What is an applicant tracking system?
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software that helps companies manage the hiring process by organizing, sorting, and filtering job applications. When someone applies for a job, their resume and application details go into the ATS, which allows recruiters to quickly search and categorize candidates based on keywords, experience, education, and other criteria.
This tool is precious for larger companies or positions that receive hundreds of applications, as it helps hiring teams save time by narrowing down the pool to the most relevant candidates.
One of the primary functions of an ATS is to scan resumes for specific keywords or qualifications that match the job description. For example, if a job requires experience in “project management” and knowledge of “Excel,” the ATS will look for these terms in each resume, ranking or highlighting candidates who best meet the criteria.
This means that applicants must tailor their resumes to reflect the specific skills and language in the job description, as resumes that lack relevant keywords may not make it through the initial screening.
An applicant tracking system can streamline communication with candidates, schedule interviews, and track each applicant’s hiring progress. It helps keep all information organized in one place, allowing hiring teams to collaborate, provide feedback, and move efficiently through the selection stages.
Companies can use an ATS to ensure a more structured, consistent hiring process, making finding and managing top talent easier while improving the candidate experience overall.
