What is an ATS? A practical guide for recruitment teams

Onrec Explains · Recruitment & HR guides

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software that helps employers and recruiters organise candidates and move applications through a hiring process. It provides a shared record of vacancies, applications and recruitment activity.

What does an ATS do?

Typical functions include publishing vacancies, collecting applications, recording interview feedback and tracking candidates through agreed stages. Features and integrations vary: an ATS for an in-house team may serve different needs from an agency platform that also manages clients and placements.

ATS or recruitment CRM?

An ATS mainly organises applications and hiring workflows. A recruitment CRM focuses on maintaining relationships with candidates or clients over time. Many platforms combine both, so compare the actual workflow rather than the product label.

Questions to ask before buying

Can recruiters and hiring managers complete your most common tasks in a live demonstration?
Which job boards, email tools and HR systems connect directly, and what costs extra?
How will existing records be migrated, checked and exported if you leave?
Can candidates request adjustments and use the application process on a phone?

A useful starting point

Map one vacancy from approval to hire. Identify repeated administration and missing information, then test that same scenario with each shortlisted supplier. Agree success measures before implementation, including recruiter adoption and application completion.