ClearCo Applicant Tracking Solution (Review) - 2026

Written by
Phil Strazzulla
HR Tech Expert, Harvard MBA, Software Enthusiast
April 22, 2026
Contributing Experts
No items found.

ClearCo

4.5 (552)
ClearCo
ClearCo

ClearCo Versus the Competition

ClearCo is a unified talent platform that connects all the key aspects of the employee lifecycle—hiring, onboarding, performance reviews, learning, engagement, and payroll. This comprehensive system ensures everyone understands their goals, equips managers to provide effective support, and gives leadership a clear, real-time view of the entire organization.

If you're ready to get a ClearCo demo, we suggest getting in touch for a look at the product and quote. Otherwise, read on!

Ratings

4.4

Ease of Use

Best For

Key Differentiator

Price

Starts at $7/mo

Free Trial

No

PROS

  • ClearCo offers a host of HR solutions that work well with another. You can choose the solution you need or combine them all to have a comprehensive talent management platform in your stack.
  • The majority of users find ClearCo’s interface to be quite intuitive and easy to navigate.
  • Many users have highly rated ClearCo’s support team for speed and quality of response. Several users have also reported a smooth implementation experience.

CONS

  • ClearCo’s pricing is not readily available on their website. You also can’t create a trial account on your own from the website and have to go through the sales team for more info.
  • Some users felt that the reporting feature is limited in customizations.
  • According to a few users, the candidate search function doesn’t always bring up the correct candidate(s) and could use some improvement.
  • ClearCo doesn’t currently have a mobile app, but the platform is well optimized for mobile use both for hiring managers and candidates.

Need Help? Talk to an HR Software Advisor!

Get 1:1 help from an HR Software Advisor
Save time with recommendations in less than 20 minutes
Save up to 30% with our pricing insights

Tell us more about your company & an HR Software Advisor will help you find the right software

Phil Strazzulla
HR Tech Expert, Harvard MBA, Software Enthusiast

Need Help? Get Custom Recommendations for Best Applicant Tracking Systems

Talk to An Advisor
Over 3 million HR leaders trust our advice

ClearCo Review

ClearCo provides a series of cloud-based HR solutions that you can purchase individually or combine as needed. Their applicant tracking system (ATS) packs employer branding and candidate sourcing capabilities with job post distribution to multiple job boards and customizable career sites. You can also screen candidates through recorded video interviews or live interviews with third-party video conferencing integrations, send them offer letters, and onboard them via ClearCo’s own onboarding solution.

To drive employee performance and engagement, ClearCo facilitates different kinds of employee reviews, goal planning, as well as surveys so you can continuously gauge the health of your organization’s culture and improve accordingly. The platform covers employee recognition too with employee celebrations and shoutouts features.

You can also plan for the future with ClearCo’s Workforce Planning module. Currently, this module packs features for continuous talent planning, talent metrics & assumptions by role, people analytics, headcount forecasting, hiring plan development, data visualization tools, equipment management, and more.

Overall, we think that ClearCo is a solid platform that many medium and large-size businesses can benefit from. It is feature-rich and user-friendly, and the team behind it offers great support and implementation services according to most people that use it.

What users think of ClearCo

Reviewer's Rating
10/10

We primarily utilize ClearCo for our new hire paperwork. My team often received feedback that the paperwork significantly slowed down the onboarding experience for candidates.

After reviewing other available options, we chose ClearCo because it allowed us to digitize our paperwork. This streamlined our processes and improved the candidate experience by reducing the time spent on forms.

We use the tool regularly as part of every new hire onboarding, and it's become a core part of our workflow.

What do you like about ClearCo?
  • It is very user-friendly, and every team member, despite our small size, quickly became comfortable with it.
  • The tracking feature allows us to see exactly where each new hire is in the onboarding process.
  • It makes it easy to digitize paperwork and streamline the onboarding process.
Why did your organization buy ClearCo, and how long have you used it for?

ClearCo was a tool I used early in my HR career. The company I was working for had implemented ClearCo to streamline the onboarding process for our employees. My team went from managing the paperwork ourselves—making sure everything was filled out correctly, etc.—to utilizing a tool like ClearCo, which reduced our time spent on paperwork and allowed us to focus on the employee onboarding experience.

It helped us increase accuracy, reduce administrative workload, and improve the overall process. I personally used the tool for over a year during this period.

What do you dislike about ClearCo?
  • I wish the tracking feature included built-in communication options to connect with candidates about their progress.
  • It would be helpful if there were more customization options for different types of forms.
  • Sometimes, system updates can affect saved templates, which can require rework.
How is ClearCo different than their competitors?

ClearCo stands out for how user-friendly it is—not just for administrators but also for candidates. Compared to other tools I’ve used, it requires less training and is quicker to implement across teams.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

If you're looking to improve the candidate experience and digitize paperwork, ClearCo is a strong option. It’s user-friendly and cost-efficient, making it accessible for teams of any size.

How has ClearCo changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

ClearCo has evolved by expanding its services beyond onboarding to include performance management and more. It continues to grow based on user feedback, adapting to meet a range of HR needs.

What specific type of user or organization is ClearCo very good for?

ClearCo works well for all types of organizations—from startups to mid-size and large companies. It helps improve both the employee experience and internal administrative processes.

What specific type of user or organization would ClearCo not be a good fit for?

ClearCo can be utilized by any organization or user looking to improve HR processes.

Reviewer's Rating
2/10

I used ClearCo primarily to assess candidates, conduct interviews, refer them to hiring managers, and hire new staff. Applicants would enter basic information in the application, then upload their resumes. Many skipped fields related to dates, credential expirations, and job history details.

The system setup lacked properly configured fields to guide the process. I used it to initiate hires, which then moved the employees into the payroll system and required them to fill out paperwork—most of which remained on paper.

What do you like about ClearCo?
  • It provided applicants with an online platform to apply and enter information, initiating the workflow without staff needing to input basic data (except in cases where applicants skipped steps).
  • I liked that I could progress candidates from screening to the hiring managers’ calendars for interviews.
  • I appreciated the managers’ ability to input their weekly availability for in-person interviews.
  • I found it helpful that hiring information could be transferred to the payroll system, allowing payroll to handle onboarding for tax documents like W-4s.
Why did your organization buy ClearCo, and how long have you used it for?

XYZ Regional Hospital System purchased ClearCo and has used it for about eight years. When choosing this tool, they sought an inexpensive option rather than a comprehensive, long-term solution.

At the time, all HR documents were kept in paper files, stored in filing cabinets—outdated compared to other companies that had already transitioned to digital systems. The only useful benefit I experienced was that the system helped organize new applicants.

I could view new applicants and move them forward in the process after interviewing, declining, or hiring them. I was able to assess their credentials in healthcare, work history, and education. I used it for about two years.

What do you dislike about ClearCo?

ClearCo was challenging to use primarily due to how the system was set up. The vendor did not provide enough assistance with setup before launch.

There were many vague sections, such as job descriptions requiring signatures and incomplete areas for healthcare credentialing and document uploads. Because sections weren’t properly configured, information often failed to carry over to the next step, requiring manual follow-up.

The poor setup forced HR staff to chase down missing documents and upload them manually, rather than having new hires complete and sign them electronically.  Many staff, including hiring managers, were confused and inadequately trained. They often didn’t know what actions to take, other than when to show up for interviews.

We had to repeatedly guide them through the process, which consumed a significant amount of training time. A single training session for hiring managers could have resolved much of this.

How is ClearCo different than their competitors?

Unfortunately, I cannot identify any advantages ClearCo has over its competitors. The program is older and lacks the comprehensive, intuitive workflows found in newer systems.

I prefer tools like Paycom or Paylocity, which offer more robust features. ClearCo does not meet the demands of modern organizations, requiring excessive manual input from HR and reducing productivity.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

ClearCo can organize job postings, applicant tracking, and staff usage, but proper setup is crucial for it to work effectively. I recommend that prospective users invest time in the initial configuration. ClearCo also needs to modernize its platform to compete with more comprehensive HR software solutions.

How has ClearCo changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

There were no changes in the software or the company’s design during the two years I used it. My recent interactions with the tool have been limited, but I have not observed any updates in the software or strategy.

What specific type of user or organization is ClearCo very good for?

ClearCo may be suitable for small companies with fewer than 25 employees. It can assist with basic digital employee file management and initial compliance in healthcare settings.

What specific type of user or organization would ClearCo not be a good fit for?

ClearCo is not a good fit for larger organizations. Collaborating across departments to manage new hires becomes too complex, especially with smaller HR teams.

Reviewer's Rating
10/10

I used ClearCo regularly to keep the hiring process organized and efficient. One of the most helpful features is its manager scheduling tool, which makes coordinating interviews seamless. Managers are easily integrated into workflows, allowing them to stay updated on candidate progress and participate in key hiring decisions without extra hassle.

What I found most useful about this product is the organizational flow it provides and the time management benefits through task automation.

What do you like about ClearCo?
  • Easy Interview Scheduling – Managers can quickly set up interviews without a lot of back-and-forth, keeping the process smooth.
  • Great Hiring Workflows – Everything is structured to make recruiting more efficient, helping teams track candidate progress easily.
  • Fast Background Checks – The system simplifies background checks, preventing delays in the hiring process.
Why did your organization buy ClearCo, and how long have you used it for?

ClearCo was already in place before I joined, and it served as the central hub for a team of five recruiters. The platform made it easy to manage hiring workflows, keeping everything organized and efficient. It streamlined interview scheduling, offered strong project management tools, and made background checks quicker and more straightforward.

Since I began using it, I’ve seen how much it helps maintain a smooth hiring process and keeps communication on track. It also integrates well with other tools, saving time and reducing unnecessary back-and-forth. Overall, it has been a reliable system for recruitment.

I currently use Lever, and I miss ClearCo.

What do you dislike about ClearCo?
  • While ClearCo’s workflows are effective, additional customization options for automation would be beneficial.
  • The platform could be improved with more advanced analytics to track hiring trends in greater detail.
  • Adding a document vault for automatic storage of HR paperwork would be a useful enhancement.
How is ClearCo different than their competitors?

Compared to other tools I’ve used, ClearCo is more user-friendly and efficient. Some platforms can feel clunky or disjointed, but ClearCo keeps everything organized and streamlined. The faster background check process also helps avoid hiring delays.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

When selecting a hiring tool, ease of use is key—no one wants to deal with a complicated system. Automation features like interview scheduling and background checks should speed things up rather than add steps.

Compatibility with other systems such as HR and payroll platforms is also important for maintaining connected workflows. Cost matters—a strong tool should be reasonably priced. Lastly, responsive customer support is crucial when issues arise.

How has ClearCo changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

The platform has improved its integration capabilities, connecting with major HR systems like ADP Workforce Now.

What specific type of user or organization is ClearCo very good for?

ClearCo is suitable for organizations of all sizes

What specific type of user or organization would ClearCo not be a good fit for?

It's great for everyone, so I’m unsure if it’s not a good fit for anyone other than super small startups.

ClearCo Alternatives:

Workable

If you're a fast-growing SMB with multiple roles to fill and want one platform for job distribution, candidate comms, and basic HR support, Workable brings real value. And unlike many competitors, you can test it for 15 days without a sales call.
Popularity Score
4.3 / 5
User Score
4.5 / 5
Product Score
4.5 / 5
Visit Website

Workable

If you're a fast-growing SMB with multiple roles to fill and want one platform for job distribution, candidate comms, and basic HR support, Workable brings real value. And unlike many competitors, you can test it for 15 days without a sales call.
Popularity Score
4.3 / 5
User Score
4.5 / 5
Product Score
4.5 / 5
Learn More

VidCruiter

VidCruiter is known chiefly for video interviews, but the platform also offers a solid ATS solution and Quick Apply, a hit feature with both TA teams and candidates.
Popularity Score
4.1 / 5
User Score
4.5 / 5
Product Score
4.2 / 5
Visit Website

VidCruiter

VidCruiter is known chiefly for video interviews, but the platform also offers a solid ATS solution and Quick Apply, a hit feature with both TA teams and candidates.
Popularity Score
4.1 / 5
User Score
4.5 / 5
Product Score
4.2 / 5
Learn More

Pinpoint

Pinpoint has grown into a more powerful system than it was even a year ago. Its focus on workflow efficiency, candidate experience, and cross-team usability makes it a strong option for companies that want to streamline without losing control. It may not be ideal for every budget, but if you are running 30 or more hires a year, the time saved through automation alone could justify the investment.
Popularity Score
4.6 / 5
User Score
4.4 / 5
Product Score
4.5 / 5
Visit Website

Pinpoint

Pinpoint has grown into a more powerful system than it was even a year ago. Its focus on workflow efficiency, candidate experience, and cross-team usability makes it a strong option for companies that want to streamline without losing control. It may not be ideal for every budget, but if you are running 30 or more hires a year, the time saved through automation alone could justify the investment.
Popularity Score
4.6 / 5
User Score
4.4 / 5
Product Score
4.5 / 5
Learn More

Greenhouse

Greenhouse earns its spot for its ability to bring structure and consistency to hiring while still supporting strong collaboration across teams. Its customizable workflows, standardized interviews, and extensive integrations make it a dependable choice for organizations that want a more data-driven recruiting process.
Popularity Score
4.5 / 5
User Score
4.4 / 5
Product Score
4.6 / 5
Visit Website

Greenhouse

Greenhouse earns its spot for its ability to bring structure and consistency to hiring while still supporting strong collaboration across teams. Its customizable workflows, standardized interviews, and extensive integrations make it a dependable choice for organizations that want a more data-driven recruiting process.
Popularity Score
4.5 / 5
User Score
4.4 / 5
Product Score
4.6 / 5
Learn More

AvaHR

AvaHR left a lasting impression on us with how much the ATS cares about making things easy for users and helping teams work together better. Its Pipeline Triggers take care of mundane tasks that come up during the hiring process, while the Shared Inbox keeps all the messages, questionnaires, and scorecards coming in safe and sound.
Popularity Score
4.2 / 5
User Score
4.6 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5
Visit Website

AvaHR

AvaHR left a lasting impression on us with how much the ATS cares about making things easy for users and helping teams work together better. Its Pipeline Triggers take care of mundane tasks that come up during the hiring process, while the Shared Inbox keeps all the messages, questionnaires, and scorecards coming in safe and sound.
Popularity Score
4.2 / 5
User Score
4.6 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5
Learn More

Who shouldn't buy ClearCo

If you’re a small company that doesn’t hire often and has a tight budget, you won't really be getting much ROI with ClearCo.

ClearCo Customers

ExxonMobil, Mitsubishi Electric, Yates Construction, JC Penney, and Lake Charles Memorial Health System.

ClearCo: Talent Management suite & ATS
visit ClearCo

ClearCo Key Features

  • Candidate sourcing: Post and promote jobs on multiple job boards, create custom-branded career sites that feature your open roles, enable Linkedin easy-apply, text-to-apply, and mobile-apply options for applicants, and build a talent pool of qualified candidates that you might consider for future roles.
  • Candidate screening: Automate interview scheduling, contact recorded video interviews or live interviews with third-party video conferencing integrations, and use interview scorecards to collect feedback in a consistent format.
  • Offer management: Create offer letters and share them with successful candidates. You can also collect electronic signatures within the platform.
  • Onboarding: A branded self-service portal for new hires that helps you keep track of all the devices and equipment you assign them, ensure compliance with automated I-9, W-4, state tax, and other forms, facilitate team member introductions, assign tasks with deadlines, and more.
  • Performance management: Pre-built review templates, quarterly/bi-annual/annual performance reviews, competency and roles-based reviews, peer reviews, automated reminders, goal planning, and alignment tools.
  • Employee engagement: Recognize employees with celebrations and shoutouts, and make their voices heard by collecting their feedback through engagement, e-NPS, onboarding, DEI, emotional wellbeing, and other surveys.
  • Workforce planning and analytics: Continuous talent planning, talent metrics & assumptions by role, people analytics, headcount forecasting, hiring plan development, data visualization tools, device & equipment management, and more.

ClearCo Key Integrations

ClearCo integrates with all the leading payroll providers and HRIS/ERP systems including ADP, Paychex, Paylocity, Proliant, SinglePoint, and Ultimate Software.

ClearCo Pricing

ClearCo customers can choose between Modular Access, i.e. purchase certain modules individually, or they can purchase Platform Access to be able to use all modules and solutions within ClearCo’s suite.

The pricing of ClearCo's modules isn't detailed on their site. Their sales team will work out a deal for you based on your company size and the modules you’re interested in.

ClearCo is Best For

ClearCo is best suited for medium and large-sized businesses.

How has ClearCo Changed Over Time?

ClearCo Implementation

With ClearCo, you'll get a customized project plan depending on the modules you need, company size, and the deadline that would be ideal for you.

ClearCo Customer Success

About ClearCo

Since 2004, ClearCo’s full-spectrum Talent Management platform has enabled thousands of companies to maximize talent by empowering people at every stage of the employee journey. ClearCo integrates data-driven best practices, expert-informed content, and tailored software tools to recruit, ramp, recognize, and retain employees, uniting people and processes to achieve business success.

Company HQ

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Number of Employees

240+

Year Founded

2004

Amount Raised

$63.5M

FAQ

About SSR

We spend hundreds of hours researching the best HR and recruiting software so you don’t have to. We never take money from vendors during our research phase and rely heavily on practitioners and experts to help us recommend the right software. However we may earn a small fee if you click on vendor links on this page.

Learn More

ClearCo Alternatives

Workable

Best for scalable recruitment with built-in video interviewing and HR

Popularity score
4.5 / 5
user score
4.5 / 5
Product score
4.5 / 5
VidCruiter

Best for teams seeking robust video interview software with ATS capabilities

Popularity score
4.5 / 5
user score
4.5 / 5
Product score
4.2 / 5
Pinpoint

Best for in-house talent teams that value thoughtful, user-first design

Popularity score
4.7 / 5
user score
4.4 / 5
Product score
4.5 / 5
Pinpoint

Best for in-house TAs with strong user-centric mentality

Popularity score
4.7 / 5
user score
4.4 / 5
Product score
4.5 / 5
Greenhouse

Best for collaborative hiring at mid-sized and large companies

Popularity score
4.4 / 5
user score
4.4 / 5
Product score
4.6 / 5
AvaHR

Best for mid-market organizations wanting a clean, modern ATS

Popularity score
/ 5
user score
4.6 / 5
Product score
4.1 / 5
BambooHR

Best for mid-sized businesses hiring within an HRIS-first platform

Popularity score
4.5 / 5
user score
4.5 / 5
Product score
4.4 / 5
Manatal

Best for budget-conscious recruitment teams and agencies

Popularity score
4.4 / 5
user score
4.7 / 5
Product score
4.2 / 5
Zoho Recruit

Best for agencies and employers needing affordable AI-powered ATS

Popularity score
4.4 / 5
user score
4.4 / 5
Product score
4.4 / 5
Rippling

Best for teams that want an intuitive ATS natively embedded in HRIS

Popularity score
4.8 / 5
user score
4.2 / 5
Product score
4.1 / 5

Review Methodology

We take our research process seriously and want to make sure we are presenting our readers with the very best solutions in a given software category. Check out this guide to learn how we evaluate vendors before featuring them in our buyer guides.

Learn More