What to consider when buying an Applicant Tracking System

This wide array of sources is helpful in reaching a larger talent pool. However, managing the data from all of these sources can be challenging. Do you feel that you are spending too much time screening unqualified resumes? It’s time for you to modernize your recruitment process by implementing an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to your business. 

What is an Applicant Tracking System?

An Applicant Tracking System, or ATS, is a supply chain software for recruiters and hiring managers. It is also a central hub for organizing job postings, processing resumes, tracking interviews, and communicating with your job candidates. 

Companies live and die because of the talent they hire and retain. By using the right technology, you get the right people on board, at the right time, and in the right place.

94% of companies who use an ATS confirmed that it has improved their hiring process (Capterra). 

So what should you consider when buying an Applicant Tracking System?

Find the right Applicant Tracking System for your business

There are various factors for you to consider when choosing an ATS. Here are some points to bear in mind when you are comparing, evaluating, and deciding on which ATS is the best for your organization.

1. Automation & Personalisation

One of the most important reasons to choose an Applicant Tracking System is to cut down on manual processing and to save time through automation. Thus, find an ATS that automates repetitive tasks, such as interview scheduling, candidate matching, and data collection. This way you can reduce lead times and improve experience at both ends: your recruiters and the candidates.

Better yet, get software where you can send personalized feedback messages and status updates to candidates.

With personalized communication, TalentAdore’s research shows that up to 70% of rejected candidates would recommend you to their social circles.

2. Talent pools

An oft-overlooked aspect of an applicant tracking system is how well it helps you to build a talent pool and engage the talents in it. Talent pool should never be a mere depository for open applications, but a way to nurture people that have shown interest in your company. 

Ideally, an ATS should enable you to create talent pools for all your organizational needs, whether it’s temporary workers or more full-time needs.  Communication tools such as job alerts and automated messages that promote your culture and provide true insights are sure-fire ways to promote your employer brand and keep the talents warm. You might not even need to publish any job ads the next time you’re hiring!

3. User-Friendly Interface

It is important that your new Applicant Tracking System has a simple interface for your recruitment team and all relevant stakeholders. Consider the candidate applying for your job, the hiring managers and your HR team evaluating the applications.

No one likes a clunky software which takes ages to learn to navigate: softwares should always streamline processes, after all. The easier it is to use, the better your end users will adapt to it, thus maximizing the benefits of its usage.

An intuitive software that automates tasks can also increase employee satisfaction. According to a study, up to 69 % of employees feel that automation increases their satisfaction and happiness.

Visual flare benefits your employer brand. It is important that application forms are both practical and visually appealing.

Make sure the ATS you are considering has a free trial or demo so you can give it a go before any commitments.

4. Integration capabilities

It is important that your new Applicant Tracking System can smoothly integrate with your other systems in your HR life cycle.

Once you’ve employed the right candidate, you might want to ensure that your new ATS integrates with your HRIS (human resources information system). This way you can import the new employee information directly to your employee database. This saves time, is more GDPR compliant and leads to fewer human errors.

The more integrations your ATS provider can offer, the more you can improve and fine-tune your recruitment processes going forward. TalentAdore Hire’s ever-growing pool of partners has integrations to the most popular HRIS softwares, job boards, and online assessment tools.

5. Advanced Analytics

Businesses want and need more data-driven HR decisions. An ATS that provides real-time dashboards and reports gives you real insights about your recruitment processes. This will help you identify potential bottlenecks and make even better hiring decisions. For example, you can benefit from seeing the average time spent on each step of the recruitment process and how your candidate experience evolves with time.

If you wish to learn more about data-driven recruitment, you can read our blog covering the subject in more detail.

6. Business needs and future outlook

Companies have very different needs based on their field, business model, and maturity level. Be sure to weigh which features matter to your business the most now and in the future. Although a simple and cheap solution with basic features might suffice now, you might notice you outgrowing it faster than you expected. 

Acquiring a new recruitment software should be looked as a long-term investment, as you calculate the return on your investment (ROI).

The implementation of a new software takes time and resources so be sure you make informed decisions that you won’t regret sooner or later.

So what are the benefits of investing in an Applicant Tracking System?

By investing in an Applicant Tracking System, you review candidates more efficiently and securely, saving you time and  headaches. 

A modern ATS helps you engage your candidates better, thus improving your employer brand. A good employer brand helps you attract top candidates and reflects positively on all aspects of your business.

Are you in need of an ATS? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for a free demo of TalentAdore’s recruitment software. TalentAdore Hire gives you a complete 360-degree view of the recruitment workflow. Manage your job postings, hiring decisions, dynamic talent communities, and pre-boarding new hires before their first day on the job – all in one single solution!

This blog post was originally published in 2021 and has been updated in 2023.