What is an ATS system?
There’s a lot of talk in the recruitment world about ATS, but what are they really? In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about ATSs – how they work, their benefits and their importance for employers and jobseekers alike.
What is ATS?
The ATS is a software system used by employers and recruiters to manage job advertisements and applications from jobseekers. The system helps to organise and filter a large number of applications, making the application process much more efficient for employers. Before the introduction of ATS systems, recruitment processes were largely based on manual work and personal relationships.
How does the ATS system work?
The ATS system works as follows:
- Receiving and storing applications: when the applicant submits his/her job application, the ATS system receives and stores it in the database. This includes all the contents of the application, such as the CV, cover letter and other attachments.
- Analysis and classification of applications: the ATS system often uses keyword-based search and algorithms to analyse applications. For example, it may look for specific skills, experience or educational background that an employer has identified as important when advertising a job.
- Filtering and prioritising applicants: once the system receives applications, it filters out those applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements, allowing recruiters to prioritise those applicants who best meet the employer’s needs. This saves recruiters time and effort.
- Managing the application process: ATS systems also help manage the whole application process (interviews, tests and communication with applicants). The systems can send automatic notifications to applicants about the status of their application and the progress of the process.
Why is ATS important?
For employers: the ATS offers many benefits for employers. First, it saves time and resources by automating much of the application process. This allows recruiters to focus on more important tasks, such as assessing and interviewing the best candidates. In addition, the ATS system reduces the risk of human error and ensures that all applicants are treated equally.
For jobseekers: although ATS systems are designed primarily to meet the needs of employers, they can also benefit jobseekers. A clear and accurate application process ensures that the right people get noticed, and a fast turnaround time means less uncertainty for applicants. However, it is important for applicants to remember that applications should be optimised for ATS systems – this means writing a clear and keyword-rich CV and cover letter.
Tips for jobseekers: How to optimise your application for ATS?
If you want to make sure your application gets through the ATS system and catches the attention of recruiters, here are some tips:
- Use keywords: as mentioned above, ATS systems often look for specific keywords related to job functions, skills or experience. ATS systems often use keywords that describe the skills and experience relevant to the job you are applying for. Make sure these keywords are a natural part of the text and not just sprinkled around.
- Keep it simple: complex CV formats such as graphics, columns or unusual fonts can confuse ATS systems. Keep the design simple and clear. Use traditional fonts such as Arial or Times New Roman and avoid special characters or formats.
- Use clear headings: use clear headings in your CV, such as “Work experience”, “Education”, “Skills”, etc. This will help the ATS system to identify the different sections and analyse the content more efficiently.
- Avoid images and graphics: images and graphics are not usually read in ATS systems. Graphics and graphics are not normally accepted in ATS systems, so avoid using them in your CV.
- Save your CV in the correct file format: use PDF or DOCX as these are the most commonly supported file formats in ATS systems. Make sure that the saved file is ATS-friendly and opens correctly in different programs.
- Keep the language simple: use simple and clear language. Avoid complex sentence structures and try to express things as straightforwardly as possible.
- More relevant experience and skills: make sure you have listed all relevant experience and skills that match the requirements of the job you are applying for. The ATS system often compares this information with the criteria defined by the employer, so make sure that everything relevant is included.
The challenges of ATS systems
Finally, ATS systems are not perfect. One of the main challenges is that they can occasionally filter out good applicants who have not been able to optimise their application to fit the system. This can result in a qualified candidate never getting an interview because their CV did not contain the right keywords.
Another challenge is that ATS systems can make the recruitment process impersonal. Automated notifications and standardised messages can make the application process feel cold and distant, which does not always reflect well on the employer.
I hope this article helped you to understand what an ATS is and how it can affect both the job search process and recruitment. If you are a jobseeker, you should explore the different ways to optimise your applications for ATS.