How does an applicant tracking system work?

When someone applies for a job, the ATS stores their information in a database that can be easily searched. The system looks for essential keywords and skills in resumes to help find qualified candidates. It can send automatic emails to applicants, help set up interviews, and indicate which stage each candidate is at in the hiring process. Companies can connect their ATS with a human resources information system (HRIS) to keep everything organized.

What are the main benefits of using an ATS?

Using an ATS saves time by reducing manual paperwork in hiring. Recruiters can spend less time sorting through applications and more time talking to promising candidates. It also allows companies to write better job descriptions to attract talent. Having all hiring information in one spot makes it easier to create reports and follow hiring regulations.

What features should businesses look for in an ATS?

A reliable ATS should automatically extract key details from resumes and support customizable hiring workflows. It must integrate smoothly with job boards, career sites, and email systems. Mobile access is essential for flexibility, while collaboration tools help hiring teams share feedback efficiently. Lastly, built-in analytics are significant for tracking and improving recruitment performance.

CRM vs. ATS: What's the key difference?

A customer relationship management (CRM) system is designed to manage customer relationships and sales pipelines, helping teams nurture leads and track interactions. In contrast, an ATS is specifically built to manage job applicants, streamlining the recruitment process from application to hire.