What is an Applicant Tracking System?

This article offers a broad view of applicant tracking systems (ATS), including how they are used in recruiting and the advantages and disadvantages of using this software.

An ATS is used to post job openings on an organization’s website or job board of choice, screen applicants for minimum qualifications, and schedule interviews. Some ATSs even offer onboarding features, making them a valuable tool for managing the entire hiring process from start to finish. 

Read on to learn more about applicant tracking systems and how they can streamline the hiring process!

What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), Exactly?

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is a type of software that helps organizations automate HR processes, including recruiting, sourcing, screening, and hiring. Organizations can use an ATS to improve their efficiency and optimize their hiring outcomes.

An ATS helps organizations screen, track and manage job applicants throughout the recruiting and hiring processes. In most cases, an ATS is used to collect, parse, and store resumes and application information in a central location, making it easier for recruiters to track and compare candidates.

ATSs are used by organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises. They can be used to recruit for all types of positions, from entry-level jobs to executive-level positions. Additionally, ATSs can be used to source candidates from a variety of sources, including job boards, employee referral programs, and social media.

Benefits of an Applicant Tracking System

There are a number of benefits of using an ATS, including:

  1. Reduced time to hire: ATSs can help organizations screen and hire candidates more quickly.
  2. Improved candidate quality: ATSs can help organizations identify better-qualified candidates by sifting through a larger pool.
  3. Reduced recruitment bias and greater diversity: By automating many steps in the assessment process, organizations can reduce inadvertent bias, help identify qualified diversity candidates and improve their experience. Candidates benefit by getting a consistent evaluation without human issues such as unconscious biases entering into consideration.

In order for candidates to progress through the application process quickly, organizations need to analyze talent information effectively and make smart decisions based on data, not instinct. With technology solutions like applicant tracking systems, organizations can optimize their entire candidate/hire pipeline from recruiting to selection to onboarding - thus reducing time-to-hire. 

What's more is that by selecting candidates in less time and at a lesser cost with better performance returns, organizations will see a reduced total cost of hiring.

How is an Applicant Tracking System Used?

HR professionals use ATS systems to post open positions, collect and track job applications, and schedule interviews. Some ATSs  also include or integrate with tools for conducting background checks and managing employee onboarding.

An ATS also enables the electronic handling of recruitment needs.  Again, this type of software platform can easily post job openings on a corporate website or job board, screen resumes and applications, and generate interview requests to potential candidates by email or text.

Applicant tracking software can save significant time and effort for HR professionals and help organizations keep track of job applicants more effectively. However, ATSs are not without their drawbacks. Some applicants may feel that their privacy is being invaded when their personal data is entered into an ATS. Some organizations may find that an ATS leads to a more impersonal hiring process.

In today’s environment, recruiting technology has become an enabler of success—a competitive necessity. The best performers invest not only in new capabilities but also in enhancing existing systems with better and newer features.

Recommended Content: Is An ATS Worth the Investment?

Wrap Up

An applicant tracking system is a software application that helps organizations identify, track, and hire candidates for open positions. HR departments use ATSs to streamline hiring processes and reduce the time and resources spent on manual tasks. Organizations of all sizes use ATS systems to simplify the recruiting process and make it easier to identify the best candidates for open positions. 

The Cadient Talent Acquisition Solution is a simple, easy-to-use ATS that will help you find, attract and hire better-quality candidates. If you're interested in adding an applicant tracking system to your hiring process - let's have a conversation!

 

You may find the following articles helpful: