True or False? Test Your ATS Knowledge

Applicant Tracking Systems and training programs are common HR tools in many companies. Within the next 18 months, 57% of large or medium organizations plan to make a major purchase for their HR departments. There are many options to choose from to make lives of HR professionals and recruiters easier. So, for starters, how well do you know Applicant Tracking Systems and training programs? While there’s a lot of truth floating around in articles, some articles don’t quite give such a good impression. There are some fallacies surrounding the HR technology. Here’s your chance to test your knowledge.

Applicant Tracking Systems are complicated and don’t save much time

Answer: False

The proper ATS can be somewhat of a trial and error if you don’t have a comparison tool to help you along the way. There are companies who don’t provide the tech support their new-to-ATS clients need, some don’t have the functionality companies require, and sometimes the organizations that use them simply don’t choose the right one. You’re not alone… 1 in 3 small companies rated their ATS performance as less than effective. However, there is no right or wrong answer to which ATS your company should pick because needs are different in every organization.

Effective training programs function like classrooms

Answer: False

In recent years there have been major changes to training programs and the ideas behind them. With the skyrocketing popularity of gamification, organizations such as the U.S. Navy found significantly higher employee engagement levels during the training programs. Gamification can increase employee skill by at least 40% by utilizing behavior motivating strategies. It works because it makes a connection between positive and negative behaviors in line with organizational goals. Nearly all of this training could be ineffective if the skills are not revisited on a regular basis.

Candidates believe they probably won’t hear back from an employer

Answer: True

After candidates apply for a new position, it is surprisingly common that they never hear back from the employer again. Left in the dust to assume they didn’t meet the job requirements. An overwhelming 75% of candidates never hear back from the companies they submit applications to. With a well-fitted ATS, your company doesn’t have to fall into that habit. Automated responses by an ATS can alert an applicant they will not be continuing in the hiring process, so there is no reason not to use that capability.

Employees will be less productive at home due to distractions

Answer: False

It is surprising considering most employees are conditioned to get dressed, get in the car, and go to work. However, a poll by Gallup suggests otherwise. The study revealed that working from home sometimes, less than 20% of the time, is good for employee engagement. Teleworking is an example of the type of flex-work schedule new employees look for in their dream job. The fresh graduates are predominately Millennials who crave the type of work flexibility that allows them to telework, freedom from the traditional suit and tie, and mostly a better work-life balance – even if they don’t have families.

HR tools have grown out of the cubicle bubble and into the technology world as the modern age becomes more virtual. It is crucial to have a well-developed understanding of the tools that are available to your company. Applicant Tracking Systems are helpful for the companies that have a flow of hundreds of applications per position, and it’s helpful for the companies with 1,000 employees or less. Training programs aren’t any different. They need to be constantly adjusted and tweaked to maintain informational integrity and skill retention. So, how did you do on the quiz? Not every ATS was created equal… not every training program has to have binders and PowerPoint presentations.

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