The evolution of an applicant tracking system has transformed it from a cumbersome technology that simply aids in hiring candidates to an essential HR tool featuring a user-friendly digital interface, automated replies, strong analytics, and advanced search functions that assist in sourcing, hiring, and onboarding processes.
With almost 70 percent of companies using it globally, ATS has constantly been giving more reasons for recruiters to love it. Let us look at seven reasons that make ATS such an integral part of the organizational system and why the HR department loves it so much.
- Intuitive User Interfaces, Better Integration
A quality ATS has a user-friendly interface that anyone can use without difficulty. Many of the newer versions lessen or remove the need for special training as well. These easy-to-use interfaces can also work with ‘add-ons’ like pre-hire assessments and video interviews that enhance the hiring process.
- Enhanced Candidate Experience
Long application process, mechanical communication, difficulty in uploading resumes, zero engagement and absence of mobile-friendly application were some of the issues that drove applicants away. An ATS addresses these issues to significantly improve the candidate experience. ATS cuts down application time, encourages shorter application forms, improves response time and allows candidates to apply through social media via their smartphones. Recruiters can maintain clear communication with candidates after the application process. Candidates always appreciate if they are apprised of the status of their application rather than being kept in an ambiguous place.
- Ability to Measure Social Recruiting and Assessments
There was a time when companies posted jobs just on online job boards. Soon, social media was explored for hiring candidates. Now, ATS can measure how social marketing drives engagement with candidates. Companies can take the next step in social recruiting as ATS allows them to see how social platforms and engagement enables them to find suitable candidates. Furthermore, some ATSs have built-in personality and cognitive assessments through which recruiters can gauge applicants’ skills and tendencies. This helps them in prioritizing resumes and assessing candidates’ emotional quotients rather than just IQs, which is a crucial factor for most companies these days.
- Helps in Saving
An ATS saves four crucial factors: time, effort, resources and money. Automating the hiring processes saves HR’s time and effort, which can rather be utilized on other critical business matters. Resources can be greatly optimized. Investing in a cloud-based recruitment software allows your team to work from any location, promoting flexibility. Additionally, a good ATS will give high returns and improves the quality of work.
- Robust Analytics
An excellent ATS offers deeper recruiting KPIs and analytics that not only allows companies in understanding how long it takes to fill jobs or where the candidates are sourced from, but also analyze how long it takes candidates to move through the interview and hiring stages. It also showcases where the recruiters are spending most of their time and how various activities affect candidates’ drop-out rates. Predictive analysis is also possible through predictive tools which allow managers to design appropriate strategies. It can also review complex data.
- Inclusion of Talent Acquisition Suite
The job of recruiters doesn’t end with sourcing and hiring the talent. On-boarding is equally important and consists of various processes once the candidates are hired. The talent acquisition suite covers the umbrella of sourcing, interviewing, hiring and on-boarding processes so that managers can keep track of interested, potential and future prospects. You can customize and incorporate additional modules, depending upon the company’s needs.
- Ability to Automate and Configure Workflow
Hiring practices for each industry is different, thus having tailor-made recruitment processes would be highly beneficial. ATS assists by automating the required processes and incorporating a configurable workflow system specific to their industry. It also allows recruiters to update interviewing processes, make necessary changes to candidates’ application status, move candidates from one position to another etc.
An application tracking system helps in screening candidates and finding the perfect individual for a vacant position. It builds the company brand and leads to better recognition. Good hiring practices help in minimizing the attrition rate and improve employee satisfaction. This corresponds to higher employer satisfaction too — making it a win from both the sides.