JakeStupak's blog

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are an effective way to post positions, organize candidates and streamline the hiring process. For many HR professionals, ATSs are typically their first experience with new talent management solutions. In my experience, once the value of the ATS has been recognized, there is a spark of consideration for new features, benefits and values that opens up the potential for investing in additional talent management solutions. The question then becomes “where does the ATS end and other talent management solutions begin?”

It’s no surprise that the number of resumes stockpiling for HR and hiring managers has increased in the past year. Thus, it’s important now more than ever to have an applicant tracking system (ATS) that’s well optimized to organize candidates. Sure, there are basic search and filter components available; however, there’s one more key component that can really help you find the “shining star” in today’s more than likely flooded candidate pool. This is prescreening or custom questions.

Anyone that has spent time researching different applicant tracking systems (ATS) has no doubt found numerous recommendations and opinions online. Many folks start their research by seeking insight from colleagues on sites such as ERE.net or RecruitingBlogs.com, while others turn to sites that offer an ATS directory.

Every so often I get asked by companies or individuals what I feel is the best way to approach a partnership with an applicant tracking system (ATS) vendor. This typically revolves around the introduction of a new technical integration the company has to offer. While it is important to note every potential partnership is different, I believe there are some factors that can maximize the partnership potential.

I found the following post on Craigslist in several locations: http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/etc/1234727293.html. It reads as follows:

“Do you use an Applicant Tracking System (Research Study)? (Greater Chicago)

I’ve covered several topics in my posts that were aimed towards helping decision makers select the right applicant tracking system. Each of these posts, with a bit of modification, could really be applied to any sort of solution. The purpose of software after all is to simplify processes, reduce costs/time, and align objectives with overall organizational goals. I have never seen a vendor that promised their solution would drain your money and cause you headaches, however, I see this all of the time.

It has been a long time since I've had a new post. The truth is that I've been swamped. I'm experiencing a massive influx in ATS activities. One of the biggest questions I've been asked in the last few weeks revolves around the number of companies using applicant tracking systems. While I have a solid understanding about market segments in the US, I would like to gain further insight of applicant tracking systems used on a global scale. From this information, I would like to do some "fun stats" on candidates served, reductions in time- to-hire, cost savings, paper reductions, etc.

I thought that I would keep this post nice and simple. For anybody interested in viewing my latest list of applicant tracking system vendors, it is now available at www.TheATSGuide.com. There are currently over 140 vendors listed, and it continues to grow. Please feel free to comment on any systems that I may have missed.

Best of luck!!!
Jake Stupak
www.TheATSGuy.com
www.JobDigTracker.com

Several weeks ago I was contacted by Bill Vick from XtremeRecruiting.tv to do an interview covering the latest in applicant tracking system (ATS). It was a very nice surprise and compliment, yet I did get a bit nervous. To help ease my nerves, my wife told me to just have fun like Recruiting Animal did in his interview. While I didn’t really take the Animal’s approach, I still had a great time. Bill just posted the interview today.

There are lots of folks out there that simply like to build things themselves. This can easily be seen with home improvement and is backed up with the success of “How to” books and the DIY network. The same is true for software.