The 2025 ATS Gap Report
Executive Summary: The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) market is not a monolithic entity. It is a segmented battlefield where user frustrations differ dramatically based on the platform's target customer. This report analyzes the specific functional gaps in 11 major platforms and how AI can bridge them.
Overview: The Segmented Battlefield
Our analysis reveals three distinct tiers of ATS platforms, each with unique "pain points":
- Enterprise (HRIS-First): Dominated by Workday and SAP. Users struggle with rigidity and poor candidate experience.
- Mid-Market (Recruiting-First): Led by Greenhouse and Lever. Users face customization limits and specific workflow bottlenecks.
- SMB/Startup (Usability-First): Players like BreezyHR and Workable. Users encounter critical bugs and missing basic features.
The ATS Pain Point Matrix
A consolidated view of the most critical limitations identified in our research.
| Platform | Primary Pain Point | Deep Dive |
|---|---|---|
| Workday | Candidate Experience "Black Hole" (60% drop-off) | Read Analysis |
| SAP SuccessFactors | Crippled Reporting & Analytics | Read Analysis |
| Greenhouse | "Write-Only" Database (Search Limits) | Read Analysis |
| Lever | Scheduling Time Zone Traps | Read Analysis |
| Ashby | Boolean Search Limitations | Read Analysis |
| TeamTailor | Privacy Gaps (No Anonymous Email) | Read Analysis |
| Workable | Customization Ceilings | Read Analysis |
| BreezyHR | Workflow Speed Bumps | Read Analysis |
| SmartRecruiters | Manual Reporting Workload | Read Analysis |
| SparkHire | Shallow ATS Features | Read Analysis |
| Pinpoint | Scalability Risks | Read Analysis |
Enterprise Goliaths
Platforms like Workday and SAP are purchased for data integration, often at the expense of recruiter efficiency and candidate experience. Mokka acts as an intelligence layer, bypassing these clunky interfaces to engage candidates directly.
Mid-Market Leaders
Greenhouse and Lever offer structure but often lack the flexibility for modern, agile sourcing. Mokka complements these tools by handling the "discovery" phase that they struggle with.
Modern Challengers
Newer entrants like Ashby and TeamTailor bring innovation but can be over-engineered or lack specific privacy features. Mokka fills these specific gaps without requiring a platform switch.
SMB Specialists
Tools like Workable and BreezyHR are great for starting out but often hit a "ceiling" of functionality. Mokka brings enterprise-grade AI screening to these platforms, extending their lifespan as you scale.