> Template · Free ATS. Workflow, example and practical criteria.

Source: https://hice.ai/en/blog/excel-and-csv-template-free-ats-and-recruiting-software-with-candidate-databases
# Excel and CSV template: free ATS and recruiting software with candidate databases

- Steps and checks
- Define the outcome and records
- A pilot on the complete workflow
- Rules, exceptions and work cost
- Apply the workflow in HICE
- Choose the next step

The downloadable template is a starting point for organizing records and agreeing team rules. Example rows are simulated; define required fields and client or project relationships before entering real data.

## Steps and checks

| Record | Context | Candidate | Vacancy | Skill | Stage | CV reference | Owner | Status |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| DEMO-01 | Free ATS | Demo-01 | JOB-01 | Java | Review | CV-01 | OWNER-01 | draft |
| DEMO-02 | Free ATS | Demo-02 | JOB-02 | Java | Review | CV-02 | OWNER-02 | review |

Import the CSV into Excel or LibreOffice using UTF-8 and a comma separator. Check number types, ISO dates and identifiers. Adapt this working sheet and verify field mapping before importing it into software.

## Define the outcome and records

For this topic the control starts with included CVs, users, open jobs and free-plan limits.

An ATS organizes applications, vacancies, stages and feedback. A candidate database retains profiles beyond one hiring process; a recruiting CRM connects client relationships to open searches. One person can have several applications, each with its own status.

Record vacancy requirements and criteria, link a candidate, assign the interview and save feedback and next action on the application. Test two vacancies for one profile: history must distinguish the decisions.

## A pilot on the complete workflow

Open a vacancy, compare two applications and record a scorecard. Can a colleague see requirements, feedback and the next action without searching emails?

Before the demo, write three required outcomes and one acceptable tradeoff. Value recovered time only after measuring on the same basis. Have the actual owner complete a cycle and retain errors, corrections and final output. If the pilot stops halfway, identify the missing module, integration or step in the quotation.

## Rules, exceptions and work cost

Define who enters, corrects and approves records. Test an incomplete record, a duplicate and a change after closure. The decision changes when records can be exported with relationships rather than manually reconstructed. Count licenses, onboarding, team time and integration maintenance separately.

## Apply the workflow in HICE

In HICE, profiles, CVs, vacancies, interviews and feedback stay connected to the client and team. Semantic search and matching help retrieve candidates from your own database; the recruiter retains shortlist review.

## Choose the next step

Open the related solution, review pricing for your market and test the case on your records. Keep the template as a workflow reference and use the country ranking to explore other category options.

Free ATS · Reference rate · ATS / CRM / PSA

## Continue with another format

- Alternatives to Zoho Recruit: free ATS and recruiting software with candidate databases
- HICE vs Zoho Recruit: free ATS and recruiting software with candidate databases
- How much does it cost: free ATS and recruiting software with candidate databases
- Migrate records and workflows: free ATS and recruiting software with candidate databases
- How to manage: free ATS and recruiting software with candidate databases
- Time and cost calculator: free ATS and recruiting software with candidate databases
- Connect records and an AI assistant: free ATS and recruiting software with candidate databases
- How to choose: free ATS and recruiting software with candidate databases
- Problems to fix: free ATS and recruiting software with candidate databases
- Meaning and how it works: free ATS and recruiting software with candidate databases
- Demonstration case: free ATS and recruiting software with candidate databases
- Simulated benchmark: free ATS and recruiting software with candidate databases