As hiring becomes increasingly competitive, recruiters need technology that is not only efficient but flexible. A cloud-based applicant tracking system (ATS) or online applicant tracking system provides significant advantages over conventional software and helps to improve collaboration, scalability, and user experience while streamlining the hiring process. This blog discusses the key benefits of cloud ATS, how it works, and why it is becoming necessary for today’s HR teams.
More than ever, recruitment is complicated for hiring teams sorting through many applications, working remotely, and trying to provide candidates with a great experience. On-site applicant tracking systems, while beneficial in the past, do not offer much flexibility and scalability. Enter cloud-based applicant tracking systems, a versatile, cloud-based solution that is available whenever you are ready to log in from anywhere, and offers the opportunity to build significant efficiencies into a recruitment workflow. This blog intends to offer you insights into the nature of this technology, how it is changing the way businesses hire, and why your business should consider switching.
How Does a Cloud-Based Applicant Tracking System Work?
A cloud-based applicant tracking system stores all recruitment data on the provider’s remote servers to be accessed online. This lets every hiring team work from any location, time zone, or device, and keeps them synchronized with real-time data. The cloud storage provider is responsible for the system, so if anything needs to be updated, it is automatically updated, meaning no complex local IT infrastructure to manage. Some of the main features of a cloud-based ATS may include applicant tracking, interview scheduling, communication tools, and integration with other HR and financial software.
Benefits of a Cloud-Based Applicant Tracking System
Access & Flexibility: Access your recruitment data at any time, any time and from any connected device. This is especially useful when working with distributed teams and or in situations where you are doing a lot of your hiring remotely.
Increased Collaboration: All team members can evaluate applicants at the same time, and can simultaneously modify candidates’ records and provide feedback without being geographically restricted.
Increased Candidate Experience: With customizable features and a streamlined application process, you can leave candidates with a great impression and attract even more top talent.
Integration with Other Tools: Cloud ATS typically integrates with payroll, background checks, job boards, and communication tools, which leave less room for duplication and ensure a more efficient recruiting process.
Cost-Effective and Scalable: With subscription-based pricing, makers of cloud ATS make the upfront cost much lower than traditional software and once the subscription level has been established, it can easily scale up as your business hire and grows, and without the extra overhead.
Automatic Updates and Maintenance: The ATS provider is responsible for upgrades and security, which allows to access the most current features without any worries about IT.
Graphical Data Insight
(Here a simple bar chart could illustrate the percentage improvement observed when switching from on-premise ATS to cloud-based ATS in terms of recruitment speed, candidate satisfaction, and collaboration efficiency.)
Why Choose an Online Applicant Tracking System?
Today’s job seeker is likely using mobile devices and expects an easier application process. An online applicant tracking system, which is usually cloud-based, provides:
- Mobile-friendly applications
- Updatesinreal-time to candidates
- Accelerated communication and feedback cycles
These lead to increased application volumes and greater candidate relationships when it is necessary to engage in talent competition.
Challenges and Considerations
Although the cloud ATS is enormously beneficial, companies will want to think about:
- Data security and compliance with regulations
- Reliability of Internet connection
- Choosing a vendor that provides and supports full integration with existing human resources tools and processes and with their vendors.
Conclusion
A cloud-based applicant tracking system no longer can be considered optional, it is essential to organizations looking to improve efficiencies in recruiting and improve collaboration and candidate experience. Cloud-based HR teams can turn hiring into an easier, flexible, scalable process which ultimately allows them to find the best talent faster and more easily.
