As the world of talent acquisition moves at a rapid pace, making the right hiring decisions is crucial for an organization to have a successful future. Here’s where applicant tracking systems (ATS) play a very important role. These powerful tools have revolutionized the way businesses manage their recruitment processes. But not all ATS systems are created equal. In this article, we will explore what sets the leading applicant tracking systems apart and why integrating them with employee assessment tools is essential for hiring the best talent.

What is the Role of Applicant Tracking Systems in the Recruitment Process?

Talent acquisition has evolved significantly in recent years. The rise of online job postings, social media, and a globalized workforce has led to a surge in the number of job applications. This surge has made it increasingly challenging for HR professionals to efficiently manage and track applicants.

Applicant Tracking Systems are software applications designed to address this challenge. They automate, streamline, and centralize the recruitment process, helping organizations manage job openings, source candidates, and oversee the hiring journey. But what makes an ATS the best choice for your organization?

The 5 Best Tips for Choosing an ATS

1. Assess your Business’s Scale

In general, the primary function of an applicant tracking system is to streamline your entire recruitment process, from collecting job requisitions to broadcasting a role to multiple job boards, bringing all candidates into one recruitment funnel, and managing the entire recruitment process from source to hire. However, when choosing ATS features, ensure that they are able to address the challenges your teams are facing today as well as those that can be predicted in the future. You may find it very costly to invest in an enterprise-grade, very expensive ATS. 

1. Reputation & Reviews

Find customer reviews from businesses at the same stage of growth as yours. Check the product’s reputation among users and the features that customers enjoy or dislike. Obtain customer testimonials and success stories from real businesses. It is possible to shortlist your top 5 ATS players based on customer reviews, since there are thousands in the market. 

1. Provide an easy-to-use Interface

The purpose of an applicant tracking system is to make the recruitment team’s life easier. Choosing an ATS that requires a steep learning curve adds to the already heavy workload of your HR department. Look for an intuitive and easy-to-use tool. Taking ‘usability’ into consideration, consider how easy the ATS would be to use for non-recruitment team members such as hiring managers.

1. Integrate with your Tech Stack

Managing employee payroll records, interview schedules, or employment documents may already be managed by a tool. It is essential that the ATS you choose is capable of working with these tools without requiring you to upgrade to another tool entirely. 

1. Budget-friendly Pricing

You need to consider the cost of the ATS, especially if you’re a small business. The price of an ATS is generally determined by the number of users who will be accessing the tool. There may be other costs associated with the new ATS, such as a platform fee or a migration fee from your existing system. The total cost of ownership can be increased by implementation or set-up fees, integration fees, and training fees.

What makes an Applicant Tracking System the Best?

An ATS is only as good as its features. The best ATS systems offer a comprehensive set of functionalities that cover every aspect of the hiring process. Let’s dive into the key features that set the best Applicant Tracking Systems apart:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are integral to modern recruitment. The best ATS systems leverage AI for tasks such as candidate matching and screening. Automation includes features like chatbots for instant candidate interaction, increasing efficiency and helping HR professionals make more informed decisions.
• The best ATS systems offer resume parsing and matching functionalities. These automated processes extract information from resumes and match it against job requirements, enabling efficient candidate screening and shortlisting.
• The best ATS systems facilitate collaboration by allowing multiple team members to evaluate candidates, communicate within the system, and share feedback. This collaborative approach streamlines decision-making and ensures a well-informed hiring process.
• The best ATS vendors offer ongoing support and training to help users make the most of the system’s capabilities. Regular updates and educational resources ensure that the system remains effective and relevant to the evolving needs of HR professionals.
• A positive candidate experience is vital. The best ATS systems streamline the hiring process, making it easy for candidates to navigate the application process, receive clear communication, and get quick responses to their inquiries.
• As organizations grow or experience fluctuations in hiring needs, the best ATS systems are scalable to accommodate changing demands. They should adapt seamlessly to increased job applicants, more job postings, and additional team members.

The Premier Hiring Partner: Discovered ATS

Discovered ATS is your ultimate partner in the realm of recruitment and talent acquisition. As a premier Applicant Tracking System (ATS), it offers a comprehensive set of features and functionalities that streamline your hiring process. With a user-friendly interface, customizable workflows, and advanced resume parsing, it simplifies job posting and candidate sourcing. Collaboration is made easy through the system, ensuring that your hiring team stays aligned.

At Discovered ATS, prioritizing compliance and data security is not just a commitment; it’s our core value, ensuring your peace of mind throughout the hiring process. Our system is not only user-friendly but also accessible on mobile devices, offering flexibility for HR professionals who are always on the go. With scalability built into its DNA, Discovered ATS effortlessly grows with your organization’s needs, while our AI-powered automation guarantees heightened efficiency. Plus, our continuous support and training come complete with a handy hiring process checklist template, making Discovered ATS your trusted partner in the quest to hire the finest talent for your team.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the best Applicant Tracking System is crucial for modern talent acquisition. These systems streamline the recruitment process, provide customization, and offer valuable data for informed decision-making. However, to hire the best talent, it’s imperative to integrate employee assessment tools into the process. This combination allows organizations to make more informed hiring decisions, resulting in a more successful and aligned workforce. In the competitive world of talent acquisition, making the right choice is key to staying ahead.