Today we’re talking about something that’s crucial for any business looking to streamline their recruitment process – Applicant Tracking Systems, sometimes referred to as applicant tracking software or ATS for short.
Whether you’re a small startup or a multinational corporation, an ATS can make all the difference in finding the right candidates for your company. But with so many options out there, it can be tough to know which one to choose. That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the best Applicant Tracking Systems on the market. So, let’s dive in!
Definition of Applicant Tracking System
So, before we dive into the key features, let’s start with the basics. What exactly is an Applicant Tracking System? Well, it’s pretty simple. An ATS is a software application that helps businesses manage the recruitment process, from posting job listings to tracking applicants and evaluating resumes. It’s like having your own personal HR assistant, helping you streamline your hiring processes and find the best candidates for your company. And trust me, it can save you a ton of time and headache compared to manual recruitment processes.
Purpose of an ATS
So, what’s the purpose of using an ATS? Well, think about it – recruiting new employees is a time-consuming process, especially when you have a lot of applicants to sort through. An ATS makes it easier for you to organize and evaluate resumes, communicate with candidates, and track the progress of each application. And the best part? It can all be done in one place, saving you from having to switch between multiple systems or deal with piles of paperwork.
But the benefits don’t stop there. With features like reporting and analytics, an ATS can give you valuable insights into your recruitment process, helping you make data-driven decisions and improve your hiring strategy over time. And, by streamlining the process, you can save time and focus on what’s really important – finding the best candidates for your company. So, as you can see, the purpose of an ATS is to make the recruitment process easier, more efficient, and more effective.
Importance of choosing the right ATS
Alright, now let’s talk about why it’s so important to choose the right ATS for your business. You see, the recruitment process is crucial for any company. It’s how you find the talent that will help drive your business forward. And with so many options out there, it can be tempting to just choose the first ATS you come across. But here’s the thing – not all ATS are created equal. Some may have more features, others may be more user-friendly. Some may be better suited to your company’s size or recruitment process.
So, it’s crucial to take your time and choose the right ATS for your business. By doing so, you’ll be able to streamline your recruitment process, find the best candidates, and ultimately, help your business grow and succeed. Trust me, taking the time to choose the right ATS will pay off in the long run. So, make sure to keep this in mind as you go through the process of choosing an ATS for your company.
Key Features Of The Best Applicant Tracking Systems
Resume parsing
Alright, let’s dive into the key features you should look for in an ATS. First up, resume parsing. This is a fancy way of saying that the ATS should be able to automatically extract information from resumes and populate relevant fields in the system. And let me tell you, this can be a real time-saver. No more manual data entry or copy-pasting! Plus, with resume parsing, you can be sure that all the information you need is in one place, making it easier to evaluate and compare candidates.
So, when you’re choosing an ATS, make sure to look for a system with strong resume parsing capabilities. It’ll make your life a lot easier, I promise. And trust me, you won’t regret it!
Job postings
Next up, let’s talk about job postings. When it comes to recruiting new employees, one of the first steps is to post your job listings where potential candidates can see them. And an ATS should make this process as easy as possible.
You want to be able to create job postings and publish them to multiple job boards, your company website, or any other platforms you use to reach potential candidates. And once the postings are up, you want to be able to track the progress of each one – how many views, clicks, and applications you’ve received. This can give you valuable insights into where your job postings are performing well and where you may need to make changes.
So, when choosing an ATS, make sure it has strong job posting capabilities. You want a system that makes it easy for you to reach potential candidates and track the progress of each posting. And, with the right ATS, you’ll be one step closer to finding the best candidates for your company.
Application tracking
Okay, now let’s talk about application tracking. Once you’ve posted your job listings and received applications, you want to be able to keep track of each one and evaluate the candidates. And that’s where application tracking comes in.
An ATS should make it easy for you to organize and evaluate resumes, and keep track of each applicant’s progress throughout the recruitment process. You should be able to see which candidates have completed their application, which ones have been contacted for an interview, and which ones have received an offer. And, with the right ATS, you can be sure that you’re staying on top of each application and making progress towards filling your open positions.
So, when choosing an ATS, make sure it has strong application tracking capabilities. You want a system that makes it easy for you to organize and evaluate resumes, and keep track of each applicant’s progress throughout the recruitment process. And, with the right ATS, you’ll be one step closer to finding the best candidates for your company.
Communication tools
When you’re evaluating candidates and making your way through the recruitment process, you need to be able to communicate effectively with them. And that’s where communication tools come in.
An ATS should have built-in tools that make it easy for you to send messages, schedule interviews, and provide feedback to candidates. You should be able to communicate with candidates directly from the system, without having to switch between multiple platforms or email back and forth.
So, when choosing an ATS, make sure it has strong communication tools. You want a system that makes it easy for you to communicate with candidates and keep the recruitment process moving forward. And, with the right ATS, you’ll be able to build better relationships with candidates and find the best fit for your company.
Reporting and analytics
Reporting and Analytics When it comes to the recruitment process, having access to the right data is essential to make informed decisions. This is where the reporting and analytics capabilities of a modern applicant tracking system come into play. The right system should provide robust analytics to give you valuable insights into the performance of your recruitment process.
Key metrics such as the number of candidates received, applicants contacted, and offers made, can help you optimize your recruitment process and find the best candidates.
To sum up, make sure the ATS software you choose has strong reporting and analytics capabilities to give you the data you need to drive your business forward and succeed
Integration with other HR systems
When it comes to HR, it’s crucial to have systems that work together like a well-oiled machine. That’s why integration is so important.
Applicant tracking systems should be able to integrate with your other HR systems, like your HRIS, to streamline your recruitment process. By exchanging data between platforms, you can eliminate manual data entry and ensure that your information is up-to-date and accurate. This means you’ll spend less time on manual tasks and more time finding the right candidates.
So, when you’re choosing an applicant tracking system, make sure it can integrate with other HR systems. This will give you a smoother, more efficient recruitment process, and help you find the right talent for your company.
Best Applicant Tracking Systems
Now we’ve got a better idea of what to look for in the best ATS software, we can take a look at the leading software vendors available to your business today.
Lever
Lever, a cutting-edge recruitment platform that’s shaking up the hiring game. This cloud-based solution provides companies with a one-stop-shop for managing their entire hiring process, from posting jobs to sourcing candidates and scheduling interviews.
What sets Lever apart is its focus on streamlining the recruitment process and improving the candidate experience. With its user-friendly interface and integration with tools like email and calendars, Lever makes it easier than ever for companies to find and hire top talent.
Lever is used by companies of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises, and across a wide range of industries. And it’s not just about efficiency – Lever is also known for its commitment to reduce hiring bias, and improve diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Key features:
Applicant Tracking: Allows companies to manage and track all applicants in one place, making the recruitment process more efficient and organized.
Job Postings: Enables companies to post job openings on their career sites, job boards, and social media channels.
Candidate Sourcing: Provides tools to source and engage with candidates from a variety of sources, including employee referral programs, job boards, and social media.
Interview Scheduling: Facilitates the scheduling of interviews between recruitment teams and candidates, saving time and improving the candidate experience.
Collaboration: Enables recruiting teams to collaborate and share information on candidates and job postings in real-time.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Lever is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the recruitment process, with features such as anonymous resume review to remove unconscious bias.
Integrations: Lever integrates with a variety of tools and systems, including email, calendar, and HRIS, to provide a seamless and efficient experience for recruiters and hiring managers alike.
If you’re looking for a recruitment platform that will help you streamline your hiring process, improve the candidate experience, and find the best talent for your organization, Lever is definitely worth checking out.
Workable
Workable, a recruitment platform that’s making a big impact in the hiring world. This cloud-based solution offers companies a comprehensive approach to managing their entire recruitment process, from posting jobs to sourcing candidates and conducting interviews.
With Workable, companies can streamline their hiring process, improve the candidate experience, and find the best talent for their organization. Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, Workable has the tools you need to get the job done.
One of the standout features of Workable is its ability to source quality candidates from a variety of sources, including employee referrals, paid job boards, and social media. And with its easy-to-use applicant tracking system, you can keep track of all your applicants in one place, making your recruitment process more efficient and organized.
Key features:
Job Postings: Allows companies to easily post job openings on their careers page, job boards, and social media channels.
Applicant Tracking: Helps companies manage and track all applicants in one place, making the recruitment process more efficient and organized.
Candidate Sourcing: Provides a variety of tools to source and engage with candidates from employee referrals, job boards, and social media.
Interview Scheduling: Facilitates the scheduling of interviews between HR teams and job seekers, saving time and improving the candidate experience.
Collaboration: Enables hiring teams to collaborate and share information on candidates and job postings in real-time.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Workable prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the recruitment process, with features such as anonymous resume review to remove unconscious bias.
Reporting and Analytics: Provides valuable insights into the recruitment process through real-time reporting and analytics.
Overall, Workable is a comprehensive recruitment platform that offers companies the tools they need to manage their hiring process, find the best talent, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
JazzHR
JazzHR is a cloud-based recruitment solution offers companies a complete approach to managing their recruitment process, from posting jobs to sourcing candidates and conducting interviews.
Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, JazzHR has the tools you need to get the job done.
One of the standout features of JazzHR is its comprehensive applicant tracking system, which allows you to keep track of all your applicants in one place, making your recruitment process more efficient and organized.
In terms of scheduling interviews, JazzHR makes it easy for hiring teams and candidates to coordinate and schedule interviews, saving time and improving the candidate experience. And with its collaboration features, human resources can share information on candidates and job postings in real-time.
Key features:
Job Postings: Allows companies to easily post job openings on their careers page, job boards, and social media channels.
Applicant Tracking: Helps companies manage and track all applicants in one place, making the recruitment process more efficient and organized.
Candidate Sourcing: Provides a variety of tools to source and engage with candidates from employee referrals, job boards, and social media.
Interview Scheduling: Facilitates the scheduling of interviews between hiring teams and candidates, saving time and improving the candidate experience.
Collaboration: Enables a hiring team to collaborate and share information on candidates and job postings in real-time.
Reporting and Analytics: Provides valuable insights into the recruitment process through real-time reporting and analytics.
So if you’re looking for a recruitment platform that will help you streamline your hiring process, improve the candidate experience, and find the best talent for your organization, JazzHR is definitely worth checking out.
BambooHR
BambooHR, is a game-changing HR management platform that’s making life easier for small and medium-sized businesses. This cloud-based solution provides companies with a one-stop-shop for all their HR needs, from employee data management to benefits administration and performance management.
With BambooHR, companies can streamline their HR processes, improve the employee experience, and get the information they need to make informed HR decisions. Whether you’re a small startup or a growing business, BambooHR has the tools you need to get the job done.
One of the standout features of BambooHR is its employee data management system, which allows companies to easily store, manage, and access all employee information in one place. And with its performance management features, companies can set and track employee goals, conduct performance reviews, and provide feedback to help employees grow and succeed.
Key features:
Employee Data Management: Allows companies to store, manage, and access all employee information in one place, making HR processes more efficient and organized.
Benefits Administration: Facilitates the administration of employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Performance Management: Enables companies to set and track employee goals, conduct performance reviews, and provide feedback to help employees grow and succeed.
Time Off Management: Helps companies manage employee time off requests and approvals, ensuring that employees are able to take the time they need to recharge and stay productive.
Reporting and Analytics: Provides valuable insights into HR processes and employee data through real-time reporting and analytics.
Onboarding: Streamlines the onboarding process for new hires, making it easier for companies to get new employees up to speed and integrated into the organization.
BambooHR offers a very comprehensive HR management platform that will help you make informed HR decisions.
Greenhouse
Greenhouse, a cloud based software that’s changing the way companies approach recruitment and talent acquisition. This cloud-based solution offers a comprehensive approach to the entire hiring process, covering everything from candidate sourcing to onboarding new hires.
Greenhouse helps companies simplify their recruitment process, create a better candidate experience, and identify top talent for their organization. Regardless of company size, Greenhouse provides the necessary tools to achieve successful hiring results.
A unique aspect of Greenhouse is its ability to track key recruitment metrics and provide analysis, giving companies the insights they need to make informed decisions about their talent acquisition strategy.
Key features:
Recruitment Management: A comprehensive solution for managing the entire recruitment process, from sourcing candidates to conducting interviews and onboarding new hires.
Metrics and Analytics: The ability to track and analyze key recruitment metrics, providing valuable insights into the hiring process and allowing for data-driven decisions about talent acquisition.
Streamlined Processes: Helps simplify and streamline the recruitment process, improving the candidate experience and increasing efficiency.
Integration with Other Tools: The ability to integrate with other HR and recruitment tools, such as modern applicant tracking systems and email, to provide a seamless experience.
Reporting: Provides real-time reporting and analytics, giving companies valuable insights into applicant data, and their top level recruitment process and results.
Overall, Greenhouse is a comprehensive HR management platform that offers companies a seamless way to handle their recruitment and manage qualified candidates more effectively.
iCIMS
iCIMS, a top-notch talent acquisition platform that’s changing the way companies approach recruitment and hiring. This cloud-based solution offers a comprehensive approach to managing the entire recruitment process, from sourcing candidates to onboarding new hires.
With iCIMS, companies can streamline their recruitment process, find the best talent for their organization, and improve the candidate experience. Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, iCIMS has the tools you need to get the job done.
One of the standout features of iCIMS is its robust applicant tracking system, which makes it easier than ever for companies to manage and track all their applicants in one place. And with its powerful sourcing tools, companies can source and engage with candidates from a variety of sources, including employee referrals, job boards, and social media.
Key features:
Applicant Tracking: A comprehensive system for managing and tracking all applicants in one place, making the recruitment process more efficient and organized.
Candidate Sourcing: Tools to source and engage with candidates from a variety of sources, including employee referrals, job boards, and social media.
Onboarding: Streamlines the onboarding process for new hires, making it easier for companies to get new employees up to speed and integrated into the organization.
Reporting and Analytics: Provides valuable insights into the recruitment process through real-time reporting and analytics.
Collaboration: Enables hiring teams to collaborate and share information on candidates and job postings in real-time.
Customization: Allows companies to customize the platform to meet their specific needs, including branding and workflows.
iCIMS is a very comprehensive talent acquisition platform that offers all the tools a business needs to manage their recruitment process.
How to Choose the Right Appicant Tracking System
Assess your hiring process
Finding the right talent is crucial to the success of any organization, and that’s why candidate sourcing needs to be taken seriously. There are a number of steps in place to ensure that you’re attracting and hiring the best candidates for the job.
Job Description: start by clearly defining the job requirements and responsibilities. This helps attract the right candidates and ensures that everyone is on the same page.
Sourcing: use a variety of methods to source candidates, including job boards, employee referrals, and social media. This helps reach a wider pool of candidates and find the best fit for the job.
Screening: review resumes and cover letters to determine which candidates are a good fit for the role. He also uses online assessments and pre-employment screenings to ensure that candidates have the necessary skills and qualifications for the job.
Interviews: conduct in-person or virtual interviews with top candidates to get to know them better and assess their fit for the role. He also uses behavioral-based interviewing techniques to understand a candidate’s experience and potential performance in the role.
Reference Checks: check references before making a job offer to validate a candidate’s experience and qualifications.
Offer: make a competitive job offer to the best candidate, taking into consideration factors such as salary, benefits, and work-life balance.
This recruitment process is effective in attracting and hiring top talent. He continually looks for ways to improve it and makes adjustments as needed to ensure that the best candidates are being hired.
Consider your company’s size and growth plans
Alright, so let’s take a look at how a company’s size and growth plans impact the recruitment process.
When it comes to finding the right talent, it’s important to make sure that the recruitment process can keep up with the company’s needs, especially as the company grows. Here’s what to consider:
Company Size: If the company is small, it might be able to handle the recruitment process in-house. But as the company grows, it might be necessary to bring in extra recruiters or even partner with recruitment agencies to handle the demand.
Growth Plans: If the company has big plans for growth, it’s important to make sure that the recruitment process can accommodate the increased demand for talent. This might mean making changes to the process, such as adding more stages or using more advanced technologies to screen candidates.
So, whether you’re a small startup, midsize business or a large corporation, it’s important to consider your company’s size and growth plans when assessing your recruitment process. By doing so, you can make sure that you’re attracting and hiring the best candidates for the job, now and in the future.
Look for integration capabilities
When it comes to selecting the right ATS for your business, it’s super important to check out its integration capabilities with the rest of your HR tech. Why? Simply put, it’s all about maximizing efficiency, my friend. By seamlessly integrating your ATS with other HR tools like your HRIS, payroll system, and onboarding software, you can save time and streamline HR processes. No more manual data entry in multiple systems – that’s time you and your HR team can spend on more important things.
And let’s not forget about accuracy. When all your HR systems are in sync, you reduce the risk of errors and discrepancies in candidate data. For example, if you update an employee’s information in your HRIS, it’ll be automatically reflected in your ATS. No need to manually update the same information multiple times.
So, when you’re on the hunt for the perfect ATS, don’t overlook the importance of integration. It’s a key factor that can help you get the most out of your HR tech and make your HR processes as smooth as butter.
Evaluate the user interface and user experience
Evaluating the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) is critical when choosing an ATS, and let me tell you why. The UI is essentially the look and feel of the software, while the UX is all about how easy and intuitive it is to use.
Think about it. You and your HR team are going to be spending a lot of time using this software, so it’s important that it’s not only functional but also enjoyable to use. A clunky, outdated UI or a confusing, frustrating UX can lead to decreased productivity and even user error.
On the other hand, a clean, modern UI and a user-friendly UX can make your HR processes more efficient and enjoyable for everyone involved. It’s like driving a sports car versus a clunker – both will get you to your destination, but one is a lot more enjoyable and efficient.
So, when you’re evaluating ATS options, don’t just focus on the features and capabilities. Make sure to take the time to test the UI and UX, and choose a software that not only does what you need it to do but also feels great to use. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself in the long run.
Check for customer support and training resources
Checking for customer support and training resources is a smart move when choosing an ATS, and let me tell you why. No matter how user-friendly or feature-packed a software is, you’re bound to have questions or run into issues at some point. And when that happens, you want to make sure you have access to top-notch support and resources to help you get back on track.
Your HR processes are critical to the success of your business, and any hiccups or delays can have a major impact. That’s why it’s important to choose an ATS that offers robust customer support, so you can get the help you need, when you need it.
And when it comes to training, the more resources and support you have, the better. Whether you’re a HR tech pro or a newcomer, having access to detailed training materials, videos, and guides can help you and your team get the most out of the software and make HR processes as efficient as possible.
So, don’t overlook the importance of customer support and training resources when choosing an ATS. Make sure to do your research and choose a software that offers the support and resources you need to make HR a breeze.
Applicant Tracking System Software – FAQ
Here are some of the most common questions around applicant tracking systems:
What is an applicant tracking system (ATS)?
An applicant tracking system is a software platform that helps companies manage the recruitment process, from job posting to hiring. It streamlines the hiring process by automating tasks such as resume screening, interview scheduling, and candidate communication.
What are the benefits of using an ATS?
An ATS can help companies save time and increase efficiency in their hiring process. It can also provide a more organized and systematic approach to managing job applications, and it can help to eliminate biases in the recruitment process.
What should I look for in an ATS?
When choosing an ATS, consider factors such as ease of use, customization options, integration with other HR systems, and reporting capabilities. You should also consider the vendor’s customer support and the cost of the system.
How does an ATS screen resumes?
An ATS uses algorithms and keywords to screen resumes. It looks for relevant experience and skills, as well as specific keywords related to the job posting. This helps to streamline the resume review process and ensures that only the most qualified candidate profiles are considered.
How do I optimize my resume for an ATS?
To optimize your resume for an ATS, make sure to use keywords from the job description in your resume. Keep your resume simple and well-organized, using clear headings and bullet points to highlight your relevant experience and skills.
What happens if my resume doesn’t make it past the ATS screening?
If your resume doesn’t make it past the ATS screening, it means that the system didn’t find enough relevant experience or keywords in your resume to consider you for the position. In this case, you may want to consider tweaking your resume to include more relevant information, or you could try applying for a different position that aligns better with your experience and skills.
Can you use free applicant tracking systems?
Yes, there are free applicant tracking systems available. Some free applicant tracking systems may offer limited features and functionality compared to paid systems, but they can still be a useful option for small businesses or startups with limited budgets. However, it’s important to keep in mind that free systems may come with limitations such as limited storage, limited user accounts, or limited support options.
Conclusion
In wrapping up, choosing the best applicant tracking system for your business is a big deal and you don’t want to mess it up. From features and capabilities, to seamless integration, to customer support and training resources, there’s a lot to think about when it comes to talent management.
But let me tell you, having the right ATS can seriously change the game for your HR processes. So, don’t rush into it. Do your research, ask around, test things out. And most importantly, choose a software that not only meets your HR needs but also makes your HR processes a breeze.
In the end, it’s all about finding the perfect fit for your business, so take your time, choose wisely, and get ready to take your HR game to the next level.
