Applicant Tracking System

Why is Applicant Tracking System Important Today?

In a world where everything is turbocharged by technology, the Applicant Tracking System is the unsung hero of modern recruitment. Now, I know “unsung hero” might sound like a stretch, but let’s unpack this for a moment.

Recruiting is an art. But it's also a game of numbers and speed. Companies are on the hunt for top talent, and spoiler alert, they’re not the only ones. It’s a competitive space. Candidates, especially the good ones, don’t hang around for long. The ATS is the secret weapon that empowers businesses to sift through the rubble, find those gems, and engage them before the competition does.

In an era where data is king, an ATS does more than just track applicants. It’s a treasure trove of data and analytics. It offers insights into hiring trends, the effectiveness of recruitment strategies, and areas of improvement. It’s like having a crystal ball that doesn’t just predict the future but helps shape it, ensuring companies are always a step ahead in the talent game.

History of Applicant Tracking System

Back in the 90s (and before), recruiting was a paper-heavy, manual process. There were physical resumes, in-person interviews, and a whole lot of paperwork. Then came the dawn of the internet, and with it, the first generation of ATS. These were basic systems designed primarily to rid the corporate world of the incessant paper trail and digitize resumes.

Over time, technology turned up the volume. The ATS evolved, integrating with other tools and platforms, and expanding its capabilities beyond resume storage. Automation became the ATS’s middle name, transforming the hiring process into a streamlined, efficient, and more manageable task.

How to Implement Applicant Tracking System in Sales

Sales is about closing deals, but it's also about building a killer team that makes the magic happen. An ATS isn’t just a recruitment tool; it’s a talent magnet, a screening whiz, and an organizational genie all rolled into one.

To kick things off, identify your needs. What’s your sales team lacking? Speed, efficiency, a diverse skill set? The ATS you choose should be a solution, a means to plug those gaps. Go for a customized system tailored to meet the unique dynamics of a sales team.

Integration is not just a fancy term; it’s the lifeblood of implementing an ATS in sales. Integrate it with your CRM, your job boards, and your calendar—make it a part of the sales ecosystem. Every application, and every interaction should seamlessly feed into the sales pipeline, ensuring that talent acquisition and client acquisition are two sides of the same coin.

Training is not an option; it’s a necessity. Equip your team with the skills to navigate and leverage the ATS to its full potential. It’s not about having a tool; it’s about wielding it with precision to enhance the recruitment process, making it faster, efficient, and aligned with the sales goals.

The modern ATS comes with analytics. Use it. Dive deep into the data to unearth insights on hiring trends, the effectiveness of recruitment campaigns, and the ROI. In sales, every strategy and decision is rooted in data. Make your ATS a part of this culture.  

An ATS is not just a tool; it’s a partner in the relentless, exhilarating journey of sales hiring. It’s about making every hire count and ensuring every team member is a vital part of your sales team. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Applicant Tracking System (FAQs)

How Does an Applicant Tracking System Work?

An ATS automates sorting and analyzing job applications. It scans resumes for specific keywords and qualifications to identify suitable candidates, streamlines the hiring pipeline, and aids in posting jobs and scheduling interviews.

Can You Beat the Applicant Tracking System?

It's not about beating the ATS but understanding it. Optimize your resume with relevant keywords, use a clean format, and ensure the information is accurate to align with the ATS criteria.

What Companies Use Applicant Tracking Systems?

Many companies, from tech giants to startups and nonprofits, utilize ATSs to streamline and optimize their recruitment process, reducing bias and improving the hiring process.