An ‘Applicant Tracking System’ (ATS) is a software application or platform used by employers and hiring teams to streamline and manage the recruitment and hiring process. Its primary purpose is to automate and centralise the various tasks and activities associated with hiring new employees. Here are the key functions and features of an ATS:

Job Posting: ATS allows employers to create and post job openings on various job boards, company websites, and social media platforms.

Resume Parsing: It can automatically extract and organize relevant information from resumes and job applications, such as contact details, work experience, education, and skills.

Candidate Database: ATS maintains a database of all applicants, making it easy to search, filter, and store candidate information for current and future job openings.

Customised Workflows: Employers can set up customised hiring workflows that define the stages of the recruitment process, from application submission to job offer.

Candidate Screening: ATS often includes screening tools that allow employers to filter out unqualified candidates based on specific criteria and keywords.

Collaboration: Multiple team members can collaborate within the system, review applicant profiles, leave comments, and share feedback, improving communication among hiring teams.

Communication: ATS facilitates communication with candidates through email templates and scheduling tools for interviews and assessments.

Reporting and Analytics: It provides data and insights on the recruitment process, helping organisations assess the effectiveness of their hiring strategies.

Compliance and Equal Opportunity: ATS can help ensure compliance with labour laws and regulations, as well as promote equal opportunity hiring practices.

Integration: Many ATS systems integrate with other HR and recruiting tools, such as payroll, HRIS (Human Resources Information System), and background check services.

Overall, an ATS streamlines the hiring process, reduces administrative tasks, improves collaboration among hiring teams, and enhances the overall efficiency of recruitment efforts. It is commonly used by businesses of all sizes to manage their talent acquisition process effectively.