HubSpot as an ATS vs Bullhorn

In our “What Makes a Good ATS” blog we explained that choosing an applicant tracking system (ATS) is much more than just trying to manage applications. An ATS will help businesses build a solid foundation for effective talent acquisition and should support long-term business success. Unfortunately, a lot of companies have challenges selecting the right ATS. With so many options available, evaluating and comparing ATS features that meet specific needs can be difficult.

Our research found that all applicant tracking systems streamline the recruitment process and have a plethora of technical functions. At their essence, regardless of technical features, applicant tracking tools help manage candidates, manage clients, and improve collaborative efforts throughout the hiring process. Instead of a comparative list of functions, this blog will focus on those essential qualities that make application tools useful.

BULLHORN software

Bullhorn is a CRM software integrated with a recruitment-focused ATS. Like HubSpot, Bullhorn’s CRM functions help manage client relationships, track sales, and streamline communications. The Bullhorn ATS is tailored to perform specialized recruitment functions. Overall, the software provides tools for managing job applicants and clients of recruiting agencies. 

HUBSPOT AS AN ATS

HubSpot is a versatile platform that helps businesses align sales, marketing, service, and operations initiatives to improve returns and support business growth. 

HubSpot’s functions make it a viable solution for recruitment needs like candidate sourcing and applicant tracking. Using HubSpot for applicant tracking requires combining HubSpot’s Marketing Hub Pro with either Service Hub Pro or Sales Hub Pro. All three Hubs can also be combined for additional versatility. 

So the question is: How does using HubSpot as an ATS compare to Bullhorn? Read on for insights into the two platforms and how they optimize recruiting efforts.

Platform Cost

The monthly subscription cost of an ATS can be based on the number of users, the volume of applications per month, or a combination of the two. Both Bullhorn and HubSpot subscriptions are based on the number of users. 

BULLHORN cost

Bullhorn’s Team Edition starts at $99 per month per user for basic features, with additional costs for premium support and advanced tools. The Team Edition would not include the automation, customization, and other advanced features included when using HubSpot as an ATS. 

Bullhorn’s Corporate Edition starts at $199 per user per month. While this plan is an upgrade from Bullhorn’s basic service, it still does not include some of the advanced features of a HubSpot Pro bundle. 

To truly compare “apples to apples” (so to speak), the Bullhorn Enterprise Edition comes with the advanced features included when using HubSpot as an ATS. However, the exact pricing for Bullhorn’s Enterprise Edition requires a consultation. Considering the price of the Corporate Edition ($199 per month per user) it is safe to estimate a subscription for 3 users under the Enterprise Edition would be well over $597 per month. 

HUBSPOT cost

HubSpot's cost also varies based on tiers. HubSpot offers a free edition that does not have a time limit. While the free edition won’t address all ATS needs, it will allow businesses to test out the basics of the platform. Startups and small businesses can also leverage the benefits of the CRM and scale up to customized ATS functions as their business needs grow.

As previously mentioned, using HubSpot as a fully functional ATS will require bundling Marketing Hub Pro with either Service or Sales Hub Pro subscriptions. Combining these platforms will equip users with advanced capabilities to customize automation, workflows, reporting, etc., and work to build a powerful ATS. Combining either Hub will cost an estimated $990 per month and includes licensing for three Marketing Hub users and one Sales or Service Hub user. Keep in mind that this price includes sales, service, operations, content creation, and other features not available in most ATS.

HubSpot does offer bundle pricing. For more information on bundling HubSpot products talk with a HubSpot Gold Solutions Partner. 

RESOURCES & SUPPORT

Ensuring all team members know how to use your new ATS can be a big challenge. Both HubSpot and Bullhorn offer several resources that can help your team transition smoothly and avoid bottlenecks due to a lack of knowledge. 

BULLHORN SUPPORT

Bullhorn Support offers technical and product support to guide and assist with solving problems while assuring you get the most out of the platform. Users have several options to choose from when faced with the learning curve that comes with ATS implementations:

Notable features:

• Bullhorn University: Receive online training and access webinars.
• Bullhorn Marketplace: Access third-party training resources and integrations (fees apply).
• User Groups: Get peer support and networking.
• Customer Support Packages: Obtain tailored support beyond basic needs as price by add-ons.
• Emergency Line & Extended Hours: Call after-hours support line available as an add-on or for only emergency issues. 

HUBSPOT HELP CENTER

The HubSpot Help Center connects users to a range of tools that include educational blogs, partner assistance, and a knowledge database. Here is a breakdown of some of the resources that will help you when using HubSpot as an ATS.

Notable features:

• HubSpot Academy: Leverage free courses, certification programs, and extensive training resources.
• HubSpot Community: Engage peer experts in HubSpot Users Groups (HUGs) and on Community Boards.
• HubSpot Onboarding: Obtain personalized onboarding and technical support from dedicated account managers for an additional cost.
• 24-Hour Support: Get assistance by email, live chat, and a 24/7 support line with HubSpot Pro subscriptions.

CANDIDATE MANAGEMENT

The need to effectively manage applicants is more than likely why you are reading this blog. Simply put, recruiters need a way to streamline processes while enhancing the candidate experience. 

BULLHORN CANDIDATE MANAGEMENT

Bullhorn candidate management optimizes the recruitment process and enhances the candidate experience. Bullhorn has built-in functionality that tracks the candidate’s journey throughout the hiring process. The software is equipped with search features designed specifically to aid recruiting. 

Notable features:

• Fast Find: Perform quick searches across candidates, leads, contacts, clients, and opportunities with just a few characters.
• Saved Searches: Enables users to save and reuse search criteria, which dynamically updates with new matching records.
• Tearsheets: Allows searching within specific lists (tearsheets) for more targeted results.
• Map Candidates: Visualizes candidate locations on a map relative to job locations.
• Feedback and Surveys: Send surveys and gather feedback from candidates throughout the recruitment process.
• Self-Service Portal: Allows candidates to update their information, check the status of their applications, and access relevant resources.

HUBSPOT CANDIDATE MANAGEMENT

HubSpot allows recruiters to manage candidates using a centralized ticketing system. Recruiters can easily track candidates throughout the application process and leverage reporting to make informed decisions on improving the candidate experience. The platform seamlessly integrates with email and logs various interactions, and other activities within a candidate’s profile.

Notable features:

• Contact Management: Automatically updates contact records with company details from a vast database.
• Search Bar: Provides a simple search interface to find contacts/candidates, companies/clients, and other records by various fields like email, phone number, and custom properties.
• CRM Search API: Offers advanced filtering, sorting, and searching capabilities across CRM objects and records.
• Customer Feedback: Gather valuable feedback through surveys to understand candidate needs and improve your service.
• Customer Portal: Provide candidates with a secure portal to view, open, and reply to their inquiries on their application, and access important FAQs concerning the hiring process.

CLIENT MANAGEMENT

If you are an external vendor and work at a staffing agency or an internal HR partner for a company, the people needing positions filled are your clients. It’s important to keep them informed of the status of candidates and show the value of your efforts when necessary. 

BULLHORN CLIENT MANAGEMENT

Bullhorn is designed with recruiting agencies in mind and functions as a human resource management software. Bullhorn’s CRM features help recruiters manage a large volume of clients by providing the transparency needed to maintain and nurture relationships.

Notable features:

• Sales Process Automation: Streamlines the sales process by automating repetitive tasks, allowing sales teams to focus on building relationships and closing deals.
• Contact Management: Centralizes all client information, making it easy to access and update client details, track interactions, and manage communications.
• Sales Pipeline Reporting: Provides detailed insights into the sales pipeline, helping businesses forecast revenue and identify bottlenecks.
• Relationship Management: Focuses on the entire customer lifecycle, ensuring long-term engagement and satisfaction.

HUBSPOT CLIENT MANAGEMENT

The HubSpot focus on sales and service optimization makes it a very resourceful tool for managing clients. Recruiters can segment clients based on their market and hiring needs, track client life cycles, and the value-added from activities while easily managing communications.

Notable features: 

• Automated Workflows: Improve manual processes and more effectively engage clients with automation tools to handle repetitive tasks like sending follow-up emails or assigning tasks based on lifecycle stage transitions. 
• Customer Success Handoffs: Transitions smoothly from initial contract to client management by automating the handoff process. This includes setting renewal dates, copying deal information, and creating customer success plans, helping you manage the customer journey seamlessly from acquisition to retention.
• Centralized Client Data: Collect all client data, emails, meeting notes, and call logs in one place. This gives any team member the ability to easily access and understand the full context of client interactions.
• Custom Views and Actions: Create custom views that organize contacts by action, such as "Follow Up" or "Upsell Opportunities." This helps you focus on specific tasks for each client, streamlining day-to-day management.

TEAM COLLABORATION

Communication gaps, information silos, and inconsistent processes are common challenges faced during the hiring process. An ATS should provide a centralized platform where cross-functional teams can effectively communicate and access information.

BULLHORN MESSAGES 

Bullhorn integrates communications and task management so all parties involved with the hiring process can seamlessly collaborate and stay up-to-date. Bullhorn’s mobile application allows team members to create, track, and manage tasks while receiving notifications. 

Notable features:

• Multi-User Inbox: Allows team members to manage and track conversations collectively, making it easier to collaborate and ensure no messages are missed.

• Task Assignment: Recruiters can assign tasks to team members, set reminders and due dates, and edit tasks as needed helping to streamline the hiring process.

• Notifications: Send notification emails to task assignees, ensuring everyone stays informed about their responsibilities.

• Activity Tracking: Team members can track each other’s activities, such as emails, calls, and notes, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
• Integration with ATS: All text messages are integrated with the Bullhorn ATS, allowing for seamless sharing of candidate profiles, resumes, and other relevant documents.
• Mobile App: Send text messages and update important details conveniently on mobile devices.

HUBSPOT TEAM COLLABORATION

With HubSpot, cross-functional hiring teams can use customizable pipelines and workflows to stay on top of follow-up emails, updates on candidate statuses, and interview scheduling. HubSpot also has a mobile app that allows team members to create, track, and manage tasks while receiving notifications.

Notable features:

• Shared Inboxes: HubSpot offers shared inboxes for team collaboration, allowing multiple team members to manage and respond to emails from a single place.
• Task Management: HubSpot allows for task assignment and tracking, helping teams stay organized.
• Comments and Mentions: Team members can leave comments on contact records and use @mentions to notify colleagues, facilitating easy communication and collaboration.
• CRM Integration: HubSpot’s CRM integration allows for seamless sharing of contact information, notes, and activities, ensuring that all team members have access to the same data.
• Customizable Dashboards: Teams can create customizable dashboards to track key metrics and activities, providing a clear overview of the hiring process.

SUMMARY

Bullhorn and HubSpot will address your ATS and help recruiters by:

• Enriching the candidate's experience and ensuring applicants don’t fall by the wayside.
• Nurturing client relationships with tools that improve communications and showcase the value of recruiting efforts.
• Improving collaborative efforts and minimizing errors for maximum team effectiveness. 

Here are a few things to remember when choosing between Bullhorn and using HubSpot as an ATS:

BULLHORN snapshot

Bullhorn is specifically designed for recruitment and offers many features tailored to the hiring processes. The platform will come with a robust selection of applicant-tracking capabilities that appeal to those with the sole intention of recruiting. Bullhorn will streamline the entire recruitment process: source and track candidates, manage clients, and help with recruitment agency-specific business opportunities. 

Bullhorn can be used by small, medium, and large businesses. The platform provides specialized solutions for handling high-volume recruiting while managing external clients. Staffing and recruiting firms may find it suitable because of its scalability and functionality. 

Additional takeaways

• VMS Integration: Integrate with Vendor Management Systems for streamlined job order management.
• Compliance Tools: Built-in compliance features to ensure regulatory adherence.

• Resume Parsing: Advanced resume parsing for quick candidate data extraction.
• Mass Communication: Batch communication tools for reaching out to multiple candidates simultaneously.

Mobile Accessibility: Bullhorn’s mobile-powered sales features ensure that recruiters can manage client interactions and access critical data on the go, enhancing responsiveness and flexibility.

HUBSPOT AS AN ATS snapshot 

HubSpot’s highly customizable features make it an ideal general-purpose ATS. HubSpot will address broader business functions like managing sales, marketing, and customer service alongside recruitment. Just like Bullhorn, using HubSpot as an ATS will streamline the hiring process. 

HubSpot does not have all the bells and whistles of platforms designed specifically for recruiting. However, it can be integrated with partner apps like Candidatezip if recruiters need bulk parsing or want to scan resumes for best-fit candidates. HubSpot’s CMS is a plus and not offered by Bullhorn; it allows recruiters to create customized job boards to stand out from competitors and attract top talent.

HubSpot may be more ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. However, if your business needs a scalable all-inclusive solution that will align sales, service, marketing, operations, and recruiting at no additional cost HubSpot would be the answer. 

Additional takeaways

• HubSpot Ecosystem: Connect with over 875 integration apps and solutions partners.
• Unified Data: Centralize all candidate data for better insights and decision-making.

• Workflow Automation: Create custom workflows to streamline recruitment processes.
• Email Sequences: Automate personalized email sequences for candidate engagement.

• Custom Fields: Add custom fields to capture specific candidate information.
• Reporting Dashboards: Build customizable dashboards to track recruitment metrics.

If you're looking for help deciding if using HubSpot as an ATS is right for your business, schedule a consultation.