How to Build a Free Applicant Tracking System in Google Sheets with Apps Script

INTRO: Small businesses don't need a $300/month ATS. Here's how to build a candidate tracking and email automation system in Google Sheets — free, with Apps Script.

SECTION 1: The Sheet Structure

• 4 sheets: Applications, Email Templates, Settings, Email Log
• Key design: Status column never triggers emails — explain why this matters

SECTION 2: Reading Candidate Data Correctly

• The timezone bug: why getDisplayValue() is needed for date cells
• Code snippet: getCandidate() function

SECTION 3: Non-Contiguous Row Selection

• The bug: getActiveRange() only returns last clicked range
• The fix: getActiveRangeList().getRanges()
• Code snippet: getSelectedRows() function

SECTION 4: Email Providers

• GmailApp vs MailApp
• How to support 4 providers from one settings cell
• Code snippet: dispatch() function

SECTION 5: Logo and HTML Signature

• buildHtmlEmail() wrapper function
• Code snippet

SECTION 6: The Menu

• 6 menu items, no more
• Why manual confirmation before every send matters

If you want the pre-built template with all this already done: https://subswift.gumroad.com/l/jobapplicationtrack-googlesheets