Are you struggling to find the best applicant tracking system for your business? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which one will meet your needs. However, by asking the right questions, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect fit for your company. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about applicant tracking systems, including the essential questions to ask to find the right solution for your business.
Introduction
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is a software tool that helps companies manage the entire hiring process, from job postings to resume screening and interview scheduling. ATS software streamlines recruitment by organizing and tracking applicants’ information, providing metrics to evaluate the success of recruiting efforts and even automating certain tasks like sending emails and scheduling interviews.
To find the right applicant tracking system for your business, you should consider a few things. First, what features do you need? Secondly, what is your budget? What size is your business, and how many applicants do you receive each year? By answering these questions and understanding what to look for, you can find the perfect solution for your business.
Questions to Ask About an Applicant Tracking System
- What are the key features of the applicant tracking system?
- How does the ATS handle resume screening?
- What integrations does the ATS have with other HR tools?
- How does the ATS handle compliance and diversity?
- What is the pricing model for the ATS?
- What type of customer support does the ATS offer?
Key Features of the Applicant Tracking System
When looking for an ATS, it’s crucial to determine which features you need to manage your recruitment process effectively. Some of the essential features to look for include:
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Job Posting
The ability to post job openings on various job boards and social media sites directly from the ATS.
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Resume Screening
The capability to automatically filter and rank resumes based on specific criteria and keywords.
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Interview Scheduling
The ability to schedule and manage interviews with candidates within the ATS.
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Collaboration
The ability to allow multiple team members to access and collaborate on the recruiting process.
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Reporting
The ability to track and analyze recruiting metrics like time-to-hire and cost-per-hire.
Handling Resume Screening
One of the most critical features of an ATS is the ability to handle resume screening. When evaluating ATS options, consider the following:
- How does the ATS scan and parse resumes to extract data and rank applicants?
- How does the ATS handle documents that don’t follow a standard format or include unusual formatting?
- Can you customize the screening criteria, and how does the ATS handle screening against specific keywords?
Integrations with Other HR Tools
Many businesses use multiple HR tools to manage various aspects of employee management. An ATS that integrates with other HR software can streamline the recruitment process even further. Some of the integrations to look for include:
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HRIS (Human Resources Information System)
Integrating with your HRIS can simplify onboarding and eliminate the need to enter candidate data into multiple systems.
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Payroll
Integrating with your payroll system can automate salary and benefits information for new hires.
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Background Check Services
Integrating with background check services can streamline the pre-employment screening process.
Compliance and Diversity
When evaluating ATS options, it’s essential to consider how the system handles compliance and diversity. The following questions can help guide your decision-making:
- Does the ATS have features to support OFCCP compliance requirements?
- Can the ATS help you ensure diverse hiring practices and prevent bias in the recruitment process?
- Does the ATS have built-in reporting capabilities to track compliance and diversity metrics?
Pricing Model
When evaluating ATS options, it’s essential to understand the pricing model and how it aligns with your budget. Some common pricing models for ATSs include:
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Monthly Subscription
A fixed monthly fee based on the number of users and job postings.
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Per-User
A fee charged for each user who accesses the ATS.
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Per-Job
A fee charged for each job posting on the ATS.
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Custom
A personalized pricing plan based on your business’s unique needs.
Be sure to understand the pricing structure and any additional costs, such as implementation or training fees.
Customer Support
Another critical factor to consider when evaluating ATS options is the level of customer support provided. Questions to ask include:
- What kind of customer support is available, and during what hours?
- Is there a dedicated support team or account manager?
- What kind of training or onboarding is available to ensure your team can use the ATS effectively?
FAQs
Q1. What is an applicant tracking system?
A1. An applicant tracking system (ATS) is a software tool that helps companies manage the entire hiring process, from job postings to resume screening and interview scheduling.
Q2. What are the essential features of an ATS?
A2. Some of the essential features to look for in an ATS include job posting, resume screening, interview scheduling, collaboration, and reporting.
Q3. How does an ATS handle resume screening?
A3. ATSs scan and parse resumes to extract data and rank applicants based on specific criteria and keywords.
Q4. How can an ATS help ensure diverse hiring practices?
A4. An ATS can help ensure diverse hiring practices by providing features to prevent bias in the recruitment process and built-in reporting capabilities to track compliance and diversity metrics.
Q5. What is the pricing model for an ATS?
A3. Common pricing models for ATSs include monthly subscriptions, per-user or per-job fees, and custom pricing plans based on business needs.
Q6. What kind of customer support is available for ATS users?
A6. Customer support for ATSs may include a dedicated support team or account manager, training or onboarding, and support available during specific hours.
Conclusion
Finding the right applicant tracking system for your business can be overwhelming, but by asking the right questions and understanding what features are essential, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect fit. Be sure to consider factors like resume screening, integrations with other HR tools, compliance and diversity features, pricing, and customer support when evaluating ATS options.
If you have further questions about applicant tracking systems, don’t hesitate to reach out to ATS providers or HR professionals in your industry. Good luck in your search!
