Performing a Manual Sync for the Bullhorn ATS

Bullhorn Automation automatically syncs with Bullhorn ATS on a variable schedule based on data volume. However, if you've made changes to your ATS, like updating field mappings, adding new records, or adjusting visibility, you may want to trigger a manual sync to update your data right away.

Only admins have access to this feature.

When to Use a Manual Sync

Use the Sync Data Now button when:

  • You've updated or enabled new fields in your ATS

  • New records (e.g., Candidates, Contacts, Jobs) aren't showing yet

  • You're testing list logic or new automations and need the most current data

  • You want to force an immediate update before building something in Bullhorn Automation

This feature is only available for Bullhorn ATS clients.

Syncing Your Recent Bullhorn Data

  1. Click Settings.


  2. Click on Bullhorn > Bullhorn Integration Settings.


  3. Click the Sync Bullhorn Data Now button.

You'll receive a final prompt indicating that the sync has started. Once the manual sync is complete, you'll receive an email confirmation.

You may not receive an email if the manual sync coincides with the scheduled sync, or if the email has gone to your spam folder. If you notice the data in Bullhorn Automation isn't updated from Bullhorn after 30-45 minutes, and you didn't add a new field in your ATS settings, please reach out to support.

While this option is a way for Bullhorn ATS clients to kick-off an immediate data sync, the sync times can vary due to a number of factors such as:

  • Bullhorn Automation is currently processing your company's scheduled sync
  • Amount of data being mapped back into Bullhorn Automation

What Gets Synced?

The manual sync pulls in:

  • Any records modified since the last sync

  • Field updates (status, ownership, etc.)

  • Newly added records

The sync does not duplicate or overwrite unchanged data.

 

  • Avoid triggering manual syncs in quick succession

  • If changes haven't appeared after 30-60 minutes, contact Bullhorn Support

Troubleshooting

If records you added in the ATS are not appearing in Bullhorn Automation after a manual sync

Confirm the sync completed by checking for the email confirmation. If you did not receive one, check your spam folder. If the sync did complete and records are still missing, verify that the records meet your list criteria and that the relevant fields are enabled in your ATS integration settings.

If you did not receive an email confirmation after triggering a sync

No email is sent if the manual sync overlaps with the scheduled sync. Check your spam folder as well. If data has updated in Bullhorn Automation, the sync completed successfully regardless of whether you received an email.

If field updates made in the ATS are not reflecting in Bullhorn Automation

Confirm the field is enabled in your ATS integration settings. Custom fields must be explicitly selected in Settings > Bullhorn > Bullhorn Integration Settings before they sync to Bullhorn Automation. Standard fields sync automatically.

If the Sync Bullhorn Data Now button is not visible

Confirm your user role is set to Admin. The manual sync option is available to Admin users only. If you need access, ask your Bullhorn Automation administrator to update your role.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a manual sync and the scheduled sync?

The scheduled sync runs automatically on a variable schedule based on data volume. A manual sync lets you trigger an immediate update outside of that schedule, which is useful when you've just made changes in the ATS and need them reflected in Bullhorn Automation right away.

Can I sync only specific record types?

No. The manual sync pulls all updated data across record types since the last sync. You cannot scope it to a single entity such as candidates or jobs only.

How do I know if the sync completed successfully?

You will receive an email confirmation once the sync is complete. You can also verify by checking whether the updated records or fields now appear correctly in Bullhorn Automation.

What happens if I trigger a manual sync while the scheduled sync is already running?

The second sync will not start until the first one finishes. Triggering a manual sync while one is already in progress will not interrupt or duplicate the current sync.

Will a manual sync overwrite data I've entered directly in Bullhorn Automation?

No. The sync pulls ATS data into Bullhorn Automation. It does not overwrite values set directly within Bullhorn Automation that are not tied to an ATS field.