the importance of an applicant tracking system (why choosing an ATS is the most important recruitment decision you will make this year).
We can’t overstate the importance of an applicant tracking system (ATS). Any tool that helps you attract and easily process the best applicants is worth your investment. Learn the advantages of an ATS and the relevant features to look for when integrating recruitment software for HR use.
importance of an applicant tracking system: a look at the facts.
What makes an ATS so integral for hiring? The main benefit of an applicant tracking system is it will help streamline your recruitment process. Allowing you to reduce your time to hire, deliver a better candidate experience and hire better talent into your organisation.
Why does this matter? Here’s some food for thought:
Apart from poor performance, a bad hire can lead to a premature turnover. In 2021, UK companies reported a turnover rate of 14.4%, and an all-time high of 18.1% in the non-profit sector. Turnovers cost companies an average of £11,000 per turnover.
the benefits and best features of an applicant tracking system.
A good applicant tracking system provides numerous advantages for HR departments that utilise the software’s full suite of features. Consider some of these potential benefits and the features to aim for.
automation
Most applicant trackers provide some form of automation for everyday hiring tasks. This includes:
- Scheduling interviews
- Integrating applicant data from multiple channels into a single dashboard
- Processing applicants
- Creating applicant profiles
Automation eliminates much of the work that would otherwise be subject to manual input. Inputting data manually is also subject to human error. With automation, you save time and reduce human errors.
Identify the hiring areas that may be slowing the process down. A good ATS will be able to highlight which area of your recruitment process is problematic. You can then look to change up your process and how the ATS operates to resolve these issues. For example, if you seeing too many irrelevant applicants apply for your jobs, you might look to add “auto-reject” questions into the application form when you add a new job. This will ensure that only candidates who are able to correctly answer these key questions are progressed forward to be a full applicant.
job board postings
To find the best candidates, you need to diversify your outreach by posting job openings on multiple channels. This includes your own website, job search sites, and social media. With an ATS, write your job ad description once and submit it to multiple channels with a single click. This is a huge time-saver, as you don’t have to manually submit the post to each channel individually. The same goes if you need to update the job description or remove it. Just update once and click.
One-click job posting is a very useful feature. Include it in your must-have list when picking an ATS.
easy compliance
Navigating the complex system of UK employment and hiring laws is no easy feat. A single violation from an audit can lead to hefty fines. An ATS is consistently updated with the latest changes in government labour practices. The system will ensure you have met all the requirements before allowing you to move forward.
Some of the common UK employment legislation you must follow include:
- Enrolling new employees in Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs payroll system
- The provisions under the Equality Act 2010
- Background checks to ensure recruits have the legal right to work in the country
This is just a small sample. A good ATS will assist you through the framework. Keep in mind, however, that an ATS is not a replacement for consulting with an employment lawyer if you require legal consultation.
simplified onboarding and training
Hiring employees is just the first step. With the hiring comes an onboarding phase that can vary in length and recruitment cost depending on the position and industry. According to Statista, it takes UK companies an average of 3.8 days to train a small group of two to four new employees. An ATS can shorten this phase or dramatically reduce manual processes for HR. A reliable recruitment tracking system should have comprehensive onboarding features, such as:
- Templates for creating and customising training courses
- Notifications and auto-reminders
- Metrics for checking employee engagement and scores
- Survey and quiz templates
make hireful your ATS of choice.
Hiring isn’t merely reviewing resumes and holding interviews. The process has become a job of its own. This is why knowing the importance of an applicant tracking system is critical when evaluating your hiring processes. At hireful, we make recruitment in the modern workforce more manageable. Schedule a 15-minute intro call today to find out how we can take your recruitment to the next level.
