What Is a Custom ATS?
Short answer: a Custom ATS is an applicant tracking system that's built around your exact hiring process—not a generic tool you're forced to adapt to.
MachineHiring takes this literally: we don't just "configure" settings. We modify core logic, workflows, data models, and integrations so your ATS mirrors how your teams actually recruit.
Why "Custom," Not Just "Configurable"?
Most ATS platforms give you templates and toggles—and then ask your recruiters to work around the rest. Those "rigid systems" create clunky workarounds, data silos, and lost candidates.
MachineHiring is different. We treat your ATS as a product made for your business, not a product your business must fit.
Quick comparison
| Off‑the‑Shelf ATS | "Configurable" ATS | MachineHiring Custom ATS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workflows | Fixed templates | Limited variations | Designed to match your stages, rules, and exceptions |
| Core logic | Unchangeable | Minor field tweaks | We change logic and approval paths to your reality |
| Integrations | One-way, brittle | App store plugins | Engineered, bi‑directional data flows—no manual re‑entry |
| Candidate UX | Generic forms | Skinnable | Custom journeys by role, brand, or client |
| Data & reporting | Standard reports | A few custom fields | Custom schema + live dashboards for your KPIs |
| Evolution over time | Vendor roadmap | Limited | Continuous iteration with our team, on your roadmap |
The MachineHiring Idea: Radically Adaptable Recruitment
We built MachineHiring because we lived the pain: slow interfaces, laughable search, and workflows that never fit reality. We rebuilt an ATS for our own recruiting team—then brought that radical adaptability to anyone who refuses to compromise.
Core principles:
- • Your HR team, your rules. Process defines product.
- • Beyond configuration. We customize at the logic level, not just labels.
- • Smart integrations that actually work. Data flows where and when you need it.
- • Intuitive for everyone. Clean UI for recruiters and candidates.
- • True partnership. US‑based team with core developers in Ottawa, available when you need us.
How a Custom ATS Gets Built (Without the Chaos)
Deep Discovery
We map every nuance—roles, stages, edge cases, compliance, handoffs, and reporting KPIs.
Custom Development
We implement your workflows, modify core logic, connect systems, and tune AI to your use cases.
Continuous Evolution
Hiring changes. So does your ATS. We iterate with you as your org, markets, and metrics evolve.
Outcome: Your process, perfectly mapped—today and next quarter.
What You Can Customize
Workflow & Logic
- • Stage definitions, branching paths, SLAs, and automated next steps
- • Multi‑step approvals (hiring manager, finance, compliance, exec)
- • Role‑, brand‑, or client‑specific pipelines and rules
Candidate Experience
- • Tailored apply flows by geography/role/brand
- • White‑label portals, branded comms, and accessible forms
- • Bias‑aware job ad assistance and inclusive language checks
Data Model & Reporting
- • Custom fields (clearances, visas, certifications, union categories, etc.)
- • Live dashboards, cohort analysis, DEI/EEO/OFCCP reporting
- • Executive views (time‑to‑hire, funnel health, forecast, budget)
Automations
- • Intelligent resume ingestion and parsing (drag‑&‑drop, ZIP, Word, PDF)
- • Auto‑match to jobs, auto‑route to pipelines, enrichment and deduping
- • Tasking, reminders, nudges, and status syncs across systems
AI That's Actually Useful
Natural‑language search
("Java developer with Spring + microservices")
AI ranking
tuned to your scoring criteria
AI‑assisted outreach
and job posting drafts (with approval controls)
Unified Communications
- • Email, WhatsApp, and Telegram in one inbox
- • Personalized bulk sends, templates, and audit‑ready logs
- • Real‑time notifications you can toggle when you need focus
Integrations That Don't Break
We connect to your HRIS, payroll, calendars, background checks, assessments, identity/SSO, and job boards—and we make sure data round‑trips cleanly. No more hand copying between systems. No more "CSV Fridays."
If it's part of your stack, we'll make it talk. If it doesn't exist, we'll build it.
Who a Custom ATS Is For
Specialized Staffing & Recruitment Agencies
Multi‑client workflows, branding, commission structures, and client portals.
High‑Growth & Mid‑Sized Tech
Technical screening stages, skill‑graph search, and stack‑friendly integrations.
Complex Operational & Volume Hiring
Hundreds of roles, multi‑location routing, and automation at scale.
Highly Regulated Industries
Approvals, certifications, audit trails, and compliance reporting.
IT Consulting & Professional Services
Bench management, skills inventories, and project‑based staffing portals.
Not sure if you fit? If you've ever said "I wish our ATS could…", you're our kind of team.
Proven at Scale
concurrent recruiters working in a single system
active resumes searchable with lightning‑fast AI
years powering enterprise operations end‑to‑end
Trusted by teams including Ekleft, ECM, OWL, KPMG, Bridgestone, Accenture, and OTP.
FAQs
What makes MachineHiring different from a "highly configurable" ATS?
We change core logic and build bespoke integrations. You're not picking from a menu; you're defining how the system should behave—and we implement it.
How long does it take to get live?
Timelines depend on scope. Many teams start with our ready‑to‑use features and layer custom pieces in phases. We'll propose a practical path that gets value fast.
Will our team actually use it?
Yes. We obsess over clean, intuitive UX—because adoption is everything. Most teams reduce clicks, training time, and manual work immediately.
Can we keep our existing stack?
Absolutely. We integrate with your HRIS, payroll, calendars, assessments, background checks, and job boards—and make data move both ways.
Is your AI explainable and bias‑aware?
Yes. We offer human‑in‑the‑loop controls, transparent scoring criteria, and bias‑aware content checks. You decide what's automated and what isn't.
See It in Action
Discover true ATS flexibility. Tell us how you hire; we'll show you your system—not someone else's template.