What is a recruiting ATS: 5 features
If you don't know what an ATS in recruitment is, your company is not yet digitized and you are missing out on valuable opportunities to optimize resources and attract candidates.
In an increasingly connected world, trying to escape digitalization is not a good alternative. And no, neither is it for HR nor, for that matter, for recruitment and selection.
So, the time has come to take the leap and we are here to accompany you in this process. What is an ATS and what benefits can it bring to your company?
Let's find out!
Definition of ATS in recruitment
An ATS or Applicant Tracking System is a software that optimizes recruitment processes. In other words, it is a tool that facilitates the recruitment of human capital by automating tasks and centralizing information.
🇪🇸 In Spanish, ATS is known as Sistema de seguimiento de candidatos.
💡 Let's remember: recruitment can be internal or external.
What is the principle of an ATS?
The principle of ATS tools is simple: they are based on finding the perfect candidate by filtering information.
This is how it works:
- Keywords are defined for each job offer, focusing on skills and competencies.
- These keywords are searched for in the resumes received.
In this way, the human resources professional can locate the CVs that match the vacancy without having to read all the applications received (many of which may be inappropriate). A considerable time saver!
Which companies need an ATS?
Tools that allow you to be more competitive and manage your business more efficiently and effectively, such as an ATS, should be a priority for all companies. However, it is true that some entities have a greater need for Applicant Tracking Systems than others. This is the case of companies:
- Large,
- in constant search of talent,
- that receive a large number of responses in their offers.
The more recruitment processes you have open, the more complicated it will be to manage the applications. Having a tracking system helps you do it in an organized way. Don't let anything slip through the cracks!
5 Functionalities of an ATS
More and more companies are relying on this type of tool due to its variety of functionalities adapted to the needs of each company. Although we have already highlighted some of them indirectly, let's take a closer look at the most important ones!
1. Information filtering
With this functionality, the match is assured! 💘
Resume screening is one of the most interesting functionalities of ATS software. As we have seen, this feature allows you to quickly find the ideal candidate among all the profiles received.
In this way, the HR department can focus on other more interesting tasks such as, for example, its employer branding strategy, beneficial both for employees and for attracting future talent.
☝️ With the ATS system, forget about duplicate CVs.
2. Personalization of responses
Applicant tracking programs are also focused on improving communication between employer and candidate. This is thanks, in large part, to the automation of messages for:
- Schedule interviews,
- inform about the status of the application.
In short, another opportunity to reaffirm your employer brand and improve the candidate experience.
3. CV storage
While collecting and filtering information, an ATS creates a database of candidates that can be very useful for future vacancies. Sorted according to different competencies, training and skills, it allows to shorten new recruitment processes by being able to go directly to profiles that:
- Fit the vacancy,
- are interested in working for the company.
More resource savings!
4. Analysis generation
What else? Well, an ATS also provides analysis and data specific to the recruitment process such as:
- The number of applications received in each recruitment source,
- the number of candidates for each stage of the process.
This data allows you to detect the most notorious channels and focus your efforts on them.
5. Calculation of indicators
Finally, and in relation to the reports provided, ATS is able to evaluate indicators such as return on investment (ROI). This type of indicators allows you to know the profitability of recruitment processes. It takes into account factors such as:
- The time invested in the process,
- the total cost of recruitment,
- the cost per candidate recruited.
ATS: advantages and disadvantages
An applicant tracking software brings multiple advantages and some handicaps that you must take into account when hiring your ideal program.
Advantages of an ATS software
ATS allows you to:
- Automate tasks.
- Manage your selection processes in a more agile way.
- Optimize time.
- Reduce costs.
- Avoid common mistakes.
- Respect data protection (RGPD).
- Improve communication.
- Work on your employer brand.
Disadvantages of ATS software
Like everything in life, not everything is 100% black and 100% white. When implementing an ATS program in your company, you must also take into account the candidate's position.
In that sense, these types of tools can make the application process for a vacancy longer, slower or more cumbersome. Candidates will therefore be forced to create their ATS CV, i.e. to optimize it according to different keywords.
This may cause them to become dissatisfied and abandon the process, as they may feel that they are not compensated for the effort and that there are many factors working against them.
Choose a software that benefits both parties:
- Company,
- candidates.
[Bonus] 3 useful HR tools.
Finally, it should be noted that the world of tools designed for the digitization and optimization of the HR Department does not begin and end with ATS software.
Thus, there are many other programs that can be useful to you depending on your wishes and needs. For example:
- HRIS software, designed to centralize all the information and management of the People Area: recruitment, payroll, communications, etc.
- LMS (Learning Management System) software, designed to manage online training programs for employees.
- HDM software, designed for good management of human talent competencies.
Article translated from Spanish