Choosing the Right Applicant Tracking System
Talent acquisition has undergone tremendous change over the years, especially during this pandemic, where recruiters and candidates wanted a smooth and seamless recruiting process that was fast and hassle-free. Earlier, recruiters faced a lot of challenges in screening thousands of applications for a job opening. This is where an ATS or an applicant tracking system proved helpful for recruiters. With demands for faster, flexible, and dependable HR processes increasing by the day in the modern enterprise, an AI-enabled ATS is something that has become indispensable.
What and Why an Applicant Tracking System?
An ATS or applicant tracking system is a software that automates a wide range of activities related to recruitment. Modern applicant tracking systems are loaded with features such as interview scheduling, assessment generation, and customized import and export of data.
One of the main reasons recruiters have taken to ATS is that it eliminates complexities in selecting the right candidates for the enterprise. An ATS searches and filters through thousands of applications with ease and efficiency to finalise the right candidate pool. An ATS also helps with communicating with candidates seamlessly, something that may pose challenges when done manually. Since many activities in the recruitment cycle are automated, the whole process saves time for recruiters and enterprises. Considering the advantages, a good ATS becomes almost non-negotiable.
How Does an ATS Work?
An ATS helps sift through all the job applications that are submitted online. The ATS collects candidates’ information and stores all submitted resumes in a centralized database. The software makes it easier for hiring managers and recruiters to organize and sort through resumes and search for profiles matching specific requirements.
The new ATS solutions that are presently in the market automatically compare resumes uploaded in the system, with the job description provided and find the best matches. Imagine the time saved for recruiters to focus only on those candidates who are likely to match the job opening in question.
Many advanced ATS solutions have the ability to present candidate information in the form of a summary for recruiters to glance through quickly. There is no need to spend time going through the entire resume. ATSes also provide the functionality to input certain keywords to filter out resumes on particular criteria.
Must-have Features of an ATS
Every organization will have different needs when it comes to recruiting. Obviously, a one-size-fits-all approach cannot be taken when selecting a suitable ATS for your organization’s recruiting needs. What are some must-have features that you will need to look for in an effective ATS that will meet the needs of the organization in terms of functionality, ease of use, and budget? Let’s look at some points that cannot be overlooked when making that choice.
Automated data entry: Ask candidates who are applying to a job about the one thing that irks them to no end, it would be having to re-enter their details multiple times through the application process. This, while irritating candidates, could also cause errors in data entry. A well-integrated ATS solves this problem for enterprises. Applicants no longer need to re-enter their details, saving time and errors.
Seamless candidate experience: Enterprises understand the need for creating a good first experience with their candidates or applicants. Modern-day applicants expect and demand a seamless experience through applying for a job. With an effective ATS integrated into your system, you ensure that your enterprise provides the applicants just that. No more long waits to hear back from recruiters, no more cluelessness on the next steps to follow. An automated step-by-step process ensures that candidates have a positive experience throughout.
Fast recruitment tracker: The main aim of enterprises to go in for an ATS is to make their recruitment process faster and more efficient. The ATS you decide to invest in should, therefore, include features to track candidate screening and shortlisting, providing options to take assessments, aid in the accurate selection of candidate profiles, and offer options for seamless onboarding activities.
Built-in compliance: In a pandemic-stricken environment, the last thing that HR departments want to do is combat compliance issues related to candidate screening and background checks. A good integrated ATS takes care of end-to-end compliance freeing up HR’s time to focus on other activities.
Conclusion
Enterprises invest in an applicant tracking system to make their recruiting process faster, more efficient and help their employees become more productive. Add to it, the seamless experience it could provide to the applicants. Choose an ATS that provides all this, ensuring your recruiting process is at the forefront in getting the best candidates for your enterprise quickly.
