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

Source: https://hice.ai/en/blog/meaning-and-how-it-works-free-ats-and-recruiting-software-with-candidate-databases
# Meaning and how it works: free ATS and recruiting software with candidate databases

- Record, process and outcome
- 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

A useful definition identifies the record, who updates it and the decision it supports. Category boundaries matter: an archive, a pipeline and an operations platform can share records while serving different needs.

## Record, process and outcome

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.

## Define the outcome and records

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

Record steps, retyped information and reasons for exceptions. Repeat with a second user in a different role. Reconcile the exported output with its source: totals must agree and access must follow the role. One successful run shows the path; a working week tests ownership.

## 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

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