Full Guide about Application Tracking System (ATS)

Finding our dream job is something we are all working to achieve; however, if you are doing all that the book says and have a strong experience and certification, yet no one is calling you back!

Then you may not have an ATS-friendly resume, and ignoring the application tracking system (ATS) will certainly be a strong reason to not reach the interview phase.

So, if you want to boost your odds and actually get your CV through to the hiring manager, then you must adjust it based on the application tracking system (ATS) requirements.

Continue reading with us to know all about the application tracking system (ATS), and the hidden secrets and stitches to win the ATS filtering process.

What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software created to simplify the recruitment process for organizations, especially large and international ones.

Moreover, the ATS software serves as a central platform for managing and automating different levels of the hiring process.

Such as resume parsing, job posting, application tracking, candidate screening, interview scheduling, and communication.

As we said, the application tracking system (ATS) is especially important for corporates with a high volume of job applicants, yet they need to run simple and standard hiring procedures.

Thus, the ATS software is becoming essential in many human resources strategies due to its ability to enhance the efficiency of the hiring process, reduce manual workload, and improve collaboration among team members involved in recruitment.

The Primary Functions of an ATS Include:

The application tracking system could control many functions at many levels of the hiring process, and here are the main ones all application tracking systems could provide:

• Resume Parsing.
• Job Posting.
• Application Management.
• Candidate Screening.
• Interview Scheduling.
• Communication.
• Analytics and Reporting.
• Integration.

What are the Benefits of Using an Applicant Tracking System?

Not only that the application tracking system (ATS) help you avoid hiring the wrong person, but also there are many included and amazing benefits to consider:

• Efficiency: The powerful application tracking system can help you save time and effort in multiple tasks such as resume screening and application tracking.
• Organization:Categorizing all candidate information in one cloud, making it easy to manage and access.
• Improved Collaboration:The shared access to candidate profiles and status updates will enhance communication and collaboration among the hiring team members.
• Scalability:the ATS software helps you handle a high volume of job applications with a high level of efficiency and accuracy.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making:Having accurate insights and data based on accurate reporting tools will enable data-driven decision-making.
• Candidate Experience:Improves the overall experience for candidates through timely communication and efficient application processes.
• Cost-Effective:The application tracking system has the power to reduce costs associated with manual and repetitive recruitment tasks, such as sorting through large numbers of resumes.

Who Uses ATS System?

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are widely used by corporates in different industries to improve and facilitate their recruitment processes, thanks to all the efficiency, order, and collaboration ATS includes in the recruitment lifecycle.

• Human Resources (HR) Professionals.
• Employers and Business Owners.
• Staffing Agencies.
• Corporate Recruiters.
• Talent Acquisition Specialists.
• Compliance Officers.
• IT Professionals.

How Applicant Tracking Systems Work?

With a goal to simplify the hiring process, the ATS systems work based on accurate and pre-set steps to achieve the best hiring process:

• The ATS can write the job description or job advertisementbased on given information and then allow users to choose the platforms where they want to publish the job.
• Extract information from resumes, filling the system with candidate data.
• Track the status of each application, from submission to review stages and interview scheduling.
• Scan resumes for specific keywords, skills, and qualifications relevant to the job.
• Rank and sort applicants based on their match to the job requirements, providing recruiters with a shortlist of top candidates.
• Send automated notifications to recruiters and hiring managers about new applications, status changes, and upcoming interviews.
• Some ATS systems offer automated job interviewscheduling tools, allowing recruiters and candidates to coordinate interviews seamlessly.

5 Most Popular Applicant Tracking Systems:

It is important to note that the popularity of ATS can vary depending on the specific needs and preferences of organizations, including the amount of work, available budget, and personal preferences of the human resources manager.

However, based on the current landscape of HR technology, and available ATS systems, we can say that these are the most popular application tracking systems among HR professionals and agencies:

1. Bamboo HR.
2. Greenhouse.
3. iCIMS.
4. Zoho Recruiter.
5. Workable.

How Do I Pass My Resume Through ATS?

If you want to help yourself reach the online interview phase, then you must follow these detailed steps to create a resume that is not only ATS-friendly but also effectively delivers your qualifications to potential employers.

However, while following these steps you need to stay focused on the goal of striking a balance result between meeting the requirements of automated systems and making a strong impression on human recruiters.

• Simplify Formatting:

Create a clean and straightforward resume, and avoid using complex graphics, images, or tables that might confuse the ATS when reading your CV.

Moreover, save your resume in a standard file format like .docx (which is more favorable) or .pdf to ensure compatibility with most ATS systems.

• Use Relevant Keywords:

Carefully analyze the job description and identify the included keywords related to skills, qualifications, and job responsibilities, then integrate these keywords naturally into your resume, especially in the skills and experience sections.

Following this step effectively helps the ATS recognize your alignment with the job requirements.

• Customize for Each Application:

Regarding the previous step, you need to adjust your resume for each job by emphasizing experiences and skills that directly match the requirements of the position and using the exact included keywords.

This not only increases your chances of passing through the ATS but also makes your resume more compelling to human recruiters.

• Optimize Readability:

It is better to use standard and easily readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and stay away from uncommon fonts and complex formatting to make sure that the ATS software can read your resume.

More than that, using bold points in the CV not only makes it more readable for the system but also for the recruiting managers.

On the other hand, you should avoid including contact details and essential information in headers or footers, as these parts are unreadable by the ATS systems.

• Review and Test:

Thoroughly review your resume for errors, inconsistencies, and relevance to the job, then use online ATS testing tools to evaluate how well your resume aligns with ATS algorithms.

Testing is necessary and help you ensure that your resume is both optimized for electronic parsing and compelling for human reviewers.

The Future of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS):

In the ever-evolving landscape of human resources, the continued growth of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) is a crucial response to the challenges and opportunities in modern recruitment.

Especially with all the efficiency that ATS brings to the hiring process, streamlining everything from resume parsing to candidate communications.

Moreover, as technology advances, some great developments are expected to impact the application tracking system as well, including:

• Enhanced AI and Machine Learning Integration.
• The integration of ATS with other elements of the HR ecosystem.
• Mobile optimization.
• Enhanced candidate experience.

These changes will help ATS meet HR professionals’ needs, and keep up with the dynamic nature of recruitment and talent acquisition.

Last but not least,

Application tracking system (ATS) is an essential step in the recruiting process in many companies and is considered a good investment with all its included benefits.

Thus, as a job seeker, you cannot ignore its existence, and you should adjust your resume based on its known requirements if you want to run a successful job-hunting process.

Whether you are hiring or looking for your next job opportunity you can contact us immediately to find the best match for you.