Understanding the Basics of Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

An applicant tracking system is application software that acts as a database for job seekers and allows recruiters to accept and handle applications electronically. Let's understand the basics of the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

Applicant Tracking System, ATS
Applicant Tracking System

What is an Applicant Tracking System and How Does It Work?

What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

An applicant tracking system, also known as a talent management system, is computer software that allows recruiters to accept, store, and classify job applications and resumes, and makes the recruitment and hiring process simpler and more straightforward. Many employers use ATS software to process job applications and manage the recruitment process. But most ATS solutions today have additional features.

There are several reasons why you need an applicant tracking system in your organization. An applicant tracking system offers companies of all sizes a competitive advantage when it comes to human resource management and recruiting talent. Each one is different, but they all share organizational needs. 

 ATS provides companies with a way to automatically manage the entire recruitment process, from receiving applications to hiring employees. The information in the database is used to screen candidates, test applicants, schedule interviews, manage the recruitment process, check reference materials, and complete new recruitment paperwork.

An applicant tracking system is a critical step in digitization and digital transformation. This allows you to maintain and gain competitiveness. Automating the application management process allows you to redirect resources to other more valuable areas. Of course, a system is simplified and refined to find the most talented profiles.

If you want to choose the right applicant tracking system, consider important points when choosing your ATS.


How Does the Applicant Tracking System Work?

When applicants apply for a job online, their contact information, experience, education background, resume, and cover letter are uploaded to the database. As candidates move through the recruitment process, information can move from one component of the system to another.

Company recruiters can review applications, applicants can send automated messages letting them know that their applications have been received. Hiring managers can conduct online testing, arrange interviews, mail rejection letters, and human resources staff can use the same information.  Once candidates are hired, the individuals are included in the payroll. These integrated systems simplify the recruitment and application process for employers.

Simplify the process:

Using ATS can help save time and money. The information provided by the applicant will be uploaded and organized into the database for the convenience of human resource professionals to consult and search. Because this information is automatically collected and organized digitally, the company does not have to pay for the extra time of sorting and filing paper applications.

Some systems can also save time for job seekers. Many employers use systems that allow job applicants to upload their important information, work history, education, and reference materials directly from their personal data on websites such as LinkedIn or Indeed.

Although job seekers obviously need to apply different applications for different positions, being able to bypass the tedious process of re-entering this information for each application is a valuable time saver.

Tracking process: 

The applicant tracking system allows companies to track where candidates find job announcements directly from the company's website, referrals, or other sources. This can be an important piece of information that allows employers to focus their hiring process on areas where the data shows that they have the greatest success or find the most ideal candidates while reducing or eliminating efforts in areas that show less success.

Hiring process: 

ATS software helps accept, store, and sort job applications and resumes, assist with tedious tasks and automate some aspects of the hiring process. 

Some ATS systems automatically filter the best suitable resumes and compare resumes with listed job descriptions to identify potential matches and help make the final decision to hire an ideal candidate.

Read Also:

1. 10 Key Functions of Human Resource Management (HRM)

2. 6 HR Pillars for Developing a Human Capital Strategy

3. Top 10 HR Trends That Will Shape the Future of Work

4. 10 Top Enterprise Project Management Software

5. How to Measure HR Effectiveness: Developing Effective HR KPIs

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The Scientific World is a Scientific and Technical Information Network that provides readers with informative & educational blogs and articles. Site Admin: Mahtab Alam Quddusi - Blogger, writer and digital publisher.

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