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How Does an ATS Work?

how do applicant tracking system work

Below are 8 steps explaining how anApplication Tracking Systemworks.

Having a centralized database means recruiters never have to dig through endless email chains or scattered spreadsheets.

Step 2: Resume Parsing

This is where the magic of automation begins.

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The ATS uses resume parsing technology to break down each resume into easily digestible chunks.

It extracts key details like skills, experience, education, and contact information.

This process eliminates the headache of manually reading through hundreds of resumes.

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Instead, recruiters get neatly organized data ready for review.

This ensures that important details arent missed, which is especially crucial when dealing with high volumes of applicants.

The success of this step depends heavily on how well the job description is crafted.

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This feature ensures that recruiters only spend their time reviewing top-tier candidates who actually meet the job requirements.

Advanced algorithms start here, prioritizing applicants who best match the job description.

Recruiters can quickly identify the most promising candidates without spending hours sorting through applications.

Step 5: Communication and Collaboration

Effective communication is critical, and the ATS makes it seamless.

ATS platforms integrate with calendars and scheduling tools, allowing candidates to book interviews directly based on availability.

This is beneficial since it improves the recruiters efficiency and the candidates experience.

A smooth and coordinated interview process makes a great impression on candidates and reduces the chances of scheduling conflicts.

Plus, it allows for easier rescheduling if something comes up, keeping everyone on track.

Collaboration tools within the ATS allow for easy feedback sharing, enabling teams to make well-informed, collective decisions.

Step 8: Onboarding (Post-Hire)

The journey doesnt stop once a candidate is hired.

Many ATS platforms integrate seamlessly with HR software to manage the onboarding process.

Once candidates are selected, their data transitions smoothly into the companys onboarding system.

Why Do Recruiters Use Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

Recruiters today are tasked with managing a complex and often overwhelming hiring process.

Thats where an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) comes into play.

Heres why ATS systems have become indispensable tools for modern recruiters.

How Do Recruiters Use ATS to Find Candidates?

In the fast-paced world of recruitment, time is of the essence.

Using Keywords to Search for Candidates

Keywords are the foundation of an ATS search.

The recruiters enter the system to find resumes matching the jobs requirements.

But how do recruiters choose the right keywords?

The more tailored the keywords are to the role, the better the search results.

Combining Multiple Keywords for Refined Results

Recruiters rarely stop at just one keyword.

They combine multiple keywords to filter candidates even further to get more precise results.

Its all about creating a focused search that aligns with the specific needs of the job.

When recruiters combine several keywords, only resumes containing all the specified terms will appear in the search results.

Recruiters prioritize resumes that meet all the keyword criteria, as those are the best matches for the job.

This ensures they are reviewing the most relevant candidates first, improving efficiency in the hiring process.

How many keywords should be included in a resume?

Keyword placement significantly affects how well a resume ranks within an ATS search.

Lets start withstartups and small businessesthat are growing fast but dont always have the resources (or patience!)

to sort through piles of resumes.

Thats where the ATS comes in to save the day.

Next up,staffing agencies!

These are the real pros who live and breathe hiring.

With so many candidates to handle, an ATS is their secret weapon.

It helps them sift through many applications, pick out the top talent, and track every candidates journey.

Its like speed dating for jobs but with much more success!

Then youve gotlarge corporationstech giants, retail chains, and healthcare networks.

These companies usually hire for multiple roles simultaneously and sometimes across different locations.

Imagine trying to track all of that without an ATS.

Whether a software developer in San Francisco or a nurse in New York, the ATS keeps everything organized.

But thefuture of ATS technologyis where things get even more exciting.

Withartificial intelligence integrationon the rise, the next generation of ATS platforms will go beyond simple automation.

Whats next?

After understanding about how ATS works, you could further read the following guides.