The Benefits of Applicant Tracking & Recruiting During a Labor Shortage: 

The unemployment rate is currently at its lowest point in 18 years, and this has created a challenge for businesses that are looking to fill open positions. In this blog post, we will explore how Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can help overcome the challenges of recruiting during a labor shortage. We will also discuss some strategies that businesses can use to attract top talent in today’s competitive market. Let’s get started!

It’s no secret that, everywhere we go- whether it’s out to eat, going to a store, or running errands, there is a labor shortage all around us. You may be waiting longer for service or deliveries, as many businesses cope with the shortage and manage the best they can.

If this sounds familiar and you are struggling to find the right candidates to fill your open positions, you may want to consider utilizing applicant tracking and recruitment software. ATS can not only help make your search easier, but it can help you attract the perfect candidate, even in the middle of a labor shortage.

What is an applicant tracking system (ATS) and how can it help with the recruitment process?

Applicant tracking and recruitment systems are designed to help businesses keep track of candidates to recruit and hire which, essentially, means it can quickly become human resource’s best friend. This system will collect important information and help keep applicants organized by experience, skill sets, and other customizable filters, to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

The candidate tracking and recruitment tools help streamline communication with applicants, making it an indispensable organizational tool. This system can assist with collecting important documents like a certification that may be needed for specific jobs and scheduling interviews.

What are some of the benefits of using an ATS for recruiting purposes?

The automatic response, in times like these, may be to just get any candidate into the position so that it is covered and there is someone to perform the functions of that job. However, while that seems like the easiest way to curb your labor shortage problem, just hiring anyone (no matter what their qualifications are) will end up costing you money and wasting a lot of time and energy in the long run.

When it comes to finding the right person to fill your position, applicant tracking systems give you many benefits, including:

1. Speeding up the recruitment cycle.
2. Improving the candidate experience.
3. Reaching a wider candidate pool.
4. Making applying easier.

The hiring process isn’t typically a quick one, given the typical turnaround time from start (receiving the application) to finish (hiring on the employee), is typically a 40-day turnaround. With that in mind, if you automate everything from receiving applicants, narrowing down suitable candidates and scheduling interviews, the whole recruitment process is much faster. This not only keeps your HR department more productive, but also ensure that you can secure the best talent quickly and ahead of the competition.

Let’s face it, during a labor shortage, candidates have an overabundance of different opportunities to choose from, and therefore, the upper hand when it comes time to negotiate. One way to stand out amongst your competition is to reduce friction in the application and interview processes. A sound ATS can be your inside track to not just attracting the right talent but providing them with a positive application and recruitment experience by ensuring that candidates receive timely feedback throughout every step of the process. Efficiency in this process is not only a key to your business’ success, but it leaves a positive impact about your company’s dedication to job candidates.

As for the best prospective talent, you may not necessarily come across this within a 30-mile radius of your company. By limiting your search, it is only going to limit your talent pool. ATS, with the help of search engine optimization (SEO), can help you reach the right person no matter where they’re located. It helps your business tap into social media platforms where you can meet candidates where they’re present online.

Prospective employees are increasingly searching and applying for jobs on their mobile devices. Candidates will continue to be more likely to find your company and apply for an open position on their smartphones or tablets. ATS gives these candidates this option, easily letting candidates apply for positions they’re interested in right away, instead of having to wait.

What tips can you offer employers who are struggling to fill open positions due to the labor shortage?

Now, more than ever, it is crucial for businesses to get creative and go beyond the regular recruitment methods to be seen amongst the masses. Instead of only recruiting through the typical websites and platforms, your business should also be promoting job ads on social media, advertising through traditional print ads, or even trying another creative outlet.

It should come as no surprise that in the digital age, everything is accessible online. Potential candidates can (and will) research your company before applying for a position, especially while there are many positions available at their job-scrolling fingertips. Apparently, 86% of applicants are likely to research company reviews and ratings when deciding where to apply for a job. More importantly, candidates trust a company’s employees three times more than a company itself, to provide credible information on what it’s like to work there. Your employees are the faces to your brand, your number one asset.

Ask your current employees to share their experiences, both online and to others. Frame it as a way for employees to provide their feedback, and in turn, help shape company initiatives and attract talent like themselves. Feedback on websites such as Glassdoor, can be anonymous, which helps ensure feedback is legitimate.

Many companies shy away from asking employees to share feedback, because they’re afraid of receiving negative reviews. All feedback should be embraced as a learning experience. If you find that someone is having a negative experience in your company, why not address the issue? You can’t afford to have a toxic or negative work environment in our current labor state. Address negative feedback with a proactive response and amplify the positive comments with a personal thank you message. 62% of candidates say their perception of a business improves after seeing an employer respond to a review.

The current employee shortage is making it difficult for many businesses to find the right talent. However, with the help of an applicant tracking system, you can streamline your recruitment process and make it easier for potential employees to apply for jobs. Our professionals can work with you to create a system that meets your specific needs and helps you find the best candidates for your open positions. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you during this challenging time.