If you’re thinking of switching your applicant tracking software (ATS) provider but you’re worried about how long it will take or what’s actually involved, fear not. We’ve got you covered.

Read on to find out what you should consider before making the switch, what to expect along the way and a timeframe of what happens when. 

To see how easy it is to make the switch, download our free comprehensive step-by-step guide on choosing the right CRM and ATS for your business. It comes complete with a checklist to help you track your progress, and a free vendor scorecard to simplify the decision-making process.

Things to consider before switching your ATS provider 

These critical questions will help you define what you are looking for and why:

• What’s frustrating your team about your existing ATS experience?
• Are there features on your wishlist that you don’t currently have access to?
• What integrations are important to you?
• What level of local training and support do you need – now, and in the future as your team grows?
• Is the provider you are considering clear on what’s involved in migrating your data and setting you up for success?
• Have you spoken to any other agencies who have switched to that provider to find out what the experience is really like on the other side?

Expectation management, realistic timeframes and total transparency are so important when making a decision like this. You don’t want to be promised big things and then be left reeling when reality sets in. 

A trusted ATS partner will be able to answer all of your questions, provide details around each step of the process and clarity on exactly what you will be getting when the transition is complete.

Assemble your project team for success 

The first step in switching your ATS is to identify who will be involved in the project delivery. This could include:

• A project sponsor (the key relationship manager)
• A project manager/lead (the key contact for the project)
• A super user (someone who advocates for your new ATS and uses it regularly) 
• System testers

Additionally, depending on your project, there may be other resources required, like a website manager or representatives from your marketing or IT teams.

Your new ATS provider will then provide an ‘external’ project team to work with you to understand your business requirements and ensure your solution is configured accordingly. 

For example, if you choose JobAdder as your provider, you will be assigned a JobAdder Implementation Consultant and a Data Analyst. 

Your Implementation Consultant will be responsible for:

• Developing your project plan with key deliverables, dates and assignees 
• Creating and maintaining query logs during the testing phase
• Providing updates around key milestones 
• Providing hands-on guidance with your account configuration, and any peripheral products or integrations

Your Data Analyst will be responsible for:

• Reviewing the quality of the data you provide
• Mapping that data to the JobAdder platform
• Migrating your data into the platform
• Quality checking that the data has been successfully migrated and is ready to use

What to expect throughout the transition

The transition to your new ATS will vary depending on which provider you use. If you switch to JobAdder, your Implementation Consultant will guide you through four key stages:

1. Project Start

As the name suggests, this is the kickoff. Your Implementation Consultant will set up a call to run through your project plan, requirements, expectations and timeframe and answer any initial questions you may have.

2. Configuration

Your Implementation Consultant will begin your account configuration and implementation with your admin user(s). You will be set up with a project board – your go-to place to keep up to date with progress, ask questions, share documents and such.

Naturally, the configuration timeframe depends on the complexity and quantity of your data, your system requirements, additional products and integrations. See below for further details. 

3. Testing

This stage overlaps with the Configuration stage, with around four to eight review sessions (as many as needed) taking place throughout the configuration. 

Once configuration is complete, your Implementation Consultant will also conduct system, key integration and data integrity testing with your super users and system testers.

4. Go Live

Once testing has been completed and all queries signed off, it’s time to enter the Go Live stage. Your Implementation Consultant will hold a final session with you and your project team to sign off on your project. 

This session will cover a review of your project plan, testing and fixes, and confirm the date for your final import. We’ll also run your super users through how to use JobAdder in line with your recruitment workflow and any key products or integrations to ensure they are ready to get the most of your new system.

How long will the transition take?

Each ATS transition is unique, and therefore so is the expected timeframe for how long a transition can take. Your new ATS vendor should be able to give you a clear timeframe based on the specifics of your company. 

It’s good to keep in mind that the process this timeframe can be affected by a number of critical factors such as:

• Which system you are switching from and the format of your data
• The quantity of data to be transferred – if you’ve been with your existing ATS for a number of years, chances are you’ve amassed a lot of data!
• Custom requirements such as cleansing or merging
• The complexity of your desired configuration

Making the switch to the right ATS

Switching your ATS provider might feel like a big deal, but when you’re armed with knowledge and work with a partner that is transparent about the process throughout, it doesn’t need to be stressful. 

If you’re thinking about switching, get in touch with our team of experts. We’ll be happy to walk you through what the transition might look like for your company.