In today’s job market, applicants can number in the hundreds for every open position. For hiring managers, sifting through all of those applications can be a time-consuming and tedious process. Managers can optimize the whole process with the help of an applicant tracking system (ATS).
You can easily view their resumes, job descriptions, and other information on a single dashboard with the help of ATS. That way, you can see their skills and whom they want to talk with about the job opening.
The market size for ATS is growing day by day as more businesses are deploying to streamline their hiring process. The applicant tracking system market was valued at USD 732 million in 2016 and rose to 1.4 billion by 2020.
But the question is, what is an applicant tracking system? What factors need to be considered while selecting and implementing ATS? Let’s check out.
What Is an Applicant Tracking System
An applicant tracking system is a software application that helps businesses manage the recruiting and hiring process. It can track job applications, store resumes and candidate information, and schedule interviews.
When candidates apply for a job online, their information is entered into the ATS. The system then sorts and ranks candidates based on their qualifications, experience, and other factors.
An ATS can be used to post job openings on a corporate website or job board. It can screen resumes and generates interview requests to potential candidates by email or through the integrated system.
How to Select the Right ATS for Your Business
There are numerous moving pieces in a successful business operation. Recruiting and retaining competent personnel is also a crucial component of the process. Knowing where to begin with so many applicants to filter through might take a lot of work.
That can be facilitated by an applicant tracking system (ATS). But with so many different ATS vendors on the market, it can take time to choose the right one for your business. Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting an ATS.
1. Your business’s Size and Needs
There are a few key factors to consider when choosing an applicant tracking system (ATS) for your business. First, you’ll need to consider your business’s size and hiring needs. Even if you have a small or large company, you need an ATS that fits your requirements.
The right applicant tracking system will make it easier for you to hire employees who are a good fit for your culture, mission, and goals. It will help you to manage your data and processes in an efficient and automated way. With the right tool, you can improve your time to market, reduce errors, and increase productivity.
In addition to size, you’ll also need to consider your business’s specific needs. What kind of features are you looking for? Do you need an ATS that can integrate with your existing HR system? Are you looking for a system that offers candidate self-scheduling? Make sure to consider your needs before making a decision.
Choosing the proper ATS for your business can be challenging, but it’s essential to take the time to find the right fit. Considering your business’s size and needs, you can narrow your options and find the proper ATS.
2. Ease of Use
An ATS is only as good as its user interface. You’ll want an ATS that’s easy to use and navigate to get up and running quickly and efficiently.
3. Integrations
Many businesses rely on other software programs to run their day-to-day operations. When selecting an ATS, check that it integrates seamlessly with any other software program. Otherwise, you’ll end up creating more work for yourself down the line.
4. Customer Support
Even the best software can have glitches from time to time. When choosing an ATS, select a vendor that offers responsive customer support if you encounter any problems. By keeping these factors in mind, you can be sure to choose the proper ATS for your business needs.
5. Security Controls
One important consideration is security controls. Due to the sensitive nature of the data being collected and stored, choosing an applicant tracking system with robust security controls is essential.
Look for a system that offers user authentication, data encryption, and activity logging features. Selecting an applicant tracking system with strong security controls can help protect your company’s data.
6. Check Out Online Reviews
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, read online reviews to get feedback from other users. Look for common themes in the studies to help you make your final decision.
7. Get a Free Trial
Many ATS vendors offer free trials, so take advantage of this opportunity to test out the features and functionality of each system before making a purchase. Selecting the proper ATS can make your job easier while saving your company time and money.
Implement the ATS Once You’ve Made Your Selection
After you’ve made your selection of an applicant tracking system (ATS), it’s essential to take the proper steps to ensure a successful implementation. Here are four key tips:
- Work with your IT team: Implementing an ATS can be complex, so it’s essential to involve your IT team from the start. They can help ensure that the system is installed correctly and configured and that any data migration is done smoothly and accurately.
- Train your employees: Once the system is in place, it’s essential to train your employees to use it effectively. This will help them utilize their full potential and avoid frustration or confusion.
- Take advantage of support services: Most ATS vendors offer support services to help implement. Take advantage of these services if you need assistance or have questions.
- Be prepared for bumps in the road: Even with careful planning, there may be some unforeseen challenges during the implementation process. It’s essential to be prepared for these and have a plan in place for how to address them. Following these tips can set you up for a successful ATS implementation.
Final Thoughts
An applicant tracking system (ATS) can be a powerful tool for streamlining the recruiting process. By automating the tasks of posting job openings, screening resumes, and scheduling interviews, an ATS can save employers a considerable amount of time and money. But with so many different ATS products on the market, how can you choose the right one for your business?
There are a few key factors to consider when selecting an ATS. First, consider your budget and the specific needs of your business. Free and paid ATS options are available, so it’s important to find one that fits your budget.
Additionally, some ATS products offer more features than others, so choose one with the needed parts. Finally, check out online reviews of each ATS product before making your final decision. By doing your research, you can be confident that you’re choosing the best ATS for your business.