10 Key Features to Look for in an Applicant Tracking System in 2025

The recruitment landscape is changing fast—and so are the tools we use to manage it. If you’re still relying on manual spreadsheets or a patchwork of hiring platforms, it’s time to upgrade. In 2025, a modern Applicant Tracking System (ATS) isn’t just a “nice-to-have.” It’s your hiring engine.

At HRLocker, we know that not all ATS platforms are created equal. Whether you’re hiring for one role or scaling across departments, the right features make all the difference.

In this post, we’ll walk you through 10 must-have ATS features for 2025—so you can invest with confidence and build a hiring process that’s faster, smarter, and built for growth.

1. Multi-Channel Job Posting

Your ideal candidates aren’t all in one place—and your job ads shouldn’t be either. A great ATS lets you:

• Post to multiple job boards (e.g., LinkedIn, Indeed, IrishJobs.ie) with one click
• Auto-publish to your careers page
• Save time and maximise visibility across channels

➡️ See how HRLocker handles job distribution

2. Customisable Hiring Workflows

Every company’s hiring process is unique. Look for an ATS that allows you to:

• Create custom workflows per role or department
• Define your hiring stages (e.g., pre-screening, first interview, team review)
• Set up internal approval steps or automation

This flexibility keeps your recruitment aligned with your company’s structure—not the other way around.

3. Collaborative Feedback and Scoring

Hiring is a team sport. Your ATS should empower:

• Interviewers to leave structured feedback directly in the system
• Hiring managers to score and compare candidates
• Real-time collaboration without email chains

When everyone is aligned, decisions are made faster—and smarter.

4. CV Parsing and Intelligent Filtering

You shouldn’t have to read 100 CVs to find the five that matter. In 2025, innovative ATS systems:

• Auto-parse CVs to extract key skills, experience, and qualifications
• Match candidates against job requirements
• Flag high-potential applicants instantly

This reduces administrative tasks and allows you to focus on high-quality talent.

5. Automated Communications

Timely communication = better candidate experience. Look for:

• Email templates for different stages (e.g., application received, interview booked, offer extended)
• Automated rejections or follow-ups
• Personalized messages at scale

The result? Fewer ghosted candidates and a smoother process for everyone.

6. Calendar Integration for Interview Scheduling

Coordinating interviews shouldn’t be a full-time job. A modern ATS will:

• Integrate with calendars like Outlook and Google Workspace
• Let candidates book interviews based on availability
• Send auto-reminders and confirmations

No more back-and-forth emails or missed appointments.

7. GDPR and Data Compliance

Especially in the EU, data protection is a key concern. Your ATS should:

• Offer built-in GDPR compliance tools
• Let you set retention periods and delete expired data
• Give candidates control over their information

At HRLocker, data privacy is a non-negotiable—and we make compliance easy.

8. Reporting and Analytics

You can’t improve what you can’t measure. An adequate ATS provides:

• Dashboards tracking time-to-hire, source effectiveness, drop-off points, and more
• Exportable reports for internal stakeholders
• Insights to fine-tune your hiring strategy

Bonus: Use this data to support DEI initiatives or justify resource planning.

9. Mobile-Friendly Interface (for You and Candidates)

Today’s talent expects to apply on the go. Your ATS should be:

• Mobile-optimised for candidates
• Fully functional for HR teams working remotely
• Easy to review CVs, communicate, and make decisions from any device

Mobile accessibility isn’t optional anymore—it’s expected.

10. Integration With Your HR Ecosystem

Your ATS should work in harmony with your other tools. That means:

• Integrating with your HRIS, onboarding, and payroll systems
• Connecting with job boards, calendars, and performance tools
• Avoiding data silos by creating one seamless hiring and employee management experience

At HRLocker, we’re proud to offer a fully integrated HR software suite—so your hiring flows naturally into everything that comes after.

Final Thoughts: Choose an ATS That Grows With You

As we step further into 2025, HR teams need tools that are agile, efficient, and built for scale. Whether you’re a small business with big goals or a growing team managing multiple hires, choosing the right ATS will pay off in time saved, better hires, and a stronger employer brand.

Want to see these features in action? Book a demo of HRLocker’s ATS and find out how we help teams like yours build the future of work.