Now, you might already be familiar with this, but in many companies nowadays, before your resume reaches a human hiring manager, it will be reviewed by a software. This software is called the Applicant Tracking System.
It reviews your resume and see if it contains any flagrant mistakes that couldn't possibly allow your resume to go through. If your resume does contain these mistakes, the software will automatically reject your application, before it was even seen by the naked human eye.
In this post, we'll take a look at some requirements for an ATS and talk about some of its features as well.
Ensure that it is compatible with all of your devices
As we've already said in the intro, ATSs or applicant tracking systems (ATS) are software programs used to manage employment applications. Companies use ATSs to organize, store, track and respond to job application information.
Most ATSs can be accessed via desktop web browsers such as Google Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge, along with mobile apps such as those available for iOS and Android.
However, not every browser or app makes the ATS accessible or easy to navigate. Some may even require you to register to access certain features. This could prevent potential applicants from finding and using the system!
Making the ATS easily viewable and approachable will help employers recruit more quickly and efficiently. If you’re a student, make sure you learn enough about ATSs to be able to diagnose any issues people might encounter when trying to apply through the system.
Check the speed
Even though ATSs have automatic checks for browser compatibility, you should still make sure your current web browser is up to par.
Most ATSs will not work if the browser is too old or does not meet their minimum requirements. Many companies now use Chrome as the default browser so this may be an easy way to test yours!
By going into settings, under Privacy, you can check whether the ATS works in other browsers such as Firefox, Safari, and Opera. This would also let you know if there was something wrong with your computer that was preventing it from connecting to the ATS.
We recommend using Google Chrome as your main browser as it is more secure than others. Make sure to update it regularly to ensure it’s working properly.
Test out different browsers
One of the first things you will need to do when looking into an ATS software is test it in as many different browser versions as possible. Most companies now have their own browser version they use, so making sure this works across all major ones (Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox) is not a hassle.
By testing your website using these different browsers, you can determine if there are any compatibility issues that may prevent users from being able to log onto the ATS system. Many companies also offer free trial accounts which allow you to determine how well their ATS system functions for your company before purchasing a paid account.
Google’s “Test my site” feature is a great way to check this!
Practice using the system to see how you perform
ATSs have become an integral part of every hiring process. Companies use these software programs to gather all of your employment information, including applications, interviews, and job offers. Some even track online activity and social media profiles!
Most ATSs are free to use, but some cost money either through a monthly subscription or a one-time purchase. Even though it’s not necessary for most employers, we recommend that you look into the features of the program yourself before investing in one. You don’t want to invest time setting up the tool and finding out it doesn’t have features that matter to you or can be accessed via only certain devices.
You should also know what tools the ATS has so you don’t need to spend extra money buying those things as well.
Create a profile for each job application
While ATSs have improved over time, they can still be tricky to use! That’s why it is so important to create a profile for every company that you want to apply to – for their ATS, if there is one used, how experienced you are with the system, and whether or not this will be your first experience using theirs.
By creating profiles, you give yourself more chances at being selected as a candidate by giving different answers to questions about you and what areas of the business you would like to work in. This also gives you more chance of getting a response from them since you've made an effort to show interest in their company.
Be consistent
A well-designed ATS will ask you to enter your personal information, as well as other info that are linked to your application. These include email addresses, phone numbers, social media accounts, and previous employment applications and documents.
Consistency is one of the biggest ways an ATS can identify if someone is not being authentic or if they are trying to conceal something. If you have changed your email address several times in the past year, an ATS may perceive this as fraudulent activity.
If you use Gmail, for example, it is very easy to switch account emails. It does not require verification so it could easily be done without anyone’s knowledge.
An ATS will also compare all these pieces of information against databases containing records of fake identities, fraudsters, and people with jobs looking for workers.
Write reviews and tell people about great jobs you’ve heard about
Even if you don’t use an ATS, reading these requirements is helpful as it gives you an idea of what employers are looking for when they do recruit via software.
By knowing the ATS system specifications, you can determine whether or not those requirements are close to your own internal processes and systems.
If they are, then that might be some tips you could apply in your own recruitment process!
You would also know whether or not their software works well for them so you can pick out any potential weaknesses in yours and fix them.
Writing a review of the ATS’s performance will help other candidates in the same position as you – giving them hope that things work for others too.
Link applications to social media accounts
A link or profile field in your applicant tracking system (ATS) can be used to connect an employee’s LinkedIn account with their application. This allows you to search both LinkedIn and the ATS for similar profiles and/or names, which is helpful in determining if someone is over-employed, if they are experienced in certain areas, etc.
It also helps determine if an individual may have plagiarized information during their interview process by searching their linked social media sites in instances of self-plagiarism.
