Recruit Better: What to Know About Applicant Tracking Systems

In today's competitive job market, recruitment agencies are constantly on the lookout for the best talent. The recruitment process can be time-consuming, costly and burdensome, especially when consultants are inundated with applications. This is where Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) come into play. They help automate and streamline the recruitment process, saving time and resources while ensuring that the best candidates are either selected for bookings or make it to more in-depth selection stages where relevant.

As a recruitment agency, you've most likely heard of ATS. But do you really know how one works? Let's talk about that:

What Is an Applicant Tracking System?

An Applicant Tracking System, or ATS, is a software application that automates and streamlines the recruitment process, from job posting to candidate selection. It helps consultants manage the inflow of applications, filter, process and select candidates based on specific criteria and maintain communication with candidates throughout the hiring process.

So far so good, right?

Key Features of an ATS

An ATS should deliver a wide variety of features. These are just some of the most common ones:

1. Job Posting and Distribution

With an ATS, you should be able to post job openings to multiple job boards, social media platforms, and your company website with just a few clicks. This feature helps you maximise your reach and attract a diverse pool of candidates.

2. Candidate Filtering

The system should allow consultants to find the based candidate based on specific criteria, such as keywords, skills, experience, and training. This allows consultants to quickly identify the most suitable candidates and reduce the time spent on manual record screening.

3. Standardised Selection Process

Where a more in-depth selection process is required an ATS should be able to automate the progress of a candidate through this process via a standardised route. This feature ensures a seamless and organised selection process for both the candidates and the consultant.

4. Communication Tracking

An ATS should track all communication between the candidate and the consultant, including emails, SMS, phone calls, and interview notes. This helps maintain a centralised record of all interactions and ensures a consistent and professional communication process overseen by everyone in the team.

5. Reporting and Analytics

ATS platforms often come with built-in reporting and analytics tools that help track the effectiveness of their recruitment efforts. This includes metrics such as time-to-fill, cost-per-hire, and candidate source effectiveness to allow for better, more timely decision making.

Benefits of Using an ATS

Thanks to the wide variety of features an ATS offers, there are a ton of benefits to be had:

1. Enhanced Efficiency

An ATS can automate many of the repetitive and time-consuming tasks involved in the recruitment process, allowing teams to focus on more strategic activities.

2. Improved Candidate Experience

By streamlining the application process and maintaining consistent communication with candidates, an ATS can help create a positive candidate experience, which is crucial in today's competitive job market.

3. Reduced Time-To-Fill

With an ATS, agencies can identify and engage with the right candidates more quickly, reducing the overall time it takes to fill a position.

4. Data-Driven Decision Making

The reporting and analytics features of an ATS provide valuable insights that can help businesses make data-driven decisions and optimise their recruitment strategies.

5. Compliance Management

Finally, an ATS can help ensure compliance with various regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) by maintaining accurate records and automating certain processes.

An Applicant Tracking System is an essential tool for modern recruitment agencies, helping them navigate the complexities of the recruitment process and identify the best candidates for their clients. By automating mundane tasks and providing valuable insights, an ATS can save time and resources and improve the overall efficiency of your recruitment process. If you're looking to revamp your recruitment strategy, consider investing in an ATS to streamline your efforts and stay ahead in the competitive job market!

Quadzu is helping companies digitise their recruitment process to find candidates faster and more effectively. If you are looking for applicant tracking software, reach out to us today.