ATS - Applicant Tracking System

What is ATS (Application Tracking System)?

ATS, or Application Tracking System, is a software application that allows an organization to have a smooth recruiting process. ATS aids organizations in posting available openings, receiving information on candidates, and easing the application process by filtering applicants.

What are some benefits of ATS (Application Tracking System)?

ATS is an inseparable part of the recruitment process and has numerous benefits besides streamlining the recruiting. Here are some of the benefits of using ATS:

1. Unified Applicant Database: ATS provides a centralized applicant database for the companies; thus, it makes it easier for companies to manage resumes, files and other candidate documents.
2. Agile Application Completion: By using ATS, candidates can complete their applications faster than ever. This can decrease the time spent filling the available positions and increase the chance of finding the right applicant.
3. Budget-friendly: Implementing an ATS can prevent companies from contacting external sources like recruitment companies and minimize the external expenses associated with hiring.
4. Great Employer Branding: An ATS-ensured user-friendly portal and thorough application process can have an outstanding impact on an employer’s branding. Staying up to date and incorporating features like AI assistance can also boost organizations’ reputation.
5. Secured Application Process: ATS platforms prioritize data security by implying data protection systems. Therefore, using these platforms also decreases the risk of issues like data breaches. 

What are some of the ATS (Application Tracking System) challenges?

ATS platforms are great; they aid the recruitment process by making it agile, unified and safe. However, there are some challenges with using ATS, here are some: 

1. Automation Dependency: ATS platforms have features that automate various parts of recruitment. While automatization can streamline the hiring process, it can also detach the overall process from human emotions, resulting in a gap between the applicant and the employer.
2. Restricted Personalization/Flexibility: Recruitment processes might change according to the entailment of the position or the candidate. Therefore, in some exceptional cases, ATS platforms can be insufficient in these complex situations since they might need more personalization features. 
3. Algorithm Issues: Most of these platforms practice screening algorithms based on keywords, which bring results based on their appropriateness to the query. Unfortunately, this type of algorithm can overlook qualified candidates and match the query with the ones who need to be qualified.