What does ATS stand for?
The acronym ATS comes from “Applicant Tracking System.” It refers to tracking applications, including the resumes and CV’s submitted by candidates during recruitment processes.
What is an ATS system?
An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is software that supports the recruitment process by automating and streamlining the management of candidate applications. But what does that actually mean?
In practice, this means that instead of manually reviewing hundreds of resumes, recruiters can use an ATS to quickly sort, filter, and track applications. These systems often come equipped with features that allow for automatic organization of documents, monitoring recruitment stages, and communicating with candidates.
ATS has become an essential tool for companies conducting large-scale recruitment, helping save time and resources while increasing the accuracy and transparency of the hiring process.
How does an ATS system work?
The operation of an ATS can be broken down into several stages that significantly enhance the recruitment process:
1. Data collection: The ATS integrates with various application sources, such as job portals, gathering all applications in one place. This provides recruiters with full access to a candidate database, greatly simplifying management.
2. Filters: One of the key functions of an ATS is CV filtering. Based on specified criteria and tags such as work experience, skills, or education, recruiters can easily find profiles of interest.
3. Communication with candidates: The ATS enables easy communication with candidates through email templates and automated message sending at various recruitment stages. The system also tracks where each application is in the process, allowing real-time monitoring of recruitment progress.
4. Reporting and data analysis: ATS systems include reporting modules, allowing recruiters to analyze the results of recruitment campaigns and continually improve them.
The comprehensive reporting module in TRAFFIT, for example, allows for analysis of the time candidates spend at each stage, verification of the effectiveness of application sources, and assessment of the attractiveness of specific job offers.
What does an ATS system look like?
While each ATS has its unique and individual design, some elements—due to functionality—are likely to be similar.
Here are a few example views that every TRAFFIT recruitment system user is sure to recognize:
Benefits of using an ATS system
The main benefits of using an ATS are:
1.Time savings: Introducing automation to the recruitment process allows for faster processing of applications. Instead of manually reviewing hundreds of resumes, the ATS does the work for the recruiter in seconds. Additionally, ATS systems can integrate with other external tools, such as CRM systems and communication platforms—such integrations streamline information flow and reduce work time.
2. Better work organization: All candidate applications are stored in one place, making it easier for recruiters to analyze and manage them. This greatly reduces the risk of losing important documents and streamlines the entire recruitment process.
3. Effectiveness: The ATS helps quickly identify the best-suited candidates. With precise filters, recruiters can focus on the best applications. The reporting module also allows for analyzing recruitment results to invest in the sources and methods that work best for the company. These insights can help better understand which recruitment strategies are effective and which need improvement.
4. Improved candidate experience: ATS systems facilitate smooth communication with candidates—this makes providing feedback to rejected candidates much easier and less time-consuming. With ATS, recruiters can also build their own talent pools, which serve as excellent sources of candidates suited for future roles.
Is it worth investing in an ATS system?
Investing in an ATS can bring significant benefits to companies that regularly conduct recruitment or those that want to build their own candidate database for the future.
A recruitment system will be particularly valuable for companies that need to process large volumes of applications in a short time. This is often the case with recruitment agencies or in-house HR departments that handle large-scale hiring.
Another group that will benefit from investing in an ATS includes freelance recruiters and headhunters.
Conclusion
An ATS system is an invaluable tool in the modern recruitment process, making it easier to manage applications and helping companies find the best candidates in less time.
Through automation and organization, ATS increases the efficiency and effectiveness of recruitment, leading to better business outcomes.
Want to learn how an ATS system can support your company? Contact us and schedule a free consultation.
