Mar 24, 2025
The Smarter Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Alternative
Notion Systems
Applicant Tracking System
Recruitment System
Recruiting new talent is the lifeblood of any growing organization, yet traditional Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can often feel like overkill. Tools like Greenhouse, Lever, or Workable come with steep learning curves and hefty price tags, offering functionality that might far exceed what many teams need.
Expanded Competitive Analysis: Notion vs Greenhouse, Lever, and Workable
Feature/Tool | Notion | Greenhouse | Lever | Workable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Strengths | Highly customizable, cost-effective, user-friendly interface | Advanced reporting, robust integrations, scalability | Easy-to-use interface, strong collaboration tools | Pre-built templates, AI-powered candidate sourcing |
Pricing | Free to ~$10/user/month (depending on plan) | Starts at $6,000/year | Custom pricing | $129/month for the core plan |
Ideal Use Cases | Startups, small to mid-sized teams, cost-conscious teams | Large enterprises with high-volume hiring | Mid-sized teams prioritizing collaboration | Growing businesses needing AI sourcing |
Integration Capabilities | Zapier, Slack, Calendly, Make | Extensive API, HRIS integrations | Google Workspace, LinkedIn Recruiter, Slack | Job boards, LinkedIn, HRIS tools |
Let’s explore how Notion can serve as your all-in-one recruitment hub, combining simplicity, flexibility, and efficiency to streamline your hiring workflow.
The Recruitment Pipeline, Reinvented
At the core of every ATS lies a simple idea: the pipeline. It’s the journey a candidate takes from application to job offer, broken into stages like “Applied,” “Screened,” “Interviewed,” and “Hired.” While traditional ATS tools provide this structure out of the box, they often force you into workflows that may not suit your team. With Notion, you’re free to design a pipeline that reflects how you work.
Imagine opening a page where every candidate is neatly organized, their information just a click away. You see their resumes, interview notes, and even links to their portfolios—all in a system you built from scratch. No clunky menus, no unnecessary features, just a clean and intuitive interface that lets you focus on what matters: finding the right person for the job.
Beyond Data: The Candidate Story
A resume is just the beginning of a candidate’s story. What really matters is how they fit into your team, your culture, and your vision. Notion helps you tell that story by bringing all the pieces together. Each candidate becomes a page in your workspace, complete with their details, interview notes, and any additional materials they provide.
Take, for example, a hiring manager preparing for an interview. Instead of juggling between the ATS, email, and a shared drive, everything they need is in one place: the candidate’s profile in Notion. With a single glance, they can see not only the resume but also feedback from the initial screening, a summary of the applicant’s portfolio, and questions prepared for the interview. It’s a holistic approach that puts people, not just data, at the center of the process.
Why Notion Is the Ideal ATS for Modern Teams
Hiring is a team sport, and Notion excels at fostering collaboration. Comments and mentions make it easy for team members to weigh in on a candidate. Feedback templates ensure interviews are structured and consistent, while linked databases keep every detail connected.
At a marketing agency using Notion as their ATS, this collaborative power was transformative. After every interview, team members added their thoughts directly to the candidate’s page. Ratings, strengths, and even cultural fit notes were visible to everyone involved, allowing for quicker, more informed decisions. No more endless email threads or conflicting opinions—just a clear, shared perspective.
Creating a Candidate-First Experience
Recruitment isn’t just about tracking applicants; it’s about creating a seamless experience for them, too. With Notion, you can craft a Job Openings Page that showcases your available positions, complete with embedded forms for applications. You can even design a candidate portal where applicants can check their status, upload additional documents, or find answers to common questions.
This transparency goes a long way in setting your company apart. Candidates feel respected and informed, and the streamlined process reflects your brand well.
Building a Recruitment Pipeline in Notion
The core of any ATS is the pipeline, the stages a candidate moves through during the hiring process. Notion lets you create a recruitment pipeline tailored to your unique workflow. Here's how to set it up:
Step 1: Create a Candidate Database
Start with a database to track every candidate. Add properties to capture key details:
Candidate Name (text)
Email (text or email field)
Phone (text)
Stage (select property with options like Applied, Screened, Interviewed, Hired)
Position (linked to a Job Openings database)
Resume (file upload or link)
Portfolio (URL)
Interview Feedback (relation to a feedback database)
This database serves as the foundation for tracking candidates as they progress through the pipeline.
Step 2: Visualize the Pipeline
Switch to a Kanban Board View for a clear, drag-and-drop interface. Each card represents a candidate, and the columns correspond to pipeline stages (e.g., Applied, Screened, Interviewed). As candidates advance, simply move their card to the next column.
Step 3: Store Resumes and Notes
Use Notion's ability to attach files and links directly to candidate entries. Resumes can be uploaded as files, while portfolios or LinkedIn profiles are just a click away. Additionally:
Create interview note templates for structured feedback.
Link feedback directly to candidate profiles for easy reference.
Supercharging Your ATS with Integrations
Recruitment comes with its fair share of repetitive tasks, but Notion’s integrations can take the tedium out of the equation. With tools like Zapier or Make, you can automate much of the administrative work:
New applicants from job boards or LinkedIn can flow directly into your database.
Slack notifications can alert you when a candidate moves to a key stage, like “Scheduled for Interview.”
Calendly links embedded in candidate profiles can streamline scheduling, avoiding the back-and-forth of email coordination.
By automating these small but time-consuming steps, you free up your team to focus on building connections with candidates—a task no algorithm can replace.
Transform how you recruit today
Download, customize, and watch your hiring process become as dynamic as your vision. This template includes everything you need: a customizable pipeline, candidate profiles, feedback trackers, and automation guides—all in one intuitive workspace. Say goodbye to spreadsheets and overpriced tools, and start hiring with clarity, confidence, and a system that adapts to your unique workflow.
Why Notion Wins
Building your ATS in Notion means:
Savings: Ditch costly subscriptions.
Flexibility: Adapt workflows as you grow.
Clarity: Keep everything in one intuitive space.
Collaboration: Align your team effortlessly.
But beyond the perks, it’s about something bigger: empowering your team to hire with purpose. With Notion, you craft a process that mirrors your ambition, one where candidates feel valued, your team stays united, and your company’s culture shines through every interaction.
Whether you’re a solopreneur making your first hire or a scaling startup building a global team, Notion grows with you. Ready to transform recruitment into a reflection of what makes your business unique?
Latest Updates
(GQ® — 02)
©2024
Latest Updates
(GQ® — 02)
©2024
Transform Client Collaboration: How Notion Outshines Other Tools
Apr 14, 2025
Notion Systems
Transform Client Collaboration: How Notion Outshines Other Tools
Apr 14, 2025
Notion Systems
Master Agile Boards in Notion: Simplify Teamwork, Your Way
Apr 7, 2025
Notion Systems
Master Agile Boards in Notion: Simplify Teamwork, Your Way
Apr 7, 2025
Notion Systems
Mar 24, 2025
The Smarter Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Alternative
Notion Systems
Applicant Tracking System
Recruitment System
Recruiting new talent is the lifeblood of any growing organization, yet traditional Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can often feel like overkill. Tools like Greenhouse, Lever, or Workable come with steep learning curves and hefty price tags, offering functionality that might far exceed what many teams need.
Expanded Competitive Analysis: Notion vs Greenhouse, Lever, and Workable
Feature/Tool | Notion | Greenhouse | Lever | Workable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Strengths | Highly customizable, cost-effective, user-friendly interface | Advanced reporting, robust integrations, scalability | Easy-to-use interface, strong collaboration tools | Pre-built templates, AI-powered candidate sourcing |
Pricing | Free to ~$10/user/month (depending on plan) | Starts at $6,000/year | Custom pricing | $129/month for the core plan |
Ideal Use Cases | Startups, small to mid-sized teams, cost-conscious teams | Large enterprises with high-volume hiring | Mid-sized teams prioritizing collaboration | Growing businesses needing AI sourcing |
Integration Capabilities | Zapier, Slack, Calendly, Make | Extensive API, HRIS integrations | Google Workspace, LinkedIn Recruiter, Slack | Job boards, LinkedIn, HRIS tools |
Let’s explore how Notion can serve as your all-in-one recruitment hub, combining simplicity, flexibility, and efficiency to streamline your hiring workflow.
The Recruitment Pipeline, Reinvented
At the core of every ATS lies a simple idea: the pipeline. It’s the journey a candidate takes from application to job offer, broken into stages like “Applied,” “Screened,” “Interviewed,” and “Hired.” While traditional ATS tools provide this structure out of the box, they often force you into workflows that may not suit your team. With Notion, you’re free to design a pipeline that reflects how you work.
Imagine opening a page where every candidate is neatly organized, their information just a click away. You see their resumes, interview notes, and even links to their portfolios—all in a system you built from scratch. No clunky menus, no unnecessary features, just a clean and intuitive interface that lets you focus on what matters: finding the right person for the job.
Beyond Data: The Candidate Story
A resume is just the beginning of a candidate’s story. What really matters is how they fit into your team, your culture, and your vision. Notion helps you tell that story by bringing all the pieces together. Each candidate becomes a page in your workspace, complete with their details, interview notes, and any additional materials they provide.
Take, for example, a hiring manager preparing for an interview. Instead of juggling between the ATS, email, and a shared drive, everything they need is in one place: the candidate’s profile in Notion. With a single glance, they can see not only the resume but also feedback from the initial screening, a summary of the applicant’s portfolio, and questions prepared for the interview. It’s a holistic approach that puts people, not just data, at the center of the process.
Why Notion Is the Ideal ATS for Modern Teams
Hiring is a team sport, and Notion excels at fostering collaboration. Comments and mentions make it easy for team members to weigh in on a candidate. Feedback templates ensure interviews are structured and consistent, while linked databases keep every detail connected.
At a marketing agency using Notion as their ATS, this collaborative power was transformative. After every interview, team members added their thoughts directly to the candidate’s page. Ratings, strengths, and even cultural fit notes were visible to everyone involved, allowing for quicker, more informed decisions. No more endless email threads or conflicting opinions—just a clear, shared perspective.
Creating a Candidate-First Experience
Recruitment isn’t just about tracking applicants; it’s about creating a seamless experience for them, too. With Notion, you can craft a Job Openings Page that showcases your available positions, complete with embedded forms for applications. You can even design a candidate portal where applicants can check their status, upload additional documents, or find answers to common questions.
This transparency goes a long way in setting your company apart. Candidates feel respected and informed, and the streamlined process reflects your brand well.
Building a Recruitment Pipeline in Notion
The core of any ATS is the pipeline, the stages a candidate moves through during the hiring process. Notion lets you create a recruitment pipeline tailored to your unique workflow. Here's how to set it up:
Step 1: Create a Candidate Database
Start with a database to track every candidate. Add properties to capture key details:
Candidate Name (text)
Email (text or email field)
Phone (text)
Stage (select property with options like Applied, Screened, Interviewed, Hired)
Position (linked to a Job Openings database)
Resume (file upload or link)
Portfolio (URL)
Interview Feedback (relation to a feedback database)
This database serves as the foundation for tracking candidates as they progress through the pipeline.
Step 2: Visualize the Pipeline
Switch to a Kanban Board View for a clear, drag-and-drop interface. Each card represents a candidate, and the columns correspond to pipeline stages (e.g., Applied, Screened, Interviewed). As candidates advance, simply move their card to the next column.
Step 3: Store Resumes and Notes
Use Notion's ability to attach files and links directly to candidate entries. Resumes can be uploaded as files, while portfolios or LinkedIn profiles are just a click away. Additionally:
Create interview note templates for structured feedback.
Link feedback directly to candidate profiles for easy reference.
Supercharging Your ATS with Integrations
Recruitment comes with its fair share of repetitive tasks, but Notion’s integrations can take the tedium out of the equation. With tools like Zapier or Make, you can automate much of the administrative work:
New applicants from job boards or LinkedIn can flow directly into your database.
Slack notifications can alert you when a candidate moves to a key stage, like “Scheduled for Interview.”
Calendly links embedded in candidate profiles can streamline scheduling, avoiding the back-and-forth of email coordination.
By automating these small but time-consuming steps, you free up your team to focus on building connections with candidates—a task no algorithm can replace.
Transform how you recruit today
Download, customize, and watch your hiring process become as dynamic as your vision. This template includes everything you need: a customizable pipeline, candidate profiles, feedback trackers, and automation guides—all in one intuitive workspace. Say goodbye to spreadsheets and overpriced tools, and start hiring with clarity, confidence, and a system that adapts to your unique workflow.
Why Notion Wins
Building your ATS in Notion means:
Savings: Ditch costly subscriptions.
Flexibility: Adapt workflows as you grow.
Clarity: Keep everything in one intuitive space.
Collaboration: Align your team effortlessly.
But beyond the perks, it’s about something bigger: empowering your team to hire with purpose. With Notion, you craft a process that mirrors your ambition, one where candidates feel valued, your team stays united, and your company’s culture shines through every interaction.
Whether you’re a solopreneur making your first hire or a scaling startup building a global team, Notion grows with you. Ready to transform recruitment into a reflection of what makes your business unique?
Mar 24, 2025
The Smarter Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Alternative
Notion Systems
Applicant Tracking System
Recruitment System
Recruiting new talent is the lifeblood of any growing organization, yet traditional Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can often feel like overkill. Tools like Greenhouse, Lever, or Workable come with steep learning curves and hefty price tags, offering functionality that might far exceed what many teams need.
Expanded Competitive Analysis: Notion vs Greenhouse, Lever, and Workable
Feature/Tool | Notion | Greenhouse | Lever | Workable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Strengths | Highly customizable, cost-effective, user-friendly interface | Advanced reporting, robust integrations, scalability | Easy-to-use interface, strong collaboration tools | Pre-built templates, AI-powered candidate sourcing |
Pricing | Free to ~$10/user/month (depending on plan) | Starts at $6,000/year | Custom pricing | $129/month for the core plan |
Ideal Use Cases | Startups, small to mid-sized teams, cost-conscious teams | Large enterprises with high-volume hiring | Mid-sized teams prioritizing collaboration | Growing businesses needing AI sourcing |
Integration Capabilities | Zapier, Slack, Calendly, Make | Extensive API, HRIS integrations | Google Workspace, LinkedIn Recruiter, Slack | Job boards, LinkedIn, HRIS tools |
Let’s explore how Notion can serve as your all-in-one recruitment hub, combining simplicity, flexibility, and efficiency to streamline your hiring workflow.
The Recruitment Pipeline, Reinvented
At the core of every ATS lies a simple idea: the pipeline. It’s the journey a candidate takes from application to job offer, broken into stages like “Applied,” “Screened,” “Interviewed,” and “Hired.” While traditional ATS tools provide this structure out of the box, they often force you into workflows that may not suit your team. With Notion, you’re free to design a pipeline that reflects how you work.
Imagine opening a page where every candidate is neatly organized, their information just a click away. You see their resumes, interview notes, and even links to their portfolios—all in a system you built from scratch. No clunky menus, no unnecessary features, just a clean and intuitive interface that lets you focus on what matters: finding the right person for the job.
Beyond Data: The Candidate Story
A resume is just the beginning of a candidate’s story. What really matters is how they fit into your team, your culture, and your vision. Notion helps you tell that story by bringing all the pieces together. Each candidate becomes a page in your workspace, complete with their details, interview notes, and any additional materials they provide.
Take, for example, a hiring manager preparing for an interview. Instead of juggling between the ATS, email, and a shared drive, everything they need is in one place: the candidate’s profile in Notion. With a single glance, they can see not only the resume but also feedback from the initial screening, a summary of the applicant’s portfolio, and questions prepared for the interview. It’s a holistic approach that puts people, not just data, at the center of the process.
Why Notion Is the Ideal ATS for Modern Teams
Hiring is a team sport, and Notion excels at fostering collaboration. Comments and mentions make it easy for team members to weigh in on a candidate. Feedback templates ensure interviews are structured and consistent, while linked databases keep every detail connected.
At a marketing agency using Notion as their ATS, this collaborative power was transformative. After every interview, team members added their thoughts directly to the candidate’s page. Ratings, strengths, and even cultural fit notes were visible to everyone involved, allowing for quicker, more informed decisions. No more endless email threads or conflicting opinions—just a clear, shared perspective.
Creating a Candidate-First Experience
Recruitment isn’t just about tracking applicants; it’s about creating a seamless experience for them, too. With Notion, you can craft a Job Openings Page that showcases your available positions, complete with embedded forms for applications. You can even design a candidate portal where applicants can check their status, upload additional documents, or find answers to common questions.
This transparency goes a long way in setting your company apart. Candidates feel respected and informed, and the streamlined process reflects your brand well.
Building a Recruitment Pipeline in Notion
The core of any ATS is the pipeline, the stages a candidate moves through during the hiring process. Notion lets you create a recruitment pipeline tailored to your unique workflow. Here's how to set it up:
Step 1: Create a Candidate Database
Start with a database to track every candidate. Add properties to capture key details:
Candidate Name (text)
Email (text or email field)
Phone (text)
Stage (select property with options like Applied, Screened, Interviewed, Hired)
Position (linked to a Job Openings database)
Resume (file upload or link)
Portfolio (URL)
Interview Feedback (relation to a feedback database)
This database serves as the foundation for tracking candidates as they progress through the pipeline.
Step 2: Visualize the Pipeline
Switch to a Kanban Board View for a clear, drag-and-drop interface. Each card represents a candidate, and the columns correspond to pipeline stages (e.g., Applied, Screened, Interviewed). As candidates advance, simply move their card to the next column.
Step 3: Store Resumes and Notes
Use Notion's ability to attach files and links directly to candidate entries. Resumes can be uploaded as files, while portfolios or LinkedIn profiles are just a click away. Additionally:
Create interview note templates for structured feedback.
Link feedback directly to candidate profiles for easy reference.
Supercharging Your ATS with Integrations
Recruitment comes with its fair share of repetitive tasks, but Notion’s integrations can take the tedium out of the equation. With tools like Zapier or Make, you can automate much of the administrative work:
New applicants from job boards or LinkedIn can flow directly into your database.
Slack notifications can alert you when a candidate moves to a key stage, like “Scheduled for Interview.”
Calendly links embedded in candidate profiles can streamline scheduling, avoiding the back-and-forth of email coordination.
By automating these small but time-consuming steps, you free up your team to focus on building connections with candidates—a task no algorithm can replace.
Transform how you recruit today
Download, customize, and watch your hiring process become as dynamic as your vision. This template includes everything you need: a customizable pipeline, candidate profiles, feedback trackers, and automation guides—all in one intuitive workspace. Say goodbye to spreadsheets and overpriced tools, and start hiring with clarity, confidence, and a system that adapts to your unique workflow.
Why Notion Wins
Building your ATS in Notion means:
Savings: Ditch costly subscriptions.
Flexibility: Adapt workflows as you grow.
Clarity: Keep everything in one intuitive space.
Collaboration: Align your team effortlessly.
But beyond the perks, it’s about something bigger: empowering your team to hire with purpose. With Notion, you craft a process that mirrors your ambition, one where candidates feel valued, your team stays united, and your company’s culture shines through every interaction.
Whether you’re a solopreneur making your first hire or a scaling startup building a global team, Notion grows with you. Ready to transform recruitment into a reflection of what makes your business unique?