ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System, which is a software application that streamlines the recruitment process by automating the various stages of hiring from candidate tracking, creating job descriptions, shortlisting of applicant CVs, managing the interview process, and releasing offer or regret letters.
ATS is used for streamlining the hiring process and is adopted by most modern enterprises. Typically, the software is known to be complex and expensive. However, products like PyjamaHR are game-changers, offering affordable ATS and easy to begin.
How does an applicant tracking system (ATS) work?
An applicant tracking system or ATS is a recruiting and hiring tool that assists HRs and corporate recruiters in electronically sorting hundreds of applicant resumes to find the best talent or the most suitable candidate for the post. An ATS tracker divides the resume’s content into categories and then scans it for specific keywords to help determine if the job application should be passed on to the recruiter.
“ATS filters resumes by looking for keywords that match the job description”
The purpose of ATS is to save the recruiter’s time by eliminating unqualified applicants and evaluating candidates suitable for the position. A best applicant tracking system can store, rank, and score resumes based on keywords, relevant job titles, formatting, and other factors.
Why do businesses need an applicant tracking system (ATS)?
The use of technology reduces the burden of HR through the electronic handling of candidate data. Therefore, ATS helps in:
- Narrowing down the applicant pool
With several applications submitted on the job search engines, it becomes overwhelming for recruiters to handle the data. To overcome this time-consuming process, businesses use the ATS tool. It eliminates unqualified candidates narrowing them down to competitive resumes.
- An ATS saves business time and money
The applicant tracking system saves time and money in the hiring process with electronic handling of the candidate data. Modern ATSs such as PyjamaHR are enabled with AI and can speed up the shortlisting process through smart shortlisting.
An ATS, can also smoothly coordinate interview schedules by integrating with the interviewer calendar. Earlier the same task was known to be painful and time-consuming. Large-scale companies that have multiple job openings, benefit the most by adopting an ATS.
- To maintain the applicant records and information
ATS is compliant with the Internet applicant rule, i.e., strict record keeping of employees recruited via electronic means. All businesses employing 100 or more employees are required to annually report their employee’s demographic recruiting information. ATS helps in storing this information and makes the reporting process much more manageable.
How to choose an applicant tracking system (ATS)?
It is necessary to choose the right Applicant Tracking System for the organization. To select an ATS, these pointers should be kept in mind:
- Know the purpose
The most important thing is to know the purpose of using the ATS. Before making the purchase, it is essential to understand product pricing such as job postings and other candidate management details as these factors ultimately decide the investment.
- Understand the recruiting requirements
Every organization has a different hiring process, and enough time should be invested in knowing the company’s hiring needs. Scheduling trials with shortlisted ATSs, reading reviews of the ATSs, and product comparisons can benefit.
- Assess the software
It is essential to evaluate multiple recruiting software solutions. Trials and demos offered by cloud-based software can help narrow down the most suitable ATS.
- Mobile version of the ATS
It is necessary to check that the ATS system has a mobile version for the ease of posting jobs and connecting with candidates anytime. It also makes the entire process easier.
- Data Security
Data security is critical in any ATS. Since a lot of sensitive information about the company and candidate is stored in the database, it is essential to see that the data is secure and complies with the Privacy Policy framework.
Top features of a successful applicant tracking system (ATS)
A good ATS reduces recruitment costs, streamlines the entire recruitment process, facilitates talent pipeline management, improves overall efficiencies, and more. Here are some best practices for the successful implementation of ATS:
- Candidate Sourcing
The first thing is to source candidates from career sources that work the best for the company’s needs. Sources such as career sites, social networks, and internal referrals help the hiring team broaden its talent pool. This allows the career advertisement to be visible to more candidates.
- Data Sourcing
After gathering a targeted group of candidates, the next step is to source data, the primary location of where the data is stored. It gives HR an idea of how much time it will take to fill the positions and the number of candidates for each post.
- Applicant communication
The automated follow-ups and thank you emails save the time of HR and also foster a positive relationship between the company and the candidates.
- Using keywords
Using a broad range of keywords helps in accessing suitable resumes making the hiring process efficient.
- Providing an accurate job description
It is essential to include critical information such as the job role and responsibilities and other important information in the job ads to maintain transparency between the candidate and the company. A good ATS helps improve the hiring process.
Applicant tracking systems are here to stay
During earlier times, employers were flooded with many applications and no way to filter out unqualified candidates. This resulted in the rise of the Applicant Tracking System. It is a very effective hiring solution that most recruiters utilize.
Without an ATS, there is a chance that moving applicants through different stages can become very difficult. Lack of communication can also spoil the name of a company’s hiring process leading to good candidates not taking openings by the company, seriously. We have built PyjamaHR – a free and smart alternative over traditional expensive and bulky Application Tracking Systems. So, irrespective of the company size, you can now smarten your recruitment process with minimum effort and almost no investment.
Frequently asked questions(FAQ)
What is the purpose of an ATS?
An applicant tracking system (ATS) helps companies organize candidates for hiring and recruitment purposes. These systems allow businesses to collect information, organize prospects based on experience and skill set, and filter applicants.
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software that manages the recruiting and hiring process, including job postings and job applications. It organizes information about job seekers and makes it searchable. As its name implies, an ATS tracks candidates through the hiring process.