1. About.com
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Human Resources

Discuss in my forum

Use an Applicant Tracking System for Candidate Data Management

By , About.com Guide

Definition:

Human Resource Management Glossary Index:

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

An applicant tracking system (ATS) works in conjunction with an online job application to track and manage applicants for your jobs online. Applicant tracking software allows the employer to deal with job applications and to manage the data collected from resumes.

Most large corporations use applicant tracking software to manage the resume database created by online job applications at the company’s website. The applicant tracking software vendors also partner with the large job boards to extract data from their online applications.

Integral to company recruiting efforts, the applicant tracking system allows companies to search their resume and application database by keywords, years of experience, degrees, and accomplishments, for example. This enables hiring managers and Human Resources to identify qualified candidates efficiently.

An applicant tracking system is often part of a comprehensive Human Resources Information System (HRIS) or a module in a larger corporate data management system. Stand alone systems exist for smaller companies with more limited needs.

The applicant tracking system accomplishes these requirements.

  • Accepts, reviews, and manages a high volume of resumes.
  • Manages a high volume of job opportunities while permitting effective internal communication.
  • Captures and enables efficient tracking and reporting of recruiting and compliance metrics such as EEOC data.
  • Reduces duplication of recruitment efforts by various company locations.
  • Reduces internal IT efforts and support expenses.

This is a recommended process for selecting an applicant tracking system.

Submit a word for the Glossary | Complete Glossary

Visit the Sample Policy Directory.

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved. 

A part of The New York Times Company.