The competitive job market has made it challenging for recruiters to get the right candidates for job posts. Gone are the days when recruiters used to post and expect the right candidate to jump into their DMs. Now finding the right candidates have become overwhelming due to manual screening tasks and endless coordination. This is where an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) comes in, making a difference for recruiters.  

An ATS is a smart system that automates the overall hiring process for HR personnel. It assists HRD with collecting applicants’ resumes, filtering the most suitable ones according to keywords considering skills, experience, etc. The tool helps HR department with employee lifecycle management, giving them the bandwidth to prioritize strategic tasks.

Additionally, HR personnels also reject candidates, schedule interviews and generate offer letters accordingly. This task reduces manual HR activities, making the overall procedure structured and streamlined.  

The blog consists of detailed description of how an ATS works and smart solutions, like Kasturi HR that help businesses stay ahead of the HR curve.  

What Is an Applicant Tracking System? 

Applicant Tracking System vs Job Portal Platforms
People often get confused in ATS and a Job Portal platform

An Applicant Tracking System is a software that streamlines HR activities of candidates’ hiring and onboarding. A smart ATS assists HR personnel with creating job descriptions, positing jobs on multiple job portals, and effectively screening, resume evaluations, and shortlisting.  

HRD needs not to create multiple spreadsheets to manage candidates’ data. The smart time management software with ATS integration provides an easy navigation and dashboard. This makes an ATS feature/platform a must-have tool for organizations of all sizes. 

Why Do Companies Use ATS? 

Getting more than 1000 applications for 10 job openings can’t be managed manually. A smart Applicant Tracking System needs to get integrated. Following are the major reasons– 

Faster Hiring Cycles 

ATS gives a clear dashboard where HR managers can update job descriptions of specific profiles. Afterwards, they can completely manage the overall candidate hiring cycle till the final selection and onboarding process. 

Improved Candidate Filtering 

A smart employee appraisal management software with ATS integration improves candidates’ elimination and rejection process with filter options.  

Organized Data 

Using mentioned keywords about jobs, following data gets organized in the smart HR-Applicant Tracking System– 

  • Candidates with adequate skills, but inadequate experience.  
  • Candidates with inadequate skills, but adequate experience.  
  • Candidates with inadequate skills, and inadequate experience.  
  • Candidates with adequate skills, and adequate experience.  

Better Collaboration 

It enhances collaboration between HR personnel and department managers for making decisions on candidates’ candidature. The smart online ATS saves time and cost for the company.  

Note– Know more about How ATS Helps and understand Recruiter’s POV and Candidate’s POV over ATS. 

How Does an ATS Work? Step-by-Step Process 

The standard workflow of an Applicant Tracking System– 

a. Job Posting 

  • HR managers create job description.  
  • Mention relevant keywords. 
  • Set benchmark for skills & experience required 
  • Mention deadlines, tasks in JD.  
  • Post on job portals. 

b. Resume Collection, Screening, Filtering, and Shortlisting 

  • Get candidates’ details from internal and external sources.  
  • Store collected resume in the database.  
  • Get data according to requirements.  
  • Filter candidates that fit the best.  
  • Eliminate and reject candidates with inadequate details. 
  • Shortlist relevant candidates.  

c. Interview Scheduling 

  • Using an advanced time management software, schedule interviews. 
  • Connect with managers and department head for collaboration. 

d. Onboard Candidates 

  • Generate offer letter.  
  • Make effective onboarding using Kasturi HR– the smart HR management software. 

Note– The smart HRMS with ATS integration make payroll process easier for new joiners, enabling them to download salary slip online in just a few clicks. 

Factors that indicate your organization needs smart Applicant Tracking System (ATS) 

Here are the major conditions that indicate the need to integrate a smart ATS – 

  1. When your organization is growing constantly.  
  1. If you get multiple applications for a few job openings.  
  1. When candidates start showcasing interest aggressively through emails and social media accounts.  
  1. When HRD creates multiple spreadsheets to manage employee data. 
  1. The integrated time management software requires instant ATS integration. 
  1. Major time is spent on reviewing applicants’ applications. 

What’s Next in Applicant Tracking System Technology? 

AI has shaped multiple operations for corporates, and recruitment process is one of those. 

Mobile-Friendliness 

The ATS application makes it easier for recruiters to post jobs and manage the overall collected data.  

Better Experience for Recruiters  

The employee appraisal management software app with ATS integration streamlines the hiring process, saving time for HR personnel. 

Social Media Accounts Integration 

The advanced ATS application comes with social platforms, like LinkedIn, helping recruiters connect with candidates.  

Now that you know the importance of an ATS software, read the guide to negotiate salaries effectively for your next interview round.

Final Thoughts 

Does your HR department fall short in managing job applications? Then, it is the right time to switch to smart employee appraisal management software that comes with Applicant Tracking System and seamless features. Invest in the right ATS tool to streamline your hiring process. Kasturi HR is an advanced HR management tool that smoothens the onboarding process with its smart employee self-service features. Connect with our experts to streamline your overall HR operations and activities.