The Applicant Tracking System ATS was at first introduced in the late 1990s. It aimed to help job seekers and employers to keep track of applicants and their details. There are different kinds of applicant tracking software out there in the market depending on their functionalities. Hence, they differ in their performance as well.
If you have employed an applicant tracking system ATS in your organization and are not satisfied with its working, look for the following 10 signs to update is not satisfactory. These indicators will help you determine whether it’s time for an applicant tracking system upgrade.
Is Your ATS Hindering Your Recruiting Strategies?
Modern recruitment demands efficient systems that can adapt to changing hiring needs. When your current system becomes a bottleneck rather than an asset, it’s time to consider whether your ATS needs a fix. Let’s explore the key warning signs that indicate your organisation would benefit from a modern ATS.
1. High Candidate Drop-Off Rates and Poor Experience
In the past, the applicant tracking system ATS was designed as a retailer site. It had an accounting functionality, shopping cart and the sign-up feature. However, in contemporary times, all the stages of a recruitment process are managed by an applicant tracking system (ATS).
Therefore, if you are experiencing a drop off rate among your candidates’ database, you ought to figure out the reasons and take necessary measure to overcome this counterproductive notion. A modern ATS should provide an intuitive, mobile-friendly interface that keeps candidates engaged throughout the application process.
Mobile Optimization Issues
If your applicant tracking software doesn’t offer a seamless mobile experience, you’re likely losing qualified candidates. Today’s job seekers expect to apply from their smartphones with the same ease as desktop applications.
2. Underutilized Employee Referral Program
In the past, employees used to visit employee referral pages to view the new updates regarding new jobs and subsequently apply to the company of their interests. However, in the contemporary times, applicant tracking ATS has integrated tools that can automatically find and match jobs for employees and proactively direct market and networks to employees.
Therefore, if you are not using employee referral program as part of your recruiting strategies, you’re missing out on valuable resource big time. A modern ATS should make employee referrals effortless and trackable.
3. Inefficient Database Management of Candidates, Applicants, and Leads
In the past, the recruiters used to take help of data base agencies. These agencies used to keep a manual register of the wide variety of applicants. This was a cumbersome process for both the recruiters and applicants to close an open job position optimally.
However, in the contemporary times, applicant tracking ATS offers you to perform an easy and results-driven search. It also provides recruiters with propriety database. Therefore, it’s very important that you have a fully integrated applicant tracking system ATS as part of your recruiting strategies.
Advanced Search and Filtering Capabilities
If your current system struggles with candidate search and filtering, it may be time for an ATS update. Modern systems should allow you to quickly identify qualified candidates from your talent pool using sophisticated search parameters.
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4. Outdated Interviews and Selection Activities
In the past, hiring of candidates in the company was not a collaborative effort and the process was dependent on things like voicemails and email updates between the hiring managers, recruiters, and interviewing teams. However, in the contemporary times, applicant tracking system ATS offers an easy and engaging hiring experience to prospective candidates.
It provides a desktop version and mobile friendly interface to its users. Moreover, it also enables the interview feedback to the candidates to offer them a rich recruiting experience. Therefore, it is highly critical for you employ an applicant tracking system ATS as part of your recruiting strategies.
Automated Scheduling and Communication
Modern recruiting strategies require seamless coordination between hiring teams. If scheduling interviews still involves back-and-forth emails, your applicant tracking software is due for an upgrade.
5. Limited Analytics and Reporting through Applicant Tracking System
In the past, the recruiters had to elicit information from different sources such as candidate self-selected source data, relying on spreadsheets and third parties to get the reports regarding the open job positions. However, in the contemporary times, applicant tracking system ATS provides the recruiters with the required information regarding the open positions.
It also assists the candidates in making decisions for their maximum benefits. A modern ATS should offer comprehensive analytics that help you measure the effectiveness of your recruiting strategies and make data-driven decisions.
Real-Time Recruitment Metrics
If you can’t easily track metrics like time-to-hire, cost-per-hire, and source effectiveness, it’s a clear sign your ATS needs a fix. These insights are crucial for optimizing your recruitment process.
6. Weak Marketing and Corporate Career Site Integration
In the past, the recruiters had to rely on multiple IT resources and marketing channels to elicit any information regarding corporate career sites and branding. They had to attend internal meetings and build project plans.
However, in the contemporary times, applicant tracking system ATS offers the recruiters to build a corporate career site. Moreover, if you want to target a specific audience, you can deploy a new landing page as well through applicant tracking system ATS.
7. Manual Job Distribution and Marketing Processes
In the past, the hiring managers had to take the services of third tier parties to post ads of open job positions. In the contemporary times, however, the applicant tracking system ATS has automated this task and autonomously advertises and distributes the job ads to relevant channels.
Multi-Channel Job Posting Automation
If you’re still manually posting jobs to different job boards, your applicant tracking software lacks essential automation features. A modern ATS should streamline job distribution across multiple platforms simultaneously.
8. Ineffective External Recruiter Management
In the past, services of third parties had to be availed to contact and connect the candidates with the recruiters. However, in the contemporary times, applicant tracking system ATS has integrated this feature in its system and instantly connects the candidate and the recruiters.
9. Lack of Integrated Applicant Tracking System ATS Features
In the past, recruiters had to go through various data bases and online channels to get the candidate profiles. However, in the contemporary times, applicant tracking software ATS comes with various useful integrations.
LinkedIn integration is the most useful feature of any applicant tracking software ATS. This is so because it can automatically track if any random profile is already part of your ATS or not. This feature enables the recruiters to alter their hiring mechanism in a strategic manner.
Similarly, in order to ensure a positive candidate experience, there are a variety of AI integrations available.
Essential Third-Party Integrations
A modern ATS should seamlessly integrate with your existing HR tools, background check services, and assessment platforms. If your current system operates in isolation, it’s limiting your recruiting strategies.
10. Missing CRM Capabilities for Lead Generation and Sourcing
In the past, the applicant tracking system ATS could track applicants only after they had applied. Moreover, it could not manage activities such as relationship management, sourcing, lead generation etc.
However, in the contemporary times, there are many applicant tracking system ATS available for disposal that come with great functionalities. They don’t require third tier vendors for their services since modern ATS are now fully equipped with most useful tools.
Proactive Talent Pipeline Management
If your system can’t help you build and nurture talent pipelines before candidates apply, you’re missing opportunities to engage passive candidates. This is a key indicator that your ATS needs a fix.
When to Consider an Applicant Tracking System Upgrade
Recruiting teams have to face the above all on daily basis. Moreover, if your Applicant Tracking System (ATS) doesn’t meet all your needs or facing some of these problems. Then it’s about time you upgrade your ATS.
An applicant tracking system upgrade isn’t just about fixing problems—it’s about positioning your organization for future hiring success. Modern recruiting strategies demand systems that can adapt to changing market conditions and candidate expectations.
Benefits of a Modern ATS Update
When you invest in a modern ATS, you’re not just solving current problems but also preparing for future challenges. The right system will enhance your recruiting strategies, improve candidate experience, and provide valuable insights for continuous improvement.
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Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Recruiting Strategies
The recruitment landscape continues to evolve, and your applicant tracking software should evolve with it. If you’ve identified multiple warning signs from this list, it’s time to seriously consider whether your ATS needs a fix or a complete replacement.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to have an applicant tracking system ATS—it’s to have the right one that enhances your recruiting strategies and helps you attract top talent efficiently. A modern ATS should be an investment in your organization’s future, not a constant source of frustration for your hiring team.
