Article: How to make applicant tracking systems work for you

One of the prominent workplace trends in 2024 is balancing people and technology amidst the rapid advancement of AI, particularly in tasks such as immersive interviews and job description writing. Such trends require organisations to strike a balance.

Nigel Kirkham, CEO of Enterprise Solutions at Hays, says technology should be leveraged for efficiency while maintaining a people-first culture.

Moreover, companies are using advanced technologies to streamline their hiring processes in the evolving recruitment landscape. An applicant tracking system (ATS) stands out as a game-changer, revolutionising how organisations organise, filter, and engage with potential candidates. With over 90% of Fortune 500 companies leveraging ATS, it's evident that this technology is a key player in talent acquisition strategies.

The value of applicant tracking systems

An ATS simplifies the intricate modern recruiting process, using automated intelligence to efficiently screen, identify, and engage the most qualified candidates. Given the sheer volume of applications flooding open positions, particularly in large corporations, ATS acts as a gatekeeper, saving valuable time by automating the initial screening process. This ensures that only candidates with the necessary qualifications proceed further in the hiring pipeline.

How applicant tracking systems work

Candidates today seek user-friendly application processes, and leading ATS platforms deliver just that. They enable seamless application submissions from any device, eliminating the need for candidates to log in. Once applications are received, the system categorises and labels candidates based on resume information.

Recruiters use powerful search and filtering capabilities to identify strong candidates quickly.

During the recruitment journey, ATS allows for immediate feedback from hiring team members after interviews, fostering collaboration and unbiased evaluation. Advanced features such as natural language processing and artificial intelligence enhance resume scanning, provide candidate recommendations, and facilitate the search for talent within the database.

Unveiling the benefits of ATS

Reduced Time to Hire: Time is of the essence in recruiting, and a top-notch ATS significantly accelerates the hiring process. With tools like Jobvite, recruiters gain real-time insights into the pipeline's progress, ensuring a steady improvement in average hiring speed.

Enhanced Collaboration: ATS is not solely for the talent acquisition team. Hiring managers can track the progress of active requisitions, compare candidates, and make informed decisions within the system. This seamless collaboration ensures everyone involved has a holistic view of the hiring process.

Optimised Technology Utilisation: Integration with essential recruitment tools and human resources systems is a hallmark of a robust ATS. This transparency across the recruiting process and sharing of critical candidate data with business intelligence tools and HR systems leads to a more efficient and informed hiring process.

Increased Diversity: Diversity is a strategic imperative for many organisations. ATS platforms that facilitate sourcing from underrepresented and marginalised groups become a competitive advantage, aligning with the broader industry trend of fostering diverse workplaces.

Crafting an ATS-optimised resume

Having an ATS-compliant resume is not just an option; it's a necessity. An ATS operates by scanning resumes for specific keywords, skills, and qualifications. Failure to align with ATS criteria may result in a resume being discarded, regardless of the candidate's qualifications or experience.

How to optimise a resume for an ATS

Use standard fonts, headings, and bullet points.
Avoid graphics, images, or complex formatting.
Incorporate relevant keywords naturally from the job description.

An ATS-compliant resume acts as a passport, ensuring that employers recognise and consider qualifications, and navigating the complexities of recruitment software.

The crucial features of ATS

Choosing the right ATS involves understanding its features. Renowned industry expert Hung Lee has distilled the key features into ten critical aspects:

Import and export: Efficiently manage candidate data, ensuring seamless transitions.
Universal search: Quickly locate candidates by searching with relevant biodata.
Tags: Implement custom segmentation of candidate data for strategic organisation.
Google Apps Integration: Integrate with existing tools to streamline workflows.
Collaboration: Facilitate teamwork by involving stakeholders in the recruitment process.
Customisation: Tailor the system to align with specific recruitment processes and preferences.
Messaging: Enable personalised communication at scale with candidates.
Distribution: Simplify job posting across various platforms with minimal effort.
Aggregator: Humanise candidate profiles by incorporating diverse information.

Beyond the basics: additional ATS features

Beyond the 10 essentials, there are additional features to consider:

Implementation and support: Evaluate the support for a smooth onboarding process and ongoing assistance.
Careers pages: Assess the ATS's ability to create branded, mobile-optimised careers pages.
Employer branding: Leverage tools that customise job descriptions, application forms, and communication to reinforce employer branding.
Candidate sourcing: Look for fast, accurate, and far-reaching search capabilities to build a robust candidate pipeline.
Managing interviews: Seek automation in interview scheduling and integration with calendar tools.
Centralisation: Ensure all candidate data is centralised, organised, and easily accessible.
Talent CRM: Utilise features for building talent pools and nurturing relationships with potential candidates.
Mobile recruiting: Opt for an ATS with a mobile app for on-the-go hiring.
Security and stability: Prioritise data security, encryption, and system stability.
Reports and analytics: Access detailed, exportable reports for data-driven recruiting strategies.

Elevating your recruitment strategy

Leading ATS platforms' comprehensive features and benefits empower organisations to expedite hiring, foster collaboration, leverage technology efficiently, and champion diversity. Crafting an ATS-compliant resume further ensures that candidates successfully navigate the screening process.

To navigate the vast array of ATS options, meticulous consideration of features, and a keen understanding of the recruitment landscape are crucial. Armed with the right ATS, organisations can transform their talent acquisition strategy, making the hiring process more efficient, collaborative, and ultimately, successful.

The evolution of recruitment technology, epitomised by ATS, is reshaping the future of talent acquisition, making it a cornerstone for companies aspiring to attract and retain top-tier talent.