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iCIMS and SmartRecruiters are leading applicant tracking systems (ATS) that allow hiring teams to touch base with top talent. If you need a new-and-improved ATS, however, there are additional options to consider! In this guide, we’ll review the differences between iCIMS, SmartRecruiters, and our top contender, Lever.
Lever vs. iCIMS vs. SmartRecruiters
| Lever | SmartRecruiters | iCIMS | |
| Unified ATS and CRM | ✓ Built-in ATS + CRM that nurtures long-term relationships | Lacks robust, full-funnel engagement tools | CRM is a separate, optional add-on module (iCIMS Hire vs Engage) |
| User Experience (UX) | ✓ Intuitive design with robust support resources | Design is built for a technical user, which can be overwhelming | Design feels complex and bulky |
| Advanced Analytics | ✓ Visual Insights provides comprehensive predictive analytics | Analytics can be powerful, but have a steep learning curve | Reporting is disjointed and hard to use |
| Integrations | ✓ Offers over 300 native integrations that are easy to implement without manual work | Has a large marketplace, but relies on a “hub-and-spoke” model | Large marketplace that can become overwhelming |
| Scalability | ✓ Scales with global enterprises and offers configurable workflows for any team size | Designed for growth, but users may struggle with enterprise-level complexities | A legacy solution that can be rigid for fast-growing companies |
AI and Automation | ✓ Offers multiple specific AI solutions and automated workflows | Only has a few purpose-built AI recruiting solutions | iCIMS’ AI lacks bias audits and continuous oversight |
Top ATS for high-growth teams: Lever
Lever pushes the boundaries of legacy applicant tracking systems to provide the most modern and powerful hiring technology on the market. Here are just a few benefits of Lever:
Advantages
- A centralized ATS and candidate relationship management (CRM). Too many hiring platforms treat CRM as an afterthought, but not Lever. Get actionable insights from our ATS and use them to strengthen outreach without switching platforms.
- Unbeatable UX. We understand that UX can make or break a platform’s utility. That’s why Lever has so many built-in support resources and is made for any hiring team members—not just recruiters.
- Actionable analytics at a glance. Hiring moves quickly, and your team needs to move faster. Bridge gaps and jump on fleeting opportunities with Lever’s Visual Insights.
- Powerful, purposeful integrations. You shouldn’t have to give up the tools you know and love! Lever integrates seamlessly with your existing HRIS, payroll, background check, internal communications tools, and more. Discover all integrations on the Lever marketplace.
- Unlimited hiring growth. Lever’s platform adapts to your evolving hiring needs, scaling effortlessly from SMB needs to global recruitment. Grow your team, not your problems, with a single, fast, and user-friendly solution.
- AI and automation that accelerate hiring. The best recruiters don’t have more hours in the day—they have smarter workflows. Automatically screen candidates, nurture talent pools, and schedule interviews so your team can focus on what’s truly important: connecting with top talent.
Our verdict
In a market of fragmented legacy solutions, Lever is the most cohesive and integrated platform for modern hiring. Our platform’s intuitive design helps your team move faster and meaningfully engage the best candidates. Plus, Lever is built to scale with your business, so you can plan for the future and grow without compromise.
2. SmartRecruiters
SmartRecruiters is a talent acquisition suite for global hiring initiatives. It’s engineered on a “hub-and-spoke” model, meaning its vast integration marketplace provides the majority of its functionality beyond basic ATS features.
Advantages
- Designed to handle high-volume hiring needs for large-scale corporations
- Highly configurable and accommodates complex workflows
- Scalable for enterprise-level hiring needs
Disadvantages
- The hub-and-spoke model can be less convenient than an all-in-one solution
- Due to its scope, configuring the tool can be very complex, and there’s a steep learning curve
- Reliance on integrations means that native features can lack complexity and increase costs
Our verdict
SmartRecruiters is a powerful tool for enterprises, but it lacks the user-friendliness needed for agile, out-of-the-box use. The learning curve is steep, so it isn’t the best option for newer or mid-market hiring teams.
3. iCIMS
iCIMS is an enterprise-grade platform known for its feature depth and compliance capabilities. However, its long history as a legacy system creates significant trade-offs when it comes to modern user experience and platform flexibility.
Advantages
- Designed to handle complex multi-language and multi-currency compliance requirements
- Allows large organizations to tailor intricate workflows, user permissions, and complex approval chains
- Can integrate with a vast ecosystem of specialized point solutions
Disadvantages
- Many users report that the user interface isn’t intuitive and has a steep learning curve
- Other reviews report that the platform lags, preventing quick hiring moves
- iCIMS’ modular interface feels disjointed and challenging to navigate for some users
Our verdict
iCIMS’ dated user experience and performance issues make it an inefficient tool for modern recruiting teams that need the speed, agility, and intuitive design of a contemporary platform.
iCIMS vs. SmartRecruiters: FAQ
Why consider an alternative to iCIMS and SmartRecruiters?
Hiring teams look for an alternative to iCIMS and SmartRecruiters because they want hiring software that helps, not hinders. iCIMS’ dated interface and performance issues cause unnecessary headaches for hiring teams, and SmartRecruiters has a steep learning curve that slows hiring down. The ideal alternative delivers on short-term tasks and long-term strategy—and Lever has you covered.
How can we pick our next ATS?
Reading this guide is a great start, but you should take other factors into account when choosing an ATS, such as:
- Long-term value/scalability
- User experience
- Your implementation timeline
- Your team’s capacity and training needs
- Platform-specific features, like UX, integrations, and automation
How fast can we implement these tools?
Specific implementation timelines vary by solution and your team’s capacity. You should work with the customer success team to create an implementation plan that suits your needs. However, you should expect implementation to take at least a few weeks, so avoid planning any activities that require immediate use of the platform.
How much does Lever cost?
Reach out to Lever’s product specialists to get a custom quote for your needs.
Ready to Power Your Hiring Momentum?
See how Lever empowers you to build strong candidate relationships at every stage of the hiring process.
