Applicant tracking system
What Is an Applicant Tracking System?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that automates and streamlines the recruitment process. It helps employers manage job postings, track applicants, screen resumes, and communicate with candidates, all in one place.
Think of it as a digital hiring assistant: it keeps things organized, ensures nothing slips through the cracks, and makes recruiting faster and more efficient.
What Does an ATS Do?
A good ATS does more than just collect applications. Here's what applicant tracking software can do:
- Collect and store resumes in a central database
- Automatically scan and rank applications based on keywords
- Manage communication with candidates
- Schedule interviews and track interview feedback
- Generate reports on hiring performance
- Ensure compliance with hiring regulations
In short, ATS tracking keeps your hiring process organized, data-driven, and consistent.
How Does an ATS Work?
Here’s how ATS software typically works behind the scenes:
- Job Posting: The ATS pushes your job ad to multiple job boards, your website, and social media.
- Application Collection: It gathers all applications in one dashboard, regardless of where they came from.
- Resume Screening: It scans resumes for relevant skills, experience, and keywords to shortlist top candidates.
- Tracking & Communication: Recruiters can move candidates through stages (e.g. phone screen, interview, offer) and send updates automatically.
- Hiring Decision: All notes, scores, and feedback are stored in one place, making it easier to make the final call.
Who Uses an ATS?
Applicant tracking systems are used by:
- HR teams and recruiters in startups, SMEs, and large enterprises
- Staffing agencies managing high volumes of candidates
- Hiring managers who need visibility into candidate pipelines
- EOR and outsourcing firms who coordinate hiring on behalf of clients
Whether you're hiring one person or a hundred, a recruiting ATS helps keep everything streamlined and scalable.
Why Is an ATS Important?
Today’s hiring environment is fast-paced and often competitive. Using an ATS ensures you don’t fall behind.
Here’s why an ATS matters:
- Saves time by automating repetitive tasks
- Prevents qualified candidates from slipping through the cracks
- Speeds up the hiring cycle
- Improves candidate experience through timely communication
- Gives teams visibility and structure across the recruitment process
- Reduces bias with standardized screening
Without an applicant tracking system, hiring becomes chaotic, inconsistent, and easy to lose control of, especially when handling many roles or candidates.
Benefits of Using an ATS
Whether you're a recruiter or a business owner, using ATS software comes with big advantages: Saves Time
Manual screening and sorting take hours. An ATS can do it in seconds.
Centralizes Candidate Data
No more scattered emails or messy spreadsheets, everything is in one place.
Improves Collaboration
Hiring teams can share notes, score candidates, and track progress together.
Enhances Candidate Experience
Timely updates and clear communication keep candidates engaged and informed.
Scales with You
Whether you're hiring 5 people or 500, an ATS can grow with your needs.
How to Choose an ATS
There are dozens of ATS software options out there, so how do you choose the right one? Here’s what to look for:
User-friendly interface: It should be easy for both HR and hiring managers to use.
Customizable workflows: You should be able to tailor the hiring stages to your process.
Resume parsing & keyword matching: To quickly filter candidates.
Reporting & analytics: So you can track hiring efficiency.
Integration with job boards and HR tools: For smoother operations.
Support & training: Especially if your team is new to ATS tracking.
Make sure to test demos, ask for case studies, and get feedback from your hiring team before deciding.
Final Thoughts
An applicant tracking system isn’t just for big companies, it’s for any business that wants to hire better, faster, and more efficiently.
Whether you’re drowning in resumes or trying to streamline your recruiting, an ATS helps you stay organized, compliant, and in control. It’s not just a tool, it’s a competitive edge in today’s hiring landscape.
FAQs About Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Is an ATS only for large companies?
Not at all. While many large companies use them, applicant tracking systems are now affordable and scalable for startups and small businesses too. If you're hiring regularly, an ATS can save you time and keep things organized no matter your size.
Do applicant tracking systems reject resumes automatically?
Yes, some ATS software can filter out resumes that don’t match certain keywords or requirements. That’s why it’s important for candidates to tailor their CVs using relevant terms from the job description.
What’s the difference between an ATS and a CRM?
An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is used to manage job applicants, while a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system is used to manage client or customer interactions. In recruiting, some platforms combine both, especially in staffing or agency settings.
Can an ATS integrate with job boards and HR tools?
Yes! Most modern ATS software integrates with job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Bayt, as well as HR tools like payroll, onboarding, and performance management systems.
Is it hard to set up an ATS?
Not with the right provider. Many ATS platforms are cloud-based and easy to set up. Some even offer onboarding support, templates, and pre-built workflows so you can get started quickly.
Does an ATS improve the candidate experience?
Definitely. A good applicant tracking system ensures faster communication, fewer delays, and more transparency, helping you leave a better impression on candidates.
How much does an ATS cost?
Prices vary based on features, company size, and usage. Some offer monthly subscriptions per user, while others charge by the number of job postings. There are even free versions with limited features for small teams.