Qualified Applicants: Applicant Tracking Should Be Your Best Friend

There are many misconceptions around Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and how they can help, or hurt, a candidate's chances for landing an interview. The truth is your qualifications are the true indicator as to why you either receive a call or don’t. 

If you are a true fit for the job you are applying for then why worry? If your qualifications don’t pair well with the job you’re applying for, then why bother? So let’s dive a bit deeper into this mysteriously frightening software and correct some common fears.

If You’re Qualified, You’re Fine

If you recently applied for an open position using an ATS and your qualifications meet the requirements of the posting, you are at a definite advantage. The software is designed to flag certain responses (good and bad) to differentiate candidates. For example, say the job you are applying for requires a 4 year degree and you, in fact, have a 4 year degree. That answer can be flagged so the hiring manager can review only those applicants who meet qualifications. 

Applying in Person is Better, Right?

Typically people favor applying to a job in person because it creates the opportunity to form more of a relationship. Even though applying through an ATS eliminates the option to build a relationship with the hiring manager, it does level the playing field for all candidates (again, if you’re qualified you are fine). The advantage to this is it really does make certain that the person best suited for the job gets the job. 

Once You’re Hired, The Transition is Smoother

Employee onboarding has been simplified thanks to ATS. All that information you put in when you filled out your application will be seamlessly transferred into your new hire forms, reducing the amount of personal information you need to fill in. Put simply, you can begin your job (and stop filling out forms) faster.