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Applicant Tracking FAQ's

What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is a type of HR recruiting software that manages the entire hiring process in one digital space. It helps businesses post job openings, collect and organize applications, track candidate progress, and manage communications throughout the hiring journey. Instead of relying on emails or spreadsheets, an ATS keeps everything centralized, searchable, and easy to manage. This makes it simpler for hiring managers and HR teams to collaborate and make timely, informed hiring decisions.

Why do companies use an ATS in their hiring process?

Companies use applicant tracking systems to make recruiting faster, more organized, and more consistent. By automating tasks like job postings, resume sorting, and interview scheduling, the software removes repetitive administrative work that slows teams down. It also helps create a better candidate experience by ensuring timely communication and reducing response delays. Ultimately, an ATS helps businesses hire the right people faster—while maintaining professionalism and compliance every step of the way.

What are common challenges in recruitment that applicant tracking software addresses?

Recruiting often involves managing dozens of applicants, coordinating multiple interviewers, and tracking countless emails. These manual processes can lead to lost resumes, duplicate data, and inconsistent follow-up. Applicant tracking software solves these challenges by providing one centralized system where you can view all candidate activity, automate reminders, and track progress in real time. It eliminates inefficiencies, reduces hiring bottlenecks, and ensures that no strong candidate slips through the cracks.

How can ATS improve efficiency?

Businesses of all sizes use applicant tracking systems to simplify hiring, reduce administrative overhead, and stay competitive in the job market. Instead of jumping between multiple job boards or manually sorting applications, teams can manage everything from one place. The system helps companies maintain a professional image by delivering prompt communication and organized workflows. It also supports compliance with state and federal laws—something especially valuable for small and mid-sized businesses without dedicated HR departments.

Does this software integrate with payroll and HR processes?

Yes. Our applicant tracking software is part of the isolved People Cloud platform, which means it integrates seamlessly with your payroll, onboarding, and HR systems. Once you hire someone, their data automatically flows into your onboarding workflows—reducing errors, eliminating double entry, and saving hours of administrative time. This end-to-end connection helps ensure a consistent employee experience from the moment they apply to their first day on the job.

Is your ATS suitable for small businesses?

Absolutely. Modern applicant tracking systems are designed to help small and mid-sized businesses compete for talent without needing a large HR team. They simplify complex hiring tasks, improve visibility into recruiting efforts, and create a polished, professional process that helps attract better candidates. Whether you’re hiring seasonal staff or building a growing team, an ATS keeps your process efficient, compliant, and cost-effective.

Does ATS help my business with compliance?

Applicant tracking systems support compliance by automatically maintaining detailed hiring records and tracking important data points like applicant sources, diversity metrics, and EEO reporting. They help ensure hiring decisions are based on documented criteria and not personal bias. In the event of an audit or investigation, you’ll have all the necessary documentation at your fingertips. For Maine employers, this also helps align hiring practices with both state and federal labor standards—protecting your business from unnecessary risk.