Applicant Tracking System: Features, Benefits, And How To Build One
Tags: tracking, ats, iskedez, webdev
Published: 2023-07-20 10:44:35

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) have become an essential tool for organizations of all sizes, particularly in a digital age where vast amounts of data can be processed instantaneously. This technology allows managing, streamlining, and enhancing the recruitment process. In this article, we'll delve into the key features of an ATS, its benefits, and a step-by-step guide on how to build one.

What Is An Applicant Tracking System?
An Applicant Tracking System is a software application that automates and streamlines the recruitment process. ATS applications are used to track job applications and manage recruitment operations, such as sourcing, screening, interviewing, and evaluating candidates. This technology was designed to better organize and handle the copious amounts of resumes that recruiters have to sift through while also providing tools for selecting the best-suited candidates for particular roles.

**Key Features Of An Applicant Tracking System**
Resume Parsing: This feature allows the system to extract details such as qualifications, skills, experience, contact information, etc., from candidate resumes. It helps recruiters by automating the process of sifting through resumes, reducing time and effort.
**Job Posting:** An ATS allows recruiters to post job openings across multiple platforms, including job boards, social media, and the company's own career page, all from one centralized system.
Candidate Tracking: ATS keeps track of all candidates throughout the recruitment process. It records every interaction and updates the candidate's status, providing recruiters with an organized and detailed view of each candidate's progress.
**Automated Screening:** This feature uses algorithms and AI technology to screen candidates based on specified criteria such as skills, experience, education, etc. It's a critical feature that ensures recruiters only spend time on the most relevant candidates.
**Interview Scheduling:** ATS solutions often have built-in scheduling features, enabling recruiters to coordinate interviews more efficiently by integrating with calendars and sending automated reminders.
**Analytics and Reporting:** ATS can provide insightful data analytics about the recruitment process, such as time-to-fill, source of hire, and recruitment funnel effectiveness. This data can help organizations refine their recruitment strategies.

**Benefits of Using An Applicant Tracking System**
**Increased Efficiency:** ATS automates many aspects of the recruitment process, freeing up time for recruiters to focus on more strategic tasks.
**Better Candidate Experience: ** An ATS provides a streamlined application process, timely communication, and transparency in the application process, contributing to a positive candidate experience.
**Improved Compliance: ** ATS ensures that all recruitment activities are conducted in line with various employment and data protection laws, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.
Insightful Analytics: By providing real-time insights and metrics, an ATS helps recruiters make data-driven decisions, improving the quality of hires and recruitment strategies.

**How To Build An Applicant Tracking System**
**Define Your Requirements:** Identify the needs of your recruiters, hiring managers, and candidates. Understand the challenges in your current recruitment process and determine which features would help alleviate these issues.
**Choose The Right Technology:** Select a technology stack suitable for your ATS. Typically, you will need a database (SQL, MongoDB), back-end language (Python, Java, Ruby), and front-end framework (React, Angular).
**Design The System:** Design the user interface and user experience (UI/UX). The design should be intuitive and easy to navigate.
**Develop Core Features: ** Start with the development of core features like resume parsing, candidate tracking, job posting, etc. Use Agile methodologies to iteratively build and improve the system.
**Integrate With Other Systems:** Your ATS should be able to integrate seamlessly with other systems like HRIS, job boards, social media platforms, and email clients.
**Ensure Data Security and Compliance:** Implement security measures to protect sensitive candidate data. Make sure your ATS is compliant with relevant laws and regulations, such as GDPR.
**Test And Refine The System: ** Conduct thorough testing to identify and rectify any bugs. After launch, collect user feedback and use it to refine the system.

**Conclusion**
Building an ATS, though complex, is achievable with thoughtful planning, selecting the right technology, careful design and development, and rigorous testing. This investment of time and resources can profoundly impact your organization's ability to attract, evaluate, and secure the best talent in a competitive market. It empowers your human resources team to focus more on people and strategy and less on administrative tasks. A well-built ATS can significantly improve your organization's overall recruitment outcomes and contribute to its long-term success.