It is no longer a secret that companies get dozens of resumes and cover letters for every job they post.  It is also common knowledge that after a while, all those resumes form a stack so high that recruiters and hiring managers get lost in the paperwork.  What you may not know is that an applicant tracking system can make recruitment of qualified workers a lot easier and more effective.

applicant tracking software recruit fasterApplicant tracking systems allow recruiters and HR departments to build searchable databases that organize and manage information on every job applicant.  These systems are finding their way into more small and medium sized businesses because they save recruiters and HR teams precious time and resources.

Here are three ways they do it.

Better Organization

For many HR managers, stacks of resumes go into stacks of folders, which go into stacks of file cabinets and are never seen again.  Even resumes that are filed electronically are hard to organize because they’re saved as separate files, often on manager desktops and company servers, in different folders.

With an applicant tracking software, all job candidates apply online where their applications are entered into one database, which recruiters can access to evaluate and categorize, and then forward the most qualified to hiring managers. An ATS makes the information searchable and easier to find.  A single database lets you search for specific job titles, qualifications, and experience. Equally important, it lets  you build a talent pool in which past job applicants can be contacted who might be the right fit for another job opening.

Better Screening

You’re looking for a particular type of job applicant, one with a specific skill set or experience. Are you going to flip through hundreds of resumes to find it?  Not very likely.  Generally speaking, hiring managers might scan the first 50, select a few applicants that catch thier eye, and begin the email/voice mail chase.  Unfortunately the most qualfied candidate might be #51 or #116.  With an applicant tracking system that includes the option of creating screening filter questions, a recruiter or manager can quickly reach the diamonds in the rough, not having to hunt and peck.

For instance, if you want to fill a marketing position with an applicant with 5 years of experience, you could search the database for resumes featuring words like “marketing” or “advertising” and “5 or more years.” You could also search for specific locations, companies, or colleges.  Whatever types of candidates you want, a tracking system helps you find them.

Higher Productivity

Instead of spending days opening emails, reviewing resumes, and filing folders, you can focus your time and resumes with the most qualified candidates. Interviews can be scheduled quicker allowing more quality time to be spent with top candidates. The less time spent on administrative tasks frees up resources for current employees, which improves retention and creates a more productive workforce.

By deploying an applicant tracking systems, companies can screen applicants faster, hire smarter, and retain employees longer.

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