Applicant Tracking System (ATS), the recruitment software that helps you find the best candidates

Recruiting candidates can be a real challenge for a company and its human resources department. Between tracking applications, managing profiles and ensuring that the whole recruitment process runs smoothly, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information and data.

What if there was THE magic solution to help you in your quest for new talent? That's the promise of ATS systems, or ATS software, a veritable magic wand for recruiters, far better than our fairy godmother. 🧚

But what are the functionalities of an ATS? What are the benefits? How can software improve the recruitment process? Don't panic, here's the perfect guide to mastering an ATS in no time.

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Let's review the definition of an ATS

What is an ATS?

An ATS, or Applicant Tracking System, is software designed to manage and track job applications. Intended for companies, and more specifically for human resources, this tool is a Swiss Army knife that every good recruiter needs to ensure a fast, fluid and transparent recruitment process.

ATS solutions have become a key element in the world of modern recruitment. They guarantee better application management and an enhanced candidate experience.

How does ATS work?

Although an ATS is self-sufficient for managing applications, it can also be directly integrated with more general HR tools, such as HRIS software.

The ATS includes a number of functions that are perfect for simplifying and improving the management of the recruitment process from start to finish : collection of data and applications, in-depth and automaticsourcing of candidates,

• resume analysis ,
• automatic sorting and management of applications,
• automated communication with candidates,
• structured tracking of the various stages,
• reports and analyses of the recruitment process.

🍒 And the icing on the cake is that each stage of the process can be customized according to your own criteria!

What are the advantages of an ATS System?

Considerable time savings

If an ATS offers many advantages in terms of recruitment, time-saving is one of its major strengths. ⏲️ The software enables you to considerably reduce the time needed to complete each stage of the recruitment process.

But how can ATS software save us time? In no particular order, here are some of the solutions you can expect from this tool:

• automatic sorting and management of applications according to your criteria, for better pre-selection,
• automated communication with candidates,
• centralization of all information required for recruitment.

Ultimately, an ATS offers you more comfortable working conditions and promises more time to devote to higher value-added tasks.

Simplified, high-quality sourcing

The main method of recruitment is to post an advertisement and then select suitable candidates. Whether on social networks or job search sites, you can always expect a flood of applications.

Of course, an ATS is perfectly suited to this stage and automatically sorts through the applications for you. You can forget about reading long CVs and cover letters.

Nevertheless, you also have the option of prospecting potential candidates. This may seem like a laborious and time-consuming step, but it's not thanks to an ATS.

ATSs aggregate candidate profiles directly from a variety of sources, including job boards, social networks and internal databases. 🎯The selection of the best profile for the job is fully automated and the choice is easier.

The only effort you'll need to make is to define your selection criteria. What more can we expect?

More rigorous and precise monitoring of applications

Faced with dozens or even hundreds of applications, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information. From the recruiter's point of view, the process of selecting a candidate can be a lengthy one, involving many people. Multiplied by the number of applications, it's easy to lose track.

There are many independent tools available to coordinate information between team members and candidates, but an ATS remains unbeaten in the field.

So how can an ATS help you keep track of applications?

• Information is centralized: candidate data can be accessed directly in the software, providing a more holistic view of each application. This makes it easier for members of the recruitment team to collaborate with each other.
• Tasks are automated: the software oversees the various stages of the recruitment process for you. Even if these tasks are entirely accessible manually, a clearly structured assessment reduces the risk of errors or missing a step, and follow-up is systematic. A step-by-step view: even when tracking several candidates simultaneously, you can't get lost in the progress of each one. Each candidate progresses in an orderly, precise manner, independently of the others.
• Activity history: the software ensures complete traceability of the entire recruitment process, for both candidates and recruiters. Each user can consult the history, data, notes or other information at any time.

Tracking is more consistent and transparent for users. The result is a more efficient recruitment process!

A more attractive process for candidates

For a company, it can sometimes seem difficult to guarantee a rapid recruitment process. On the candidate's side, they can expect to wait several weeks, sometimes even months!

Some online review platforms allow candidates to share their impressions of a company, particularly concerning the recruitment process. This can have an impact on reputation.

ATS is just as interesting for recruiters as it is for candidates! The time saved is felt by both sides. If the process is more rigorous and communication more fruitful from the company's point of view, this impression is undoubtedly reciprocated. ⭐

A good point for you and a good point for your candidates!

Prospects for improvement

An ATS is a way for you to optimize your working and recruitment methods. With a faster, more rigorous and more efficient system, you not only have something to stand out from the crowd, you also have a tool for long-term improvement.

By integrating an ATS, you optimize candidate flow management, automate repetitive tasks, and put in place performance indicators to continually evaluate and improve your recruitment processes.

On the other hand, an ATS doesn't stop at internal prospects for improvement. A software application can be adapted more easily to changing recruitment trends, while remaining consistent with your constantly evolving needs.

ATS is the perfect tool for keeping up to date with the job market, both as a recruiter and as a company.

How to choose the right ATS software: 6 criteria to consider

Select an ATS that matches your recruitment needs

With so many ATSs on the market, it quickly becomes difficult to select the right software.

Above all, you need to focus on a tool that can be customized to suit your recruitment needs.

Good ATS software is software that fits your business!

✅ Our advice: take a look at the main features on offer. Pay particular attention to the following:

• Workflow customization to align with your recruitment process,
• integration with your favorite candidate sources,
• automatic sorting of applications according to predefined criteria.

Integrate software with your existing systems

Even if an ATS can stand on its own thanks to a mosaic of interesting functionalities, you can integrate it with many other software packages.

Select an ATS adapted to the systems you already own to create a complete, seamless recruitment ecosystem!

✅ Our tip: remember to check which of your software programs are compatible. Here are a few examples of tools that are suitable for integrating an ATS:

• a Human Resources Management System (HRMS),
• payroll management software,
• communication and e-mail systems,
• a skills assessment tool,
• a performance monitoring system,
• a project management application.

Opt for software that's constantly evolving

With the job market constantly evolving, a good ATS is above all software that keeps pace. As recruitment trends evolve, it's important to anticipate changes in order to better adapt.

✅ Our advice: look for flexible software that responds to different trends. Here are a few indicators:

• an active technology watch,
• regular updates,
• integrated artificial intelligence,
• an intuitive application for users,
• integration with new recruitment platforms and professional social networks,
• an accessible development history.

Think about the ideal budget for your company

You've selected cutting-edge software that matches your existing systems and recruitment needs. .. You're almost there! But don't be too hasty: there are still some essential criteria to consider, including budget.

A good ATS software is also a tool that fits your budget!

✅ Our advice: make a compromise so you can benefit from the fundamental features you're looking for, without having to exceed your budget.

Focus on data security

An ATS is a nest of personal and sensitive information. That's why it's so important to address the issue of personal data protection. Guaranteeing data integrity is crucial. A secure ATS ensures that data cannot be altered, corrupted or accessed by unauthorized individuals.

Even if the software selected complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, it's not out of the question. Software that attaches importance to data protection is also more viable in the long term.

What's more, good secure software reduces the risk of data leaks and protects users from various attacks and hacks. As well as maintaining trust internally, this strengthens the employer brand and candidates' confidence in the company.

✅ Our advice: prioritize data security by ensuring that the system guarantees rigorous and compliant protection.

Take an interest in the software's reviews and reputation

After a tough selection process, your software fits your needs and budget, you can integrate it with your other tools and you feel confident about data management: that's it, you've found your software... or almost.

Maybe it's too good to be true? Don't panic, examine the software's reputation and pay close attention to the feedback:

• general and more specific ratings,
• comments left by users,
• recommendations.

✅ Our advice: turn your attention to sites that specialize in centralizing product sheets and recommending software. They'll give you an overview and access to the various feedbacks. That's our specialty at Appvizer! 😉

You'll have all the information you need to choose an ATS perfectly suited to your needs and those of the market.

A few examples of ATS software for your business

There are many software packages on the market to which you can turn your attention, each offering a mosaic of possibilities and advantages when it comes to candidate selection.

Yet, after our 6 selection criteria, you're still not sure which software to choose?

👉 Don't worry, you can refer to our comparison to guide you in your choice of the best software to help you recruit!

Among all these options, softgarden software is made for every self-respecting recruiter. It's one of the most comprehensive and optimized solutions on the market, and for good reason, with :

• advanced features for tailor-made recruitment, such as the ability to publish job offers in record time,
• pricing to meet the needs of all companies, whatever their size or sector of activity,
• software adapted to all structures and all types of company,
• numerous customizable options, such as your career page.

Good ATS software is also all-in-one software, the famous Swiss Army knife of recruiters.

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An Applicant Tracking System: in brief

An ATS is a tool that is much more than a simple ally. It's a recruiter's magic wand, simplifying every step of a sometimes long and tedious recruitment process.

Like Watson to Sherlock Holmes, an ATS is the ideal human resources partner. With software tailored to your needs, you not only ensure the efficiency of the recruitment process, but also a solid foundation for the future.

Your company embraces a modern approach to recruitment, staying at the forefront of trends while guaranteeing an exceptional experience for candidates and your teams alike.

So, are you ready to opt for an ATS System in your company?