2 Tips to Buy the RIGHT Applicant Tracking System for Recruitment

Applicant tracking system (ATS) has gained attention in the recruitment industry thanks to its ability to help manage hiring processes more efficiently and effectively. The ATS is a tool that gathers and organises the candidate’s information and provides recruiters with an initial screening of all incoming applications. As a result, ATS can optimise recruiter’s time by focusing only on the profiles that best match the job requirements. 

Is your company planning to get one soon? Here is what to keep in mind before purchasing an ATS for streamlining your hiring process. 

Make sure you know the right strategy to optimise the use of ATS

Although you have used an ATS, some top talents could fall into the crack and end up excluded from the shortlist. It does not mean the ATS system is error, you only need to revisit your strategy in using this machine to make the best of it. Here is how: 

• Keep the application process short and simple by only asking for vital information. Having an application process that takes less than 15 minutes to complete is ideal.

• Ensure your ATS is mobile-optimized for wholesome candidate experience. It’s not enough to have a mobile-friendly career site; the online application must be mobile-friendly, too. That way, candidates can apply easily from any device.

• Audit your application process to make sure you don’t run into any common technical glitches or issues. Providing an option to import career experience information through integrations, like from a LinkedIn profile, rather than uploading a resume is a great alternative.

• Don’t make candidates create an account in order to apply from the very beginning. Instead, give them the option to create an account or join your talent pool AFTER they complete the online application.

See also: 10+ Recommended Studies for Recruiters to Read

Know the criteria of a good ATS machine 

After you know and better your recruitment strategy, it is time to choose the right ATS that suits your needs. Below are some criteria you should keep in mind during the selection process. 

• Expertise - It is better to know if the vendor you want to collaborate with truly knows your industry. 

• Performance - If they are publicly listed, check or ask for vendor’s financial and performance reports over the last 12 to 24 months. The reports will show you what’s really happening about the customer growth percentage, retention, pricing structure. It could affect your decision making. 

• Value - Great technology requires great investment which will drive even greater results. If the price of the vendors is uniquely priced, ask why it is priced that way. 

• Impact - Ask vendors how they measure ROI and how often they can demonstrate it to you. Great user experience means the vendor does manage and care about its clients. 

• References - Ask vendors for a reference of someone that recently left to gain more information. Also ask for a reference from a legacy customer, a customer that is currently going through implementation. This will help you have a totally different perspective between the vendor's explanation and real customer’s explanation. 

Lastly, buying technology that drives big business outcomes requires you to do your homework. Take your time to examine and research the entire market. Good luck! 

Next read: How LinkedIn Search Insight Helps Recruiter Hire Top Talents