While working throughout the day within your applicant tracking systems (ATS), it can be easy to take for granted the amount of transparent automation that is occurring. The ATS automates posting requisitions, sending emails, generating schedules, etc. Each part of the automation makes your hiring processes more manageable and efficient. In fact, a good ATS can some times make you forget about one of it biggest values, which is attracting and hiring quality candidates.

For many, the ATS offers the first impression of their company. This week’s tip is to go through the experience of a candidate by applying for one of your company’s positions. You may want to generate a fictional position for this exercise.

Try to put yourself into the candidate mindset, and go to your career portal and apply for a position. This will help you relate with your candidates if they happen to contact you with an issues or questions about the application process. You can also try and make a couple mistakes to see how your ATS handles errors. Be sure to take notes. This can help you later address potential career portal branding/design issues, ease of use problems, etc. Also, review the automated email that gets sent to you as a candidate. Depending on your ATS, try taking it a step further by advancing yourself through the workflow of being hired. Review all of the automated scheduling appointments and emails you receive. Lastly, clean up your newly created candidate and position so your ATS reports don’t get skewed.

This process can help you identify areas of your hiring process that might benefit from a small change. However, if any changes are made, I would suggest going through the steps again. By doing so, you help ensure a better first impression that can attract quality candidates.

Best of luck!!!

Jake Stupak
www.TheATSGuy.com
www.JobDigTracker.com