Recruitment Blog

5 things to consider when choosing an ATS

Sarah Linney
Content Marketing Manager at JobAdder
choosing an ATS

Weighing up the pros and cons of different applicant tracking systems (ATS) but not sure how to tackle choosing an ATS?

In the fast-paced world of recruitment, leveraging the right tools can significantly enhance your hiring process. In this article, we’ll explore the invaluable advantages of implementing an applicant tracking system (ATS) to streamline and optimise your recruitment efforts.


From boosting efficiency and reducing time-to-hire to ensuring a seamless candidate experience, here are five compelling benefits that make an ATS an indispensable asset in the recruitment journey.


5 Key ATS Benefits for Smarter Recruiting


Implementing an applicant tracking system revolutionises the recruitment landscape by expediting the hiring process and significantly reducing administrative overhead.


With features designed to enhance collaboration, improve candidate experiences, and provide valuable data insights, an ATS is a strategic asset that empowers organisations to make informed decisions and stay ahead in the competitive talent acquisition arena.

1. Increased efficiency and improved workflows

Implementing an applicant tracking system automates time-consuming tasks in the recruitment process, such as sorting through resumes and scheduling interviews. The system streamlines job postings across various platforms, including job boards and social media, maximising the reach of job openings.
With advanced functionality, an ATS helps recruiters create and manage templates for job descriptions, making the application process smoother for both job seekers and hiring managers. By leveraging real-time data and algorithms, the ATS software identifies the best candidates efficiently, reducing the time-to-hire and ultimately cutting the cost per hire.


2. Improved candidate experience

Enhancing the candidate experience is a hallmark of an effective ATS. The system facilitates a user-friendly application process, allowing potential candidates to easily navigate and submit applications. Through integrations with messaging platforms and social media, recruiters can maintain real-time communication with applicants, providing updates on their application status.

An ATS helps in creating a positive employer brand by ensuring consistency in job descriptions and onboarding processes. By utilising assessments and algorithms, the ATS ensures that job seekers are matched with the most suitable roles, fostering a smoother and more personalised journey for applicants in the highly competitive job market.

3. Data-driven decision making

One of the core strengths of an ATS lies in its ability to support data-driven decision-making in recruitment. The software generates comprehensive reports on various metrics, including candidate sourcing, time-to-fill, and cost per hire.

This wealth of data empowers recruitment teams and stakeholders within human resources to make informed decisions about their hiring strategies. With the integration of artificial intelligence, the ATS helps identify patterns and trends, enabling recruiters to refine their approach and focus on the most effective channels for finding top talent.

4. Stay compliant with all regulations

With its adaptability to the dynamic norms of employment law, an ATS plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity and compliance of the hiring process. The system maintains candidate data securely, addressing concerns related to privacy and compliance with labor laws.

Additionally, the software can generate reports that assist in showcasing adherence to legal requirements, providing a transparent and auditable trail of the hiring process. This compliance-focused functionality is particularly crucial for larger organisations and those operating across different regions with diverse regulatory frameworks.

5. Enhanced collaboration with other recruiters

Effective collaboration among recruitment team members and hiring managers is facilitated through the collaborative features of an ATS. The system serves as a centralised hub for sharing candidate information, scheduling interviews, and posting job openings.

With seamless integrations with customer relationship management (CRM) tools and other recruitment software, an ATS fosters communication and coordination among stakeholders. This enhanced collaboration not only expedites decision-making but also ensures that the entire recruitment team is aligned on strategies for attracting and securing top talent.

How to select the best ATS for your recruitment agency

When choosing an ATS for your recruitment agency, prioritise efficiency in handling high volumes of job applications. Look for an ATS system that streamlines repetitive tasks and efficiently parses candidate profiles to shortlist the most qualified candidates. Consider the size of your talent pool and the preferences of your hiring team to ensure the chosen ATS aligns with your recruitment strategy, contributing to the overall quality of hire.


Evaluate pricing structures, especially if you’re a small business, and compare the features offered by different ATS providers. Check for seamless integrations with platforms like LinkedIn, ensuring compatibility with your careers page.


Ultimately, the right ATS will not only optimise your hiring process but also enhance the experience for your team and clients, leading to successful placements and increased satisfaction.


Frequently asked questions

What key features should I look for when evaluating different applicant tracking systems?

When evaluating ATS options, prioritise features such as user-friendly interfaces, resume parsing capabilities, seamless integration with job boards and social media, robust reporting functionalities, and the ability to automate repetitive tasks like interview scheduling.

How can an ATS contribute to improving the overall candidate experience during the recruitment process?

An ATS enhances the candidate experience by offering a streamlined application process, automated status updates, and seamless communication channels. Features like mobile-friendly interfaces, personalised messaging, and transparent feedback mechanisms contribute to a positive and efficient interaction for candidates.

Are there specific industries or company sizes that benefit more from using an ATS?

ATS benefits extend across industries and company sizes, but they are particularly advantageous for medium to large enterprises with high-volume recruitment needs. Industries with complex compliance requirements, such as healthcare or finance, also find value in the structured processes an ATS provides.

What measures can an ATS take to ensure data security and compliance with privacy regulations?

Leading ATS platforms prioritise data security by employing encryption protocols, access controls, and regular security audits. Compliance features include consent tracking, making data anonymous, and configurable permissions to ensure adherence to privacy regulations like GDPR or HIPAA.

How does an ATS integrate with other HR and recruitment tools in a tech stack for seamless operations?

An ATS integrates with various HR and recruitment tools through APIs or pre-built connectors, ensuring seamless data flow across systems. This integration enhances collaboration by connecting with tools like CRM systems, video interviewing platforms, and onboarding software, creating a cohesive and efficient tech stack.

Choose JobAdder for your new applicant tracking system & recruitment partner

With a focus on user-friendly interfaces, robust automation capabilities, and seamless integration with various platforms, JobAdder streamlines the recruitment process, making it efficient and effective. Our commitment to enhancing the candidate experience, coupled with features catering to data security and privacy compliance, ensures a comprehensive solution for diverse industry needs.

JobAdder’s versatility makes us an ideal partner for organisations of varying sizes, facilitating seamless operations and collaboration across your entire recruitment tech stack.

Transform your hiring process and advance your recruitment strategy – choose JobAdder as your ATS for unparalleled optimisation and strategic enhancement.




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