‘ATS,’ what does it mean for job seekers?

ATS stands for "Applicant Tracking System." It is a software application organisations use to manage and streamline their recruitment and hiring processes. ATS systems automate the handling of job applications, allowing employers to collect, organise, and screen resumes and other relevant applicant information more efficiently.

ATS software typically includes job posting management, resume parsing, candidate database management, interview scheduling, and communication tools. These systems help employers track and filter applicants, manage candidate pipelines, collaborate with hiring teams, and ultimately select the most suitable candidates for job openings.

ATS systems are designed to improve the efficiency of the recruitment process, save time and resources, and ensure compliance with hiring regulations. They often include keyword-based search functionalities, ranking algorithms, and integration with external job boards and career websites to attract a wider pool of candidates.

Job seekers should be aware that when applying for positions, their resumes may be parsed and filtered through an ATS before reaching human recruiters. It's essential to optimise resumes with relevant keywords and formatting to increase the chances of passing through an ATS and getting to the next stage of the hiring process.