Optimize your ATS to tap into your company’s full recruiting potential

Much of the work my company does revolves around implementing and enhancing applicant tracking systems (ATS) for corporate clients.  It’s valuable work as an ATS is the backbone of recruiting departments, tracking candidates through the process, automating administrative tasks to add efficiency, providing reports, and many other benefits.  But many companies do not realize that their ATS needs to evolve with their business.  And, in today’s rapidly evolving talent landscape, having an aligned and efficient ATS is essential.  When is the right time to optimize your ATS? Why is it important?  And, if it is time, how do you do it?  Let’s find out!

Why Optimize your ATS

Over time, organizational changes, shifting talent market dynamics, and evolving technology can render your recruitment processes inefficient and outdated. A poorly optimized ATS can lead to:

• Cumbersome Processes: Inefficient workflows can hinder productivity and slow down time-to-hire.
• Data Integrity Issues: Inaccurate data can lead to poor decision-making as well as erode hiring manager’s confidence in the recruitment process.
• Reduced User Performance: A poorly configured system can frustrate users and impact their overall performance.  This may be the single most important incentive for optimization.  Recruiters are still the most valuable tool in the recruiting department.

According to recent studies:
94% of recruiters agree their ATS has a positive impact on their hiring processes.
70% of large companies currently use an ATS.
20% of small and midsized businesses use an ATS.
70% of recruiters use an ATSS or another tech-driven recruiting tool to review applicants and strengthen the overall candidate experience.

J.R. Johnivan, Select software reviews

When to Optimize your ATS

Just as companies conduct audits of various systems/processes, recruiting leaders should do an annual audit of recruiting process and ATS.  During these reviews look for these signs that it’s time to optimize:

• Technological Advancements: Are there newer technologies that can add efficiency or streamline processes?
• Inefficiency: Are processes slowing down the time it takes to fill roles or causing frustration among recruiters and hiring managers?
• Data Quality: Do you trust the data and analytics generated by the ATS?  Are there gaps in the information that are affecting decision-making?
• Changing Needs: Have your organizational goals or talent acquisition strategies changed?

How to Optimize your ATS

Depending on the size and scope of the organization, upgrading your ATS can be a major project.  While the work may be different at each company, here is a general guideline to follow:

1. Assess Current State – Evaluate the strengths/weaknesses of the existing ATS and identify areas where optimization can improve efficiency and effectiveness.

2. Define Goals – Clearly define expected outcomes, such as reduced time-to-hire, improved candidate experience, or better data-driven decision-making.

3. Involve Key Stakeholders – Collaborate with recruiters, hiring managers, and other relevant stakeholders to gather input and ensure alignment with organizational needs (also, a great idea to get buy-in when implementing any new changes!).

4. Optimize Processes – Be creative in looking for ways to streamline workflows, eliminating unnecessary steps, and automating tasks wherever possible.

5. Configure the ATS – Customize the ATS settings to match the recruiting process and optimize user experience.

6. Leverage Data and Analytics – Utilize data-driven insights to measure performance, identify trends, and make informed decisions.  Consider creating new reports that will add value to the recruiting team and/or hiring leaders.

By taking these steps, you can unlock the full potential of your ATS.  By optimizing your ATS and aligning it with organizational goals, the entire company will appreciate a more efficient, effective, and data-driven recruitment process!

For a free assessment of your recruiting ecosystem, contact Eddie at estewart@estalentsolutions.com. In as little as 30 minutes, you could receive practical tips to improve the efficiency of your ATS.