How to Choose the Best Applicant Tracking System
Applicant tracking systems assist recruiters in managing resumes and candidates within the hiring process for an organization. Often linked to other software products like human resource information management systems, it is important to identify the best software solution to ensure proper use and successful implementation. Understanding the critical needs for the system helps to ensure the right product is selected.
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Things You'll Need
- Implementation committee (stakeholders)
- Project manager
- Software engineer/developer
- Internet
Instructions
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Needs Analysis and Team Creation
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1
Have your implementation committee identify a software lead and a project manager to steer the project. Ensure your committee includes at least one of each the following: senior level stakeholder, recruiter, hiring manager, systems administrator and human resource manager.
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2
Identify the existing recruitment management process in the organization, including gaps, delays and current issues to identify your "needs analysis."
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3
Based on the needs analysis, review the current process for managing resumes and candidates and establish business requirements for the new applicant tracking system. Ensure this business requirements include recruitment budget for software, technical requirements, number of users and system core functionality. Have committee review and approve business requirements.
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4
Research current applicant tracking systems by conducting initial research online, reviewing buyer guides offered by human resource and recruiting organizations and contacting professionals in your network to identify systems other leading companies recommend.
Conduct Vendor Review
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5
Identify ten applicant tracking systems that best satisfy your business requirements. As a committee, select six systems and invite representatives from each of these systems to do a full presentation for your implementation committee.
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6
After reviewing the presentations of each applicant tracking system, have the committee vote on the top four systems for your business needs.
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Have the four selected systems complete a request for proposal (RFP) including: an overview of business requirements, implementation plan, software cost and tentative implementation schedule.
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8
Review each RFP against your business requirements, budget and needs analysis. Have the committee vote on the final three systems you wish to consider.
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Bring the final three system representatives in for final reviews. Ensure the committee asks any remaining questions about functionality, integration with complementing systems, costs and any potential problem areas. Let the committee make a collaborative decision on the vendor with the best system for your business needs.
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