An applicant tracking system, or ATS for short, will offer a company a specialized software application that helps you to organize and streamline your current hiring process.

How do Application Tracking Systems Work?

Application tracking systems work by tracking job applications through each stage of the hiring process. 

When Should You Consider Using ATS Software?

You will have to start thinking about implementing ATS software when you get to the point where your company is continuously hiring new people, or when people in charge of the hiring process are having trouble keeping track of all the different applications for the different roles currently being advertised. 

What Can Applicant Tracking Systems Offer Your Company?

When you are considering the main features an ATS system needs to offer you, it’s important that you take the time to write down any current issues you are experiencing with the hiring process.  Are you finding it difficult to attract the right candidates?  Do you need it to be easier for your team to provide feedback on potential new hires?  Being aware of what problems you are currently facing will help you to figure out what features an application tracking system has to offer.

Common ATS Features

1. Email Templates

This is a common ATS feature and is meant to help streamline the hiring process by offering email templates that can be sued to contact different candidates quickly and efficiently.

2. Career Portal

Nowadays, many applicant tracking systems will provide employers with the option to create a career portal.  This is a web page where potential applications can find out what positions are currently available within the company and apply for jobs.

3. Bulk Emails

This feature enables an employer to send a message to a group of applicants all at once.  This is useful when you need to communicate a mass message, such as when a specific group of candidates are being invited to interview for the advertised role.

4. Mobile Apps

Mobile apps make it exceptionally easy for hiring managers to access key information on candidates directly on their smartphone or tablet device.

New ATS Features

The applicant tracking systems are constantly evolving and improving in this competitive industry.  With many employers struggling to find candidates or sorting through the vast array of applications they receive, new advancements like artificial intelligence and chat bots can help to solve these concerns.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence has the ability to help improve applicant tracking systems by intelligently sorting through different applications, researching prospective candidates, sending interview invitations via email, and making these easy to sort depending on the type of candidate a company is looking for.

Chatbots

Chatbots typically use a form of AI and can be used to answer simple candidate questions, as well as schedule interviews and screen candidates.  They use messaging apps including Skype, Facebook Messenger, email, as well as SMS. 

You can find out more info on the top ATS solutions by looking at comparison articles and seeing which systems people favour.