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Since the advent of applicant tracking systems (ATSs) in the 1970s, the recruitment software market has diversified and grown exponentially.

Here I break down the market in its current state and what we can expect in the coming years, and who the key players are.

What Is Recruitment Software?

Recruitment software is a suite of tools designed to automate recruitment processes and streamline hiring.

From job postings to candidate onboarding, the software can handle various tasks to make the recruitment process more efficient and effective.

Through an extensive array of features, it helps hiring teams manage the entire recruitment process, ensuring that they find the best available candidates.

Recruitment Software Market Size And Expected Growth

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Market size

The global recruitment software market has been experiencing steady growth. As of 2023, the market size is estimated to be around USD 2.3 billion up from 1.78 billion in 2017.

This growth is driven by the increasing demand for efficient and streamlined recruitment processes, particularly in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the need for digital and remote hiring solutions​ (Mordor Intelligence)​ (IMARC).

Expected growth

The market is expected to continue its expansion, with some projections suggesting it will reach approximately USD 3.6 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 5.1% during the forecast period​ (IMARC)​ (Research and Markets). 

Factors contributing to this growth include the rising adoption of cloud-based recruitment platforms, advancements in AI and machine learning, and the increasing use of social media and mobile technologies in recruitment​ (Mordor Intelligence)​ (GlobeNewswire).

Key growth drivers

key growth drivers infographic
  1. Digital transformation: Organizations are increasingly adopting digital recruitment solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce hiring time, and improve the quality of hires.
  2. AI and automation: Integration of AI and machine learning technologies into recruitment software solutions like applicant tracking systems to optimize processes such as resume screening, candidate matching, and predictive analytics.
  3. Remote work trends: The shift towards remote and hybrid work models has heightened the need for recruitment software that can manage global talent pools effectively
  4. Candidate experience: Emphasis on improving the candidate experience drives the adoption of software that offers improved interactions with applicants​ (Mordor Intelligence)​ (IMARC)​ (GlobeNewswire).

Industry Segmentation

Recruiting software solutions are used across various industries, with significant market shares in:

  • IT & Telecommunications: Dominated the market with over 23% share in 2023. The sector's continuous need for skilled professionals and rapid technological advancements drive the adoption of ATS​ (Market.us).
  • BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance): Accounted for over 20% of the market share, driven by high competition and the need for efficient hiring processes​ (Grand View Research).
  • Healthcare and Life Sciences: Expected to show significant growth due to the demand for efficient hiring without manual resume reviews​ (Market Research Future).
  • Retail and Consumer Goods: This sector is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.5% from 2022 to 2030, driven by the need for efficient recruitment processes for a mixed workforce​ (IMARC)​ (Market Research Future).

Regional Analysis

  • North America: The largest market, driven by technological advancements and high adoption rates of recruitment software in the U.S. and Canada.
  • Europe: Significant growth is expected due to the increasing digitalization of recruitment processes in countries like the UK, Germany, and France​ (Mordor Intelligence).
  • Asia-Pacific: Rapidly growing market, fueled by the expanding IT sector and increased hiring activities in countries such as India and China​ (GlobeNewswire)​ (Research and Markets).

Key Players

Here are the estimated market shares for the major companies in the recruitment software market:

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Finn Bartram

Finn is an editor at People Managing People. He's passionate about growing organizations where people are empowered to continuously improve and genuinely enjoy coming to work. If not at his desk, you can find him playing sports or enjoying the great outdoors.