iCIMS and SmartRecruiters are main applicant monitoring methods (ATS) that enable hiring groups to the touch base with prime expertise. In the event you want a new-and-improved ATS, nevertheless, there are extra choices to contemplate! On this information, we’ll evaluation the variations between iCIMS, SmartRecruiters, and our prime contender, Lever.
Lever vs. iCIMS vs. SmartRecruiters
| Lever | SmartRecruiters | iCIMS | |
| Unified ATS and CRM | ✓ Constructed-in ATS + CRM that nurtures long-term relationships | Lacks strong, full-funnel engagement instruments | CRM is a separate, optionally available add-on module (iCIMS Rent vs Interact) |
| Consumer Expertise (UX) | ✓ Intuitive design with strong assist sources | Design is constructed for a technical person, which might be overwhelming | Design feels advanced and ponderous |
| Superior Analytics | ✓ Visible Insights supplies complete predictive analytics | Analytics might be highly effective, however have a steep studying curve | Reporting is disjointed and onerous to make use of |
| Integrations | ✓ Provides over 300 native integrations which can be simple to implement with out handbook work | Has a big market, however depends on a “hub-and-spoke” mannequin | Massive market that may develop into overwhelming |
| Scalability | ✓ Scales with international enterprises and affords configurable workflows for any crew measurement | Designed for progress, however customers could wrestle with enterprise-level complexities | A legacy resolution that may be inflexible for fast-growing corporations |
| AI and Automation | ✓ Provides a number of particular AI options and automatic workflows | Solely has a couple of purpose-built AI recruiting options | iCIMS’ AI lacks bias audits and steady oversight |
High ATS for high-growth groups: Lever
Lever pushes the boundaries of legacy applicant monitoring methods to supply probably the most trendy and highly effective hiring expertise in the marketplace. Listed here are just some advantages of Lever:
Benefits
- A centralized ATS and candidate relationship administration (CRM). Too many hiring platforms deal with CRM as an afterthought, however not Lever. Get actionable insights from our ATS and use them to strengthen outreach with out switching platforms.
- Unbeatable UX. We perceive that UX could make or break a platform’s utility. That’s why Lever has so many built-in assist sources and is made for any hiring crew members—not simply recruiters.
- Actionable analytics at a look. Hiring strikes rapidly, and your crew wants to maneuver sooner. Bridge gaps and leap on fleeting alternatives with Lever’s Visible Insights.
- Highly effective, purposeful integrations. You shouldn’t have to surrender the instruments and love! Lever integrates seamlessly along with your present HRIS, payroll, background test, inside communications instruments, and extra. Uncover all integrations on the Lever market.
- Limitless hiring progress. Lever’s platform adapts to your evolving hiring wants, scaling effortlessly from SMB wants to international recruitment. Develop your crew, not your issues, with a single, quick, and user-friendly resolution.
- AI and automation that speed up hiring. The most effective recruiters don’t have extra hours within the day—they’ve smarter workflows. Routinely display candidates, nurture expertise swimming pools, and schedule interviews so your crew can concentrate on what’s actually vital: connecting with prime expertise.
Our verdict
In a market of fragmented legacy options, Lever is probably the most cohesive and built-in platform for contemporary hiring. Our platform’s intuitive design helps your crew transfer sooner and meaningfully have interaction one of the best candidates. Plus, Lever is constructed to scale with what you are promoting, so you possibly can plan for the longer term and develop with out compromise.

2. SmartRecruiters
SmartRecruiters is a expertise acquisition suite for international hiring initiatives. It’s engineered on a “hub-and-spoke” mannequin, which means its huge integration market supplies the vast majority of its performance past fundamental ATS options.
Benefits
- Designed to deal with high-volume hiring wants for large-scale companies
- Extremely configurable and accommodates advanced workflows
- Scalable for enterprise-level hiring wants
Disadvantages
- The hub-and-spoke mannequin might be much less handy than an all-in-one resolution
- As a consequence of its scope, configuring the instrument might be very advanced, and there’s a steep studying curve
- Reliance on integrations signifies that native options can lack complexity and improve prices
Our verdict
SmartRecruiters is a robust instrument for enterprises, but it surely lacks the user-friendliness wanted for agile, out-of-the-box use. The training curve is steep, so it isn’t the best choice for newer or mid-market hiring groups.
3. iCIMS
iCIMS is an enterprise-grade platform identified for its function depth and compliance capabilities. Nonetheless, its lengthy historical past as a legacy system creates important trade-offs on the subject of trendy person expertise and platform flexibility.
Benefits
- Designed to deal with advanced multi-language and multi-currency compliance necessities
- Permits massive organizations to tailor intricate workflows, person permissions, and sophisticated approval chains
- Can combine with an unlimited ecosystem of specialised level options
Disadvantages
- Many customers report that the person interface isn’t intuitive and has a steep studying curve
- Different opinions report that the platform lags, stopping fast hiring strikes
- iCIMS’ modular interface feels disjointed and difficult to navigate for some customers
Our verdict
iCIMS’ dated person expertise and efficiency points make it an inefficient instrument for contemporary recruiting groups that want the velocity, agility, and intuitive design of a up to date platform.
iCIMS vs. SmartRecruiters: FAQ
Why take into account an alternative choice to iCIMS and SmartRecruiters?
Hiring groups search for an alternative choice to iCIMS and SmartRecruiters as a result of they need hiring software program that helps, not hinders. iCIMS’ dated interface and efficiency points trigger pointless complications for hiring groups, and SmartRecruiters has a steep studying curve that slows hiring down. The perfect different delivers on short-term duties and long-term technique—and Lever has you lined.
How can we decide our subsequent ATS?
Studying this information is a good begin, however it is best to take different elements under consideration when selecting an ATS, comparable to:
- Lengthy-term worth/scalability
- Consumer expertise
- Your implementation timeline
- Your crew’s capability and coaching wants
- Platform-specific options, like UX, integrations, and automation
How briskly can we implement these instruments?
Particular implementation timelines differ by resolution and your crew’s capability. You must work with the shopper success crew to create an implementation plan that fits your wants. Nonetheless, it is best to count on implementation to take no less than a couple of weeks, so keep away from planning any actions that require quick use of the platform.
How a lot does Lever price?
Attain out to Lever’s product specialists to get a customized quote to your wants.
Able to Energy Your Hiring Momentum?
See how Lever empowers you to construct sturdy candidate relationships at each stage of the hiring course of.


