PROS AND CONS OF APPLICANT TRACKING SYSTEMS
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) have become a standard tool in the modern hiring process, helping employers manage the flood of job applications they receive. While these systems offer clear benefits, especially for employers in terms of efficiency and automation, they also present challenges for students and recent graduates entering the workforce.
ATS is a software application designed to filter job applications, manage resumes, and help recruiters identify the best candidates for open positions. Traditionally, it was seen as a solution to handle the sheer volume of applications employers have to deal with, automatically filtering resumes using keywords and other criteria. However, as advancements in AI continue to progress, ATS applications are evolving into more complete hiring tools that support a range of new features.
The trend of recruiters sharing job postings to mobile-friendly platforms has also expanded the need for ATS. Employers are now able to reach millions of applicants globally within minutes. As a result, the market for ATS is set to grow by USD $714.3 million from 2024 to 2028 due to its integration into mobile apps such as Google Hire.
Since AI and automation continue to integrate into the realm of professional development, understanding how to acclimatize to this new job environment is crucial for students and new job seekers.
Pros of ATS
One of the main advantages of ATS is the efficiency it offers employers. These systems automate key aspects of the hiring process, including resume sorting and interview scheduling. For students, this means that companies can respond to their applications almost instantly, often automating the entire process from identifying the candidates to sending out interview invitations.
Modern ATS can use AI and data analytics to help employers make more informed hiring decisions. These systems can recognize relevant skills and experiences, even if a student doesn’t have traditional work experience. For example, AI-powered ATS may identify academic projects or internships that align with job requirements, giving students an advantage in matching their qualifications with job openings.
ATS, in theory, also enforces meritocracy by relying on objective criteria like skills and qualifications to filter applications. For students who meet the required criteria, this could mean that their resumes are seen without being subject to the unconscious bias that might occur in manual reviews.
Cons of ATS
There are significant downsides to leaving hiring decisions up to ATS, particularly for students unaware of how to interact with them. ATS systems rely heavily on keyword filtering, which means that if a student’s resume doesn’t contain the exact keywords an employer is looking for, it might never be seen. This can result in candidates feeling like they are sending their applications into a “black box,” especially if they contain nontraditional work experiences and projects that are not described with the desired terminology.
Another disadvantage to ATS is its essential rejection of personality from applications. Informed applicants often feel the need to tailor the language on their resume to match search criteria, making the whole process impersonal. This disconnect from employers can be particularly frustrating when applying for internships or entry-level positions, where personal connections can make a significant difference.
ATS can also amplify existing human biases. Since AI-driven platforms depend heavily on the data they are trained on, any inherent biases in that data can be replicated or even magnified by the system. If the data reflects certain biased patterns, the ATS may unintentionally filter out qualified candidates who don’t fit traditional norms. AI designed to contextualize resumes can make unfair judgments based on a narrow set of criteria, leading to potentially biased outcomes that overlook deserving candidates.
What to do
By moving away from accepting walk-in resume drop-offs and transitioning to a fully online application process, businesses pit hopeful candidates against ATS as the first step toward employment. For students entering the job market, this means that understanding how ATS works is critical when pursuing any career path.
Standing out under ATS has become antonymous with uniqueness, ushering in a new age where applicants must find a way to gamify conformity to best market themselves. Students should look into optimizing their resumes with relevant keywords and tailor them for specific job descriptions. While this can help, networking efforts bypass ATS altogether and can be an impactful resource in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Overall, it is an exciting time right now in technology, however, this transition period comes at the risk of leaving a large part of the population in the dark. The key for future job seekers will be to educate themselves on the technology as much as possible while trying to find a balance between resume optimization and real-life human connection.
