What is applicant tracking software?
Applicant tracking system (ATS) software is a centralized tool where human resources teams can manage candidate sourcing, evaluation, and hiring. Companies can track each part of the application and hiring process in the tool—from start to finish. Common features include job board posting, career site builders, interview tools, and analytics.
Why do you need applicant tracking software?
A company’s recruiting efforts should be as efficient and effective as possible. As a company grows, applicant tracking software is necessary to automate and optimize routine aspects of hiring.
A 2018 Jobscan survey found that 98 percent of Fortune 500 companies employ some form of applicant tracking system. These systems help employers dig through mountains of resumes to quickly find candidates with the right qualifications, so hiring managers can spend their time qualifying candidates for soft skills not found on a resume like creativity and motivation.
The software also helps companies respond quickly to applicants, which increases overall candidate satisfaction. Applicant tracking tools streamline the application, interview, and follow-up process and give your company the advantage of improved candidate experience.
Top Tracking System Comparisons
Product Pricing Tier Job Board Onboarding
Smart Recruiters Average Yes No
Zoho Recruit n/a Yes No
Jobvite Average No Yes
RecruiterBox Average Yes No
Greenhouse n/a Yes Yes
iCIMS High-end Yes Yes
Bullhorn High-end No Yes
JazzHR Average Yes Yes
Workable Average Yes Yes
Paylocity Average Yes Yes
CEIPAL Average Yes Yes
Major features of applicant tracking systems
An ATS is the company’s digital hub for hiring. It centralizes an organization’s recruitment database by housing all information on candidates, job openings, and placements. Most applicant tracking systems include a career landing page builder where companies can design customizable online job applications to host on their website.
Once a candidate completes a job application on the career site, the ATS automatically parses and screens resumes according to previously determined keywords. Then the ATS database saves qualified applicants for future reference.
Many ATS systems integrate with calendars to automatically schedule interviews for qualified candidates. Offer letters and other document templates can be created to save time, and some systems may also provide background checks or verify paperwork during the onboarding process.
The following are key components that a modern applicant tracking system will offer:
- Career Site
- Advanced Search
- Applicant Tracking
- Interview Tools
- Analytics
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