More and more companies are using applicant tracking systems to screen resumes for open positions. Applicant tracking systems are almost a necessity for many companies because of the time involved in manually sorting and reviewing potentially hundreds or even thousands of applications received for job postings.

Applicant tracking systems can have many different features and options, so here are some tips for choosing the right applicant tracking system for your needs.

1. Decide how the ATS will be used. 

Some companies choose an ATS before they have really assessed their needs and what they want the ATS to do. ATS programs can now do much more than screen resumes, including: job postings, sourcing of candidates, communication with applicants throughout the hiring process, interviews, and reporting. Knowing your company’s needs, both current and projected for the future, will help you choose the right ATS to meet those needs.

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2. Choose a system that will change with your needs. 

Flexibility is needed so that an ATS can grow with your company as it grows. A scalable system can grow with the company and handle even the most rapid growth effectively, as well as scaling down during times when hiring is less active.

3. Choose a system that integrates with other services.

The ability to import data into and export data from the ATS will extend its capabilities and give your company more options to streamline its hiring and talent management processes. Integration with other systems will give users a more comprehensive view of the talent eco-system and more actionable analytic insights.

4. Choose an ATS that accommodates top talent sourcing in addition to traditional recruiting functions.

While most of the positions for which you hire may be entry level or basic positions (because more of those tend to exist), it is just as important to be able to find top talent when you need it. An ATS with the capability to assist with talent searches will keep all hiring processes in one place and allow the hiring team access to complete and accurate data on hiring statistics company-wide.

5. Choose an ATS that has a proven track record. 

A system with a good reputation in the industry will give you peace of mind and assurance that it will benefit your company and do what you need it to do. Most established ATS should be able to provide testimonials from satisfied clients who have seen their hiring process improved by the ATS.

6. Choose a system with support and updates. 

A system is only beneficial when it works the way it is supposed to work. Updates and technical support provide both improvements to the system and a way to get it working again when inevitable technological glitches occur.

ThriveTRM is a talent management system with functionality that goes beyond a typical ATS to document and track the entire hiring process with greater effectiveness. ThriveTRM software will integrate with a legacy ATS to supplement it and provide in-house recruiting for even high-level management searches. To explore all that ThriveTRM can do to enhance your talent management strategies, schedule a demo today.

Guide to CRM, ATS, TRM Software