In today’s competitive job market, finding the right candidates for your organization can be a challenging task. That’s where applicant tracking software comes in. It streamlines the recruitment process, making it more efficient and effective. If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution, free applicant tracking software can be a great option. In this step-by-step guide, we will explore how you can make the most of such software and optimize your recruitment process.

Understanding Applicant Tracking Software

Before diving into the specifics, let’s start by understanding what applicant tracking software (ATS) is. It is a tool that helps employers manage their recruitment process by automating various tasks such as job posting, resume screening, interview scheduling, and candidate communication. It allows you to streamline your hiring process, save time, and improve the overall quality of your candidate pool.

Researching and Choosing the Best Free Applicant Tracking Software

The first step is to research and select the best free applicant tracking software for your needs. Look for software that offers essential features such as resume parsing, job posting, candidate database management, and interview scheduling. Additionally, consider the user interface, ease of use, and integration capabilities with other HR tools.

Setting Up Your Account and Customizing the Software

Once you have chosen the software, sign up for an account and start customizing it to align with your recruitment workflow. Configure your job board, company branding, and communication templates. Create different user roles and permissions for your team members to ensure smooth collaboration.

Creating and Posting Job Openings

The next step is to create and post job openings using the applicant tracking software. Craft compelling job descriptions that clearly define the role, responsibilities, and requirements. Leverage the built-in templates or customize them to match your company’s tone and culture. Make sure to optimize your job postings with relevant keywords, including ATS and best recruitment crm, to improve visibility.

Managing and Screening Applications

As applications start pouring in, it’s essential to efficiently manage and screen them. Use the software’s resume parsing feature to automatically extract relevant information from resumes and create candidate profiles. Customize your screening criteria to filter out unqualified candidates. This will help you save time and focus on the most suitable applicants.

Collaborating with Your Team

Applicant tracking software often includes collaboration features that enable seamless communication and collaboration within your hiring team. Assign tasks, share notes, and exchange feedback on candidates directly within the software. This promotes effective teamwork, ensuring that everyone is on the same page throughout the hiring process.

Scheduling and Conducting Interviews

Utilize the interview scheduling functionality of the software to streamline the process of setting up interviews with shortlisted candidates. Send interview invitations and reminders automatically, avoiding the back-and-forth of email exchanges. Additionally, consider integrating video conferencing tools to conduct virtual interviews, especially in today’s remote work environment.

Tracking and Evaluating Candidates

Keep track of each candidate’s progress through the recruitment pipeline using the applicant tracking software. Update candidate statuses, add interview feedback, and rate applicants based on their qualifications. This will help you make informed decisions and select the best candidates for further consideration.

Providing a Positive Candidate Experience

Remember, your recruitment process is a reflection of your company’s brand. Ensure a positive candidate experience by promptly acknowledging applications, providing regular updates, and offering personalized communication. Use the software’s communication templates to send automated email notifications at various stages of the process.

Analyzing Recruitment Metrics and Improving

Finally, take advantage of the analytics and reporting features provided by the applicant tracking software. Evaluate key recruitment metrics such as time-to-hire, cost-per-hire, and source of hire to identify areas for improvement. Use this data to refine your recruitment strategies and optimize your hiring process.

Final Thoughts

By making the most of free applicant tracking software, you can streamline your recruitment process, save time, and improve the quality of your hires. Research and choose the best software for your needs, customize it to align with your workflow, and leverage its features to manage applications, collaborate with your team, schedule interviews, track candidates, and provide a positive candidate experience. Regularly analyze recruitment metrics to identify areas for improvement and enhance your overall hiring strategy.

Recruit CRM is on a mission to help recruiters across the world streamline their recruiting process using our intuitive and easy-to-use cloud-based ATS + CRM software. Check out our latest ebook “101 recruiting power boosters to ace your hiring in 2023” for expert recruiting tips and advice.