Introduction
When this happens, it’s not a dead-end. It’s a signal to pivot. To explore workable alternatives—tools that are not just replacements but improvements. Whether you’re looking to optimize your recruitment pipeline, enhance lead management, or streamline client engagement, the right solution is out there.
In this blog, we’ll explore 13 of the most effective and proven alternatives in the CRM and ATS landscape. Each one has unique strengths, but all share a common goal: to empower you with better control, speed, and outcomes.
Why It’s Time to Consider a Workable Alternative
Software should work for you not against you. If you’re finding that your current platform is slowing things down, limiting collaboration, or eating into your budget, it’s time for a change.
Common Reasons to Switch Tools:
- Poor user experience and outdated interfaces that hinder productivity
- High costs with minimal ROI, especially as teams scale
- Lack of automation or intelligent insights to guide decision-making
- Limited scalability for growing teams and expanding use cases
- Inadequate customer support during crucial transition periods
- Complicated integrations that don’t fit into your workflow
When these issues surface, the right workable alternative can turn frustration into growth. Whether you’re a small business seeking simplicity or a large enterprise looking for power and control, you’ll find an option that suits your style, needs, and goals.
Related Blog: Discover 10 Free Most Powerful ATS for Small Businesses
How to Choose the Best Workable Alternative
Evaluate Your Needs:
Clearly define what’s lacking in your current tool and what your future hiring goals are.
Set a Realistic Budget:
More features don’t always mean more value. Align budget with ROI and essential capabilities.
Test and Compare:
Always demo and test tools before fully migrating. Let teams experience workflows hands-on.
Think Long-Term:
Choose a tool that can scale with your hiring and sales volume, integrates with existing systems, and offers support as you grow.
Here's the list of top workable alternatives.
1. ATZ CRM – All-in-One ATS + CRM Made Simple
ATZ CRM is tailored for staffing agencies and recruiters who want an easy-to-use yet robust system. It combines applicant tracking and client management in one seamless platform.
Key Features:
- Intuitive dashboard to monitor leads and candidates in real-time
- Drag-and-drop pipeline for quick task management
- Customizable stages for sales and recruitment workflows
- Built-in messaging and follow-up automation
- No-code automation tools to reduce repetitive tasks
Why It’s a Game-Changer:
ATZ CRM is perfect for users with minimal technical background. Its simplicity, affordability, and highly responsive support make it a favorite for teams that want immediate productivity without a steep learning curve.
2. Bullhorn – Built for High-Performance Recruiting
Bullhorn has built its reputation on being the go-to solution for enterprise recruiting agencies. Its end-to-end capabilities help with everything from sourcing to placement and onboarding.
Key Features:
- Streamlined job requisition and candidate tracking
- Real-time reporting and customizable dashboards
- ATS + CRM + VMS integrations in one ecosystem
- Mobile-friendly app for recruiting on the go
Why It’s a Strong Alternative:
Bullhorn’s strength lies in its ability to scale with large staffing operations. It’s robust, highly configurable, and proven in high-volume environments.
Related Blog: The Ultimate Recruit CRM Showdown: Best ATS Ranked
3. JobDiva – Data-Driven Recruiting Powerhouse
JobDiva is a recruiting platform designed to give agencies an analytical edge. It’s widely used in industries where compliance, timing, and data insights are mission-critical.
Key Features:
- AI-based resume harvesting and job matching
- Skill-based filtering and automated compliance checks
- Applicant tracking linked to VMS and job boards
- In-depth reporting for performance monitoring
Why It Works:
JobDiva isn’t just a platform—it’s a decision-making engine. It helps recruiters make faster, smarter placements using live data.
4. CEIPAL – Affordable AI-Driven Recruiting
CEIPAL is built for budget-conscious recruiters who still want modern features and automation.
Key Features:
- Built-in AI for smarter resume parsing and shortlisting
- Job board integration with one-click posting
- Employee referral tracking and social sourcing
- Integrated document management and onboarding workflows
Best For:
Firms that are growing fast and need scalable solutions with automation built-in—without burning through their budget.
Related Blog: Diversity Recruiting Strategies and Expert Advice
5. Manatal – Modern Design with Practical Power
Manatal brings a fresh and intuitive design to recruitment software, making it ideal for lean teams that value speed and clarity.
Key Features:
- AI-powered candidate recommendations
- Career page builder with custom branding
- Enriched candidate profiles from LinkedIn and GitHub
- Collaboration tools for remote recruitment teams
What Sets It Apart:
Manatal balances visual simplicity with deep functionality. It’s ideal for modern businesses wanting agile hiring.
6. Workable – Global-Ready ATS
Workable supports companies in over 100 countries and helps HR teams centralize global recruitment efforts.
Key Features:
- Automated job board distribution
- Branded career pages with custom forms
- One-click interview scheduling and evaluation kits
- Multilingual support and GDPR compliance tools
Ideal Use Case:
Companies with global ambitions or multinational teams looking for a single, unified hiring tool.
7. Breezy HR – Visual Recruiting for Small Teams
Breezy HR is loved for its simple visual workflows and effortless collaboration features.
Key Features:
- Visual Kanban pipeline for candidate movement
- Team scorecards and interview feedback
- Video interview tools and calendar integrations
- Automated email and SMS communication
Why You’ll Love It:
Breezy HR turns hiring into a smooth, enjoyable experience for teams with limited resources but big ambitions.
8. Lever – Strategic Talent Acquisition
Lever is a hybrid CRM + ATS that emphasizes relationship-building with candidates over time.
Key Features:
- Nurture campaigns and passive talent engagement
- Custom pipeline stages with visual dashboards
- DEI tracking and diversity hiring metrics
- Chrome extension for sourcing from LinkedIn
Unique Strength:
For businesses that hire proactively and strategically, Lever ensures your pipeline stays warm and ready.
Related Blog: How to Prepare a Recruiting Budget: 5 Practical Tips
9. Greenhouse – Structured, Inclusive Hiring
Greenhouse offers structured hiring frameworks and supports inclusive recruitment practices.
Key Features:
- Interview kits that align with scorecards and job requirements
- Candidate experience surveys
- DEI-focused analytics and reporting
- Role-based access and data permissions
Standout Feature:
Greenhouse helps build consistency and fairness into hiring, especially valuable for companies scaling rapidly.
10. Zoho CRM – More Than Just Sales
Zoho CRM is a flexible system that can be customized beyond sales into recruitment or customer success.
Key Features:
- Omnichannel engagement (email, chat, social, phone)
- Automation rules for tasks, scoring, and nurturing
- Blueprint builder for process customization
- Strong integration library for apps like Slack and Google Workspace
When to Use:
When your business needs a customizable CRM that can double as an ATS with the right integrations.
Related Blog: How to Create an Amazing Database for Recruitment
11. HubSpot CRM – Trusted, Free, and Scalable
HubSpot CRM is one of the most popular choices for teams just starting out but planning to scale.
Key Features:
- Contact and deal management with detailed activity logs
- Sales pipelines with visual dashboards
- Marketing automation and campaign tracking
- Free tools with premium upgrades as needed
Perfect For:
Small and medium teams that want to start lean and expand later—without switching platforms.
12. Freshsales – AI with a Human Touch
Freshsales is designed to help sales and recruiting teams personalize outreach using AI.
Key Features:
- Freddy AI assistant for suggestions and insights
- Unified communication channels in one dashboard
- Sales sequences and trigger-based workflows
- Custom roles and access levels for security
Who Should Use It:
Those looking to blend automation with a personalized customer/candidate journey.
Related Blog: 7 Key Mistakes to Avoid When Picking an ATS
13. Recruitee – Empower Teams with Flexible Hiring
Recruitee empowers hiring managers, recruiters, and stakeholders to collaborate easily.
Key Features:
- Custom hiring workflows per department
- Role-based permissions for compliance
- Internal mobility and referral management tools
- Sourcing Chrome extension
Great For:
Companies with multiple teams involved in hiring that want autonomy without sacrificing structure.
Final Recap
Being stuck with outdated tools is more than an inconvenience—it’s a barrier to growth and innovation. The good news is, there are plenty of workable alternatives that can not only meet your current needs but also scale with you into the future.
From the simplicity and speed of ATZ CRM to the structured frameworks of Greenhouse and the flexibility of Zoho CRM, the 13 solutions we’ve covered provide you with the freedom to grow your business with confidence.
Don’t let legacy systems hold you back. Your next best move starts with choosing the right tool. Explore your options, involve your team, and find the workable alternative that works best for you.
