How do you choose the right ATS with so many options?

If you have ever researched ATS vendors and solutions, or done a Google search, you’ll have been inundated with an array of options. But where do you start in getting to the details of what system is going to be best for your organisation? In this blog, we look at the importance of a high-level plan and hear from an expert who has been there and done that.

Getting a broad view of your system requirements is a must-have. Document what your organisation’s requirements are. List the must-haves, nice to have and where you currently fall short. This is the basis to match the capability of your needs. There will be areas you haven’t thought of too, so think about your current situation and what the needs might be in 1,2,5 years from now.

Ask others across the organisation for input: HR, Hiring Managers, People Team etc. We have some handy checklists to use when coordinating requirements. They are free to download and use straight away.

As part of your research, investigate the areas recommended below. Ask your shortlist of vendors these key questions:

1. How suitable is the ATS based on the size of the organisations it works with and the applicability of sector experience? Consider scalability, features, and cost-effectiveness for small, mid-sized, or large enterprises.
2. You are unique, right? Is the ATS customisable to adapt to your unique recruitment process and be flexible for future change (without being reliant on the vendor to make changes)?
3. How user-friendly is the ATS for your user base?
4. How user-friendly is the ATS for candidates?
5. How easy is the ATS to integrate with existing tools or tools you may want to connect in the future?
6. Test your shortlist of vendors when delivering a demo to create some realistic user journey scenarios that test the agility of the software based on a scenario that you might encounter.
7. Check out customer reviews and ratings for a rounded view of credibility and track record. There are plenty of third-party review sites such as Capterra, G2 and GetApp.

Choosing for the long haul

Technology partners are infinitely more valuable than technology vendors. Partners act in collaboration with you to improve your business; vendors simply try to sell more things to you. Don’t just take our word for it. Listen to Andy Long, a TA expert and RL100 stalwart who has implemented many Applicant Tracking Systems for various businesses. He shares his insight on how to choose the right ATS with so many options. There are a series of short videos from Andy on the topic of implementing an ATS.