When I Work vs iCIMS
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
When I Work
When I Work is an employee scheduling and time tracking platform designed for hourly and shift-based teams. It makes it easy for managers to build schedules, communicate with staff, and track attendance. When I Work is one of the most affordable scheduling tools on the market.
iCIMS
iCIMS is a leading enterprise recruiting platform offering applicant tracking, candidate relationship management, and onboarding in one system. Known for its scalability and deep configurability.
Pros
- ✓Very affordable pricing starting at just a few dollars per user
- ✓Easy-to-use scheduling with drag-and-drop interface
- ✓Good team messaging and shift swap tools
- ✓Simple time clock with GPS tracking
Cons
- ✗Limited features beyond scheduling and time tracking
- ✗No payroll processing or full HR suite
- ✗Reporting is basic compared to more comprehensive workforce tools
Pros
- ✓Highly scalable for large hiring volumes
- ✓Strong CRM and pipeline features
- ✓Good compliance tools
- ✓Robust integration marketplace
- ✓Excellent customer support
Cons
- ✗Interface feels dated compared to newer tools
- ✗Expensive for smaller teams
- ✗Implementation can be lengthy
- ✗Reporting has a learning curve
When I Work vs iCIMS: Side by Side
| Factor | When I Work | iCIMS |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $2.50/user/mo | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers | Mid-to-large enterprises needing a scalable and highly configurable recruiting platform |
| Our Pick | — | — |
When I Work Features
- ✓Shift scheduling
- ✓time clock
- ✓team messaging
- ✓attendance tracking
- ✓payroll export
iCIMS Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓recruiting CRM
- ✓onboarding
- ✓career site builder
- ✓analytics
- ✓compliance management
Pricing Comparison
Which Should You Choose?
Choose iCIMS if...
- →Mid-to-large enterprises needing a scalable and highly configurable recruiting platform
Our Take
Choose When I Work if small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers. Choose iCIMS if mid-to-large enterprises needing a scalable and highly configurable recruiting platform.
Best For
Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing a scalable and highly configurable recruiting platform
Also Consider
If neither When I Work nor iCIMS is the right fit, Justworks is worth evaluating.
Justworks
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
From $59/employee/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between When I Work and iCIMS?
When I Work is best for small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers. iCIMS is best for mid-to-large enterprises needing a scalable and highly configurable recruiting platform.
Which is better, When I Work or iCIMS?
Choose When I Work if small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers. Choose iCIMS if mid-to-large enterprises needing a scalable and highly configurable recruiting platform.
How much does When I Work cost?
When I Work starts at $2.50/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does iCIMS cost?
Visit iCIMS website for current pricing.
Who should use When I Work?
Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers
Who should use iCIMS?
Mid-to-large enterprises needing a scalable and highly configurable recruiting platform