortlisting faster and more accurate, while its Chrome sourcing extension helps recruiters quickly capture talent from various platforms. RecruitCRM also includes built-in email sequencing, allowing for personalised outreach at scale without relying on separate tools.

The integrated Kanban-style pipelines offer a clear visual overview of every job. Additional features like invoicing, comprehensive reporting, and 24/7 live support make it especially attractive for small to mid-sized agencies looking to grow without a steep learning curve. By combining ease of use with essential automation, RecruitCRM helps agencies improve efficiency, boost placement speed, and strengthen client relationships.

What are the key features of RecruitCRM?

Custom roles and teams
Resume parsing
Candidate matching
Email templates and sequencing
Phone calling and recording
Deal pipelines
Job description posting
Search reports
Browser extension
Third-party integrations (via Zapier, Integrately, etc.)

Best for: Small to mid-size agencies, teams looking for basic automation

Not a great fit for: Enterprise-scale agencies, teams looking for native integrations

Pricing: Free trial available, pricing starts at £42 per user/month.

6. iSmartRecruit

iSmartRecruit stands out as one of the best AI recruiting tools for agencies seeking a flexible, budget-friendly option that still offers advanced capabilities. Its AI-powered candidate matching and resume parsing features help recruiters quickly identify top talent aligned with client requirements, saving time on initial screenings. The platform also supports automated workflows to reduce manual admin, making it easier for recruiters to focus on building relationships and closing roles.

In addition to core functionality, iSmartRecruit allows recruiters to manage client and candidate relationships, post job descriptions across multiple boards to discover promising job seekers, and use marketing tools for branded career pages. Detailed reporting and analytics dashboards provide actionable insights into performance, helping agencies refine their strategies over time. With its customisable workflows and intuitive interface, iSmartRecruit is a strong fit for small to mid-sized agencies looking to enhance efficiency and deliver a more streamlined, data-driven recruitment experience.

What are the key features of iSmartRecruit?

AI candidate matching
Resume parsing
Workflow automation
Collaborative tools
Candidate outreach
Recruitment marketing
Job listing distribution
Mobile-friendly
Analytics
Integrations

Best for: Small to mid-sized recruitment agencies, teams looking for streamlined solutions

Not a great fit for: Enterprise-scale agencies, teams in need of highly customisable solutions

Pricing: Free trial available, contact the vendor for pricing details.

7. Greenhouse

Greenhouse is consistently ranked among the best AI applicant tracking systems for agency hiring teams, particularly for those that value structured, data-driven hiring processes. Its AI tools include resume screening integrations, interview question generation, and automation of repetitive tasks like interview scheduling and candidate communications. Beyond AI, Greenhouse is known for its focus on structured hiring, offering detailed scorecards, interview kits, and clearly defined workflows to ensure fair and consistent evaluations.

The platform also provides advanced analytics and reporting dashboards, helping agencies monitor pipeline health, identify bottlenecks, and improve overall performance. Features supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), such as anonymised screening and custom demographic tracking, further strengthen its appeal to forward-thinking teams. With extensive integration, Greenhouse works seamlessly within complex tech stacks.

What are the key features of Greenhouse?

AI resume parsing
AI-powered interview question generation
Automation with AI agents
Hiring workflows
Interview kits
Candidate self-scheduling
Career sites with employer branding
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) metrics
Analytics
Integrations

Best for: Mid-sized to large recruitment agencies, teams looking to structure their hiring processes

Not a great fit for: Small agencies, solo recruiters, teams that want to avoid a steep learning curve

Pricing: No free trial available, contact the vendor for pricing details.

8. Gem

Gem is often included among the best AI recruiting tools for agencies that focus on outbound sourcing and building long-term talent pipelines. Its AI sourcing capabilities help identify passive candidates by scanning a large database of global profiles, which can support agencies working on specialised or hard-to-fill roles. The platform also includes AI-driven application review and outreach sequence tools to help with engaging passive candidates and reducing manual tasks.

In addition to its AI features, Gem allows recruiters to manage candidate engagement and client relationships in one place. Its analytics capabilities help agencies understand pipeline health and track performance metrics. While Gem offers a wide range of sourcing and engagement features, it may be more complex than some agencies require, especially those focused on straightforward, high-volume hiring. Nonetheless, it can support teams aiming to adopt a more proactive, data-informed recruitment process.

What are the key features of Gem?

AI candidate sourcing
AI-powered application reviews
Talent pools
Outreach campaigns
Recruitment workflow management
Scheduling automation
Job listing distribution
Analytics
Integrations

Best for: Mid-sized to large recruitment agencies, teams looking for extensive sourcing features

Not a great fit for: Small agencies, solo recruiters, teams looking for out-of-the-box solutions

Pricing: Free trial available, pricing starts at £99 per user/month (billed annually).

9. Bullhorn

Bullhorn is frequently listed among the best AI recruiting tools, particularly for larger recruitment agencies and staffing firms that need a robust, scalable solution. Its AI tools include generative artificial intelligence to assist with writing candidate communications and job content, as well as AI-driven sourcing and matching to help identify the best-fit candidates for job openings quickly. This feature provides hiring teams with support throughout the entire hiring process. Beyond its AI, Bullhorn offers extensive automation features for hiring teams and a large marketplace of pre-built integrations to connect with other systems.

Its comprehensive reporting and analytics dashboards give agencies deeper insight into performance and help guide strategic decisions. While Bullhorn’s flexibility and breadth of features make it a powerful option for complex workflows, it may feel overwhelming for smaller agencies or those looking for simpler solutions. Overall, Bullhorn is well suited to agencies prioritising scale, advanced automation, and deeper operational control.

What are the key features of Bullhorn?

AI candidate sourcing
Candidate resume parsing
Directive AI assistant
Workflow automations
Email and calendar sync
Mobile-first interface
Invoicing
Analytics
Integrations
Open API

Best for: Mid-sized agencies, distributed teams looking for extensive integrations

Not a great fit for: Solo and small recruitment agencies, teams with limited technical resources

Pricing: No free trial available, pricing starts at £75 per user/month.

10. JobAdder

JobAdder is considered one of the best AI recruiting tools for agencies seeking a flexible, easy-to-use solution that doesn’t overcomplicate day-to-day workflows. Its AI and skill-matching features help recruiters quickly match candidates who best fit their job openings, saving time on manual shortlisting of qualified candidates. Predictive search tools further support efficient sourcing by surfacing relevant talent quickly. Alongside these AI capabilities, JobAdder enables recruiters to manage job postings, candidate pipelines, and client relationships from one central system.

The platform also offers advanced reporting tools, recruitment marketing support, and integrations with job boards to approach prospective job seekers. While it’s particularly appealing to small and mid-sized agencies looking for intuitive design and strong support, it may not meet the needs of teams requiring highly customised workflows or deep-sourcing automation. Overall, JobAdder offers a balanced mix of smart functionality for growing agencies.

What are the key features of JobAdder?

AI candidate matching
Predictive candidate search
Outreach campaigns
Candidate and client portals
Automations
E-signatures
Mobile app
Analytics
Browser extension
Integrations

Best for: Small to mid-size agencies, mobile-first recruiters

Not a great fit for: Enterprise-scale agencies, agencies requiring deep customisation

Pricing: No free trial available, contact the vendor for pricing details.

What is artificial intelligence in recruitment?

AI in recruitment refers to the use of artificial intelligence to automate and enhance different parts of the hiring process. For agency recruiters, this often means using tools that can automatically source candidates, screen CVs, match people to job requirements, and even handle basic outreach tasks.

The best ATS solutions learn from data to improve accuracy over time, making it easier to identify the best-fit candidates. By taking over repetitive and time-consuming tasks, AI allows recruiters to focus on relationships and strategy, ultimately helping agencies place candidates more quickly and efficiently.

What is AI recruitment software?

An AI recruiting solution is a technology platform designed to help agencies automate and optimise the hiring process using artificial intelligence. They rely on Natural Language Processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML) to empower hiring managers and agencies with AI technology. The best AI recruiting platforms include features like automated sourcing, predictive analytics, and AI-driven CRM capabilities, making them a powerful choice for agencies aiming to scale.

Adopt smarter, admin-free recruitment. Start with Atlas >>

Benefits of AI tools in the recruitment process

Automate time-consuming admin tasks

For agency recruiters, admin tasks like data entry, resume screening, and scheduling can quickly eat into valuable time. The best AI recruiting tools help automate these repetitive activities, reducing manual work and freeing recruiters to focus on high-value tasks such as client relationships and closing placements.

From parsing CVs to updating candidate records and sending follow-up emails, AI recruitment tools can handle these steps accurately and consistently. By streamlining day-to-day operations, agencies can improve overall productivity, reduce errors, and ensure that no candidate or client detail is missed. In a competitive market, these efficiencies translate directly into faster, more successful placements.

Improve matching accuracy and speed

Finding the right candidate quickly is critical for agency recruiters working to meet client demands. With an AI ATS, you can analyse CVs and match candidates to roles far more accurately and efficiently than with manual resume screening alone.

By using algorithms trained on large data sets, these platforms identify patterns and skills that might be overlooked in a traditional review. This means stronger shortlists of qualified candidates and faster submission times, helping agencies stay ahead of competitors. Improved matching accuracy not only reduces time-to-fill but also boosts client satisfaction, ultimately strengthening your agency’s reputation and leading to more repeat business.

Personalise candidate relationship management

Standing out in a crowded market requires more than just speed — it also demands a personal touch. The best AI recruiting tools help agency recruiters deliver tailored outreach at scale by analysing candidate profiles and suggesting personalised email or message templates.

Instead of sending generic follow-ups, recruiters can automatically adapt content to reflect a candidate’s skills, interests, or career goals. This personalised approach increases response rates and improves candidate engagement, making it easier to build trust from the very first contact. Ultimately, thoughtful communication helps agencies create a stronger talent pipeline and secure top candidates before competitors do.

Support decision-making with smart analytics

Data-driven insights are essential for agency recruiters aiming to improve performance and stay competitive. AI recruitment software includes advanced analytics dashboards that help recruiters understand what’s working — and what isn’t — across their hiring processes. From tracking time-to-fill and source effectiveness to monitoring individual recruiter performance, these smart analytics provide clear, actionable information.

With this visibility, agencies can refine their sourcing strategies, allocate resources more effectively, and make evidence-based decisions that lead to better outcomes. Rather than relying on gut feeling, recruiters gain the clarity needed to improve placement success and deliver measurable value to clients.

Increase recruitment process efficiency

Efficiency is key for agency recruiters juggling multiple roles and demanding clients. By automating repetitive tasks and providing intelligent recommendations, these platforms help recruiters work faster without sacrificing quality. Improved efficiency means more potential candidates engaged in less time, reduced operational costs, and better use of internal resources.

For agencies, this translates into higher revenue potential and the ability to take on more clients confidently. The best AI recruiting tools streamline every stage of the hiring process, from sourcing and screening to outreach and interview scheduling. Ultimately, an efficient recruitment process strengthens your competitive advantage and supports long-term growth.

AI-powered applicant tracking system (ATS) features to look for

AI agents

AI agents automate routine tasks such as candidate sourcing, initial screening, scheduling interviews, and sending reminders. They are becoming a core feature in many of the best AI recruiting tools, acting almost like virtual colleagues for agency recruiters.

By handling repetitive work behind the scenes, AI agents free up recruiters to focus on higher-value activities like building relationships and closing placements. They also help ensure that no task slips through the cracks, improving overall efficiency and consistency. For agencies managing multiple roles at once, AI agents can significantly boost productivity and support a more streamlined, scalable workflow.

Resume parsing

Resume parsing is a feature designed to quickly and accurately extract important information from CVs. Rather than manually reading through each document, recruiters can rely on AI to identify skills, experience, education, and other key details.

Parsed candidate data is then structured and searchable within the platform, making it easier to match candidates to job requirements. This saves valuable time and reduces human error during the candidate screening process. For agencies working at speed and scale, strong resume parsing capabilities help maintain quality while significantly accelerating the shortlisting of suitable candidates and improving overall workflow efficiency.

Outreach campaigns

Running effective outreach campaigns is essential for building strong candidate pipelines and nurturing client relationships. Many modern AI platforms now include built-in tools to automate and personalise these campaigns, allowing recruiters to design tailored email and messaging sequences without manual follow-ups.

By using data insights, these systems can suggest the best timing and content to increase engagement rates. The best AI recruiting tools excel at turning cold leads into potential candidates, helping agencies stay top-of-mind and improve response rates.

AI note taker

AI note taker automatically captures and organises important details from candidate calls, interviews, and client meetings, eliminating the need for manual note-taking. With the best applicant tracking systems, notes are instantly synced to candidate or job records, ensuring nothing is missed and that all team members stay informed.

This not only saves time but also improves data accuracy and consistency across the agency. For recruiters juggling multiple conversations daily, an AI note taker helps maintain a high level of professionalism while keeping workflows efficient and up to date.

Interview transcripts

By automatically transcribing all your meetings, interview transcripts make it easier for recruiters to review and share detailed feedback without relying on memory or manual notes. Transcripts can be stored alongside candidate profiles, ensuring that important context is always available for future stages or client discussions.

This level of documentation supports better decision-making and enhances transparency across the team. For agency recruiters, having accurate, searchable transcripts reduces the risk of miscommunication and helps create a more streamlined, consistent interview process for every candidate.

Competency scoring

Instead of relying only on keywords or manual judgment, competency scoring evaluates each candidate’s skills, experience, and relevance against specific job criteria. The best AI recruiting tools, like Atlas – the Recruitment Platform, automatically score and rank applicants, highlighting those who are the closest fit for a role.

This approach not only saves time but also ensures more objective, data-driven decisions. For agencies, competency scoring means stronger shortlists of suitable candidates, higher-quality submissions to clients, and improved placement success — all while reducing bias and increasing confidence in the selection process. Check out how you can do it with Atlas below:

Executive search reports

Executive search reports are crucial for agencies working on high-level, retained assignments where clients expect detailed visibility. Many of the best AI recruiting tools offer built-in reporting features that allow recruiters to present polished, data-driven updates on search progress. These reports can include candidate pipelines, outreach activity, and your market insights, all formatted in a clear, client-ready way.

Providing this level of transparency helps build trust and keeps clients engaged throughout the process. For agency recruiters, executive search reports also reduce the need for time-consuming manual updates, allowing them to focus on relationship management and delivering results at a senior level.

Chrome extension with data enrichment

A Chrome extension with data enrichment is a valuable tool for recruiters who actively source candidates online. The best AI recruiting tools often include this feature, allowing recruiters to capture candidate profiles from platforms like LinkedIn and automatically enrich them with additional data, such as email addresses and phone numbers.

These types of AI ATS integrations save time otherwise spent on manual research and ensure profiles are complete and actionable as soon as they’re added to the database. For agency recruiters, having a streamlined way to build and update candidate pipelines directly from the web can significantly improve sourcing efficiency and support faster, more targeted outreach.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) for choosing the best AI recruitment platform

What is an AI recruitment tool used for?

An AI recruitment tool helps automate and improve different parts of the hiring process, from sourcing and screening candidates to personalising outreach and analysing performance. For agency recruiters and hiring managers, it’s mainly about saving time on tedious tasks and improving candidate screening.

By using an AI-powered ATS, agencies can focus more on building relationships with clients and candidates with just a few clicks. In short, it’s designed to make recruiting smarter, faster, and more efficient — all in one place.

How do I benefit from using AI as a recruiter?

Save time on manual sourcing and screening
Improve the quality and accuracy of candidate matches
Automate outreach and follow-ups at scale
Gain data-driven insights to refine your approach
Enhance the overall candidate and client experience

How do I pick the top recruitment solution?

Now that we’ve taken a closer look at some great AI tools for recruitment, let’s wrap up by asking a few important questions. Which of these tools is the top fit for your recruiting process? Go through these questions to arrive at the right answer:

Are you looking to cut down on how much time you spend on tedious tasks?
Do you need smart AI agents to help organise your workflow?
Is candidate filtering via keywords something you’d love to use?
Do you need an AI note-taker to handle all your interview transcripts?
Are you planning to automate your business development outreach?
Are you looking for a tool to create executive search reports in minutes?
Do you want to import your existing candidate database to the new ATS?
Would you love to try out a new AI ATS for free before committing to anything?

Atlas has you covered on all these points and more. Get in touch with us >>

Choose the best AI-powered applicant tracking system in 2025

AI is a practical solution that’s reshaping how recruitment agencies operate with Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning (ML). By adopting the best AI recruiting tools, agencies can automate their workflows and pinpoint the right candidates in half the time compared to legacy applicant tracking systems.

As competition intensifies, these tools help recruiters and hiring managers work more strategically and less sporadically thanks to smart AI. Choosing the right AI ATS is a big decision, and no two agencies will have the exact same needs. The best place to start is by speaking directly with providers you’ve shortlisted to see how their potentially valuable features align with your goals.

If you’re considering an AI-first solution, reach out to us at Atlas to learn more about it. With the right tools backing you up, you’ll be in a stronger position to scale and succeed in a fast-moving recruitment landscape.