What Is an ATS?
An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is the software used by companies to manage applications. As a candidate, understanding the ATS used by your target company gives you a considerable advantage.
The three most widespread ATS in Switzerland are Workday, Greenhouse and Lever. Each has its own specificities in terms of forms, filtering and processes.
Workday: The Banking Giant
Workday dominates the banking sector and large corporations. UBS, Credit Suisse (now integrated), Nestlé, Zurich Insurance — all use Workday. The form is long (40-50 fields) but highly structured.
The main challenge: automatic CV parsing is often inaccurate, requiring you to re-enter numerous pieces of information manually.
Greenhouse: The Startup-Friendly Option
Greenhouse is favoured by tech startups and scale-ups. The form is shorter and more modern. Custom questions are common and the process is generally faster.
Lever: The CRM-ATS Hybrid
Lever combines ATS and recruitment CRM. On the candidate side, the form is minimalist — often just a CV and a few questions. The experience is smooth but offers less control over your presentation.
Comparison for Candidates
| Criterion | Workday | Greenhouse | Lever |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Fields | 40-50 | 15-25 | 5-15 |
| Time to Complete | 15-20 min | 5-10 min | 3-5 min |
| ATS Filtering | Strict | Moderate | Light |
| Open-Ended Questions | Frequent | Occasional | Rare |
How Kandidat Handles Each ATS
The Kandidat Chrome extension automatically detects the ATS in use and adapts its behaviour:
- Workday — Full completion in 30s, including AI-generated open-ended answers
- Greenhouse — Dynamic field detection, CV + cover letter upload
- Lever — Fast submission with optimised documents
Apply on Any ATS in 30 Seconds
Kandidat supports Workday, Greenhouse, Lever and SmartRecruiters.
Try for Free →Conclusion
Understanding the ATS used by your target company is a strategic advantage. Each system has its own characteristics that you can leverage to maximise your chances. Kandidat automates the adaptation to each ATS so you can focus on what matters most.