What is an ATS?

What is an applicant tracking system (ATS)?

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is a software application that enables the electronic handling of recruitment needs. It is designed to help businesses organise candidate data, streamline recruitment processes, and improve communication between HR teams and applicants.

An effective use of an ATS in a company involves integrating the system into the recruitment workflow from the job posting to the final hiring decision. This includes using the ATS to post job openings on multiple platforms, screen resumes to identify the most qualified candidates, and track the progress of applicants throughout the hiring process. By automating these tasks, the ATS frees up time for HR personnel to focus on more strategic aspects of recruitment, such as engaging with potential candidates and improving the employer brand.

To effectively develop and implement an ATS strategy in a company, first define the specific needs of the organisation's recruitment process. Select an ATS that aligns with these needs and ensure it integrates well with other HR systems. Training HR staff to use the ATS effectively is essential, as is gathering feedback from users to continuously improve the system. Regularly updating the ATS to adapt to new hiring trends and technologies can also help maintain its effectiveness.

What does an effective ATS look like?

An effective ATS optimises the recruitment process, making it more efficient and less biased. It should provide a seamless user experience for candidates and recruiters, offer robust data analytics to track performance, and be adaptable to the specific needs of the company.

• Streamlines recruitment processes
• Enhances communication between HR teams and applicants
• Provides analytics for better decision-making
• Adapts to company-specific recruitment needs

Key considerations for ATS

• Ensure the ATS aligns with the company’s specific recruitment needs
• Integrate the ATS with other HR systems for seamless functionality
• Train HR personnel and relevant staff on how to use the ATS effectively
• Regularly update the system to incorporate new hiring trends and technologies
• Monitor and evaluate the ATS’s performance to continuously improve its effectiveness