subject: Applicant Tracking Software For SMB (Small & Mid-Size Businesses) [print this page] Applicant Tracking Software For SMB (Small & Mid-Size Businesses)
What makes up a good hiring and applicant tracking software for small and mid-size business and should you keep in mind before making that final decision? There are of course a number of factors; cost (both initial and ongoing), ease-of-use, does it require significant IT support and how well does it solve the business problem it's intended to address. I'm sure that I can come up with others but I tend to think that they're still derived from these four core issues.
Below are 4 key areas that small and mid-size companies should take into consideration when looking to address the applicant tracking and hiring process with an applicant tracking software solution.
1. How well does it solve the business problem it's intended to address:
Small and mid-size businesses can and do have different needs that vary from company to company. And each organization needs to look at their internal processes to determine what needs to be done to improve the applicant tracking and hiring process. However, I think there is broad agreement regarding the fundamental needs of both small and mid-size companies when it comes to applicant tracking technology.
A good applicant tracking system should improve collaboration and facilitate the flow of information between HR, corporate recruiters and hiring managers. It should offer an easily accessible system that provides a single location to manage applicant tracking and hiring activities. Applicant tracking and talent acquisition software should address the entire hiring process; including managing the company's Web facing Career Center, engaging the hiring manager, tracking the applicant progression and then having an efficient way to bring that applicant on-board.
Having a way to manage the process from A to Z, companies benefit from a fully defined methodology. This improves efficiency throughout the hiring process and leads to better visibility in to hiring results and improvement in the time to hire.
2. Cost:
It's always an important factor, but even more so for the small and mid-sized company. Costs for Web-based applicant tracking software can cover a wide range, from a few dollars a month on up to several hundred. And, here is where it's important to go back a step and look at your needs. Having clearly defined needs and understanding your goals will ensure that you get the functionality that you need. When considering applicant tracking systems more is not always better. I suggest the Goldilocks approach, sit through a few demos, and try out a system or two before jumping in with both feet. Make sure that you get that "just right" feeling.
Look for systems that are developed and tailored for the small and mid-sized company market. If your hiring volume doesn't equal a fortune 500 company you shouldn't be looking at applicant tracking systems designed for one.
If you are thinking of starting small with an express or light type product, make sure that the applicant tracking vendor also offers advanced features or products. This will ensure that as your hiring processes evolve you won't need to start all over again because now you need something a little more robust.
3. Ease-of-use:
It needs to be easy to learn, easy to use and easy to deploy. Small and mid-size organizations are dynamic by nature. They need applicant tracking software systems that are flexible and that can be plugged in to their existing business culture quickly. The system should easy to learn with screens that are intuitive to the way people work and to the work they need to do.
Systems should be able to be deployed quickly applicant tracking softwarethat is Web based, hosted or offered as SaaS (Software as a Service) typically offers the fastest way to get up and running. In some instances organizations can literally be using the system in a matter of hours.
4. Does it require significant IT Support?
Typically small and mid-size companies have limited internal IT support. The costs associated with supporting software and computer hardware can be a significant burden. Again, applicant tracking software that is Web based, hosted or offered as SaaS (Software as a Service) provides companies with a solution that requires no software to purchase, install or maintain. No additional servers or computer hardware to purchase and no IT issues to deal with. For small and mid-size companies a Web-based applicant tracking software a great way to go.
Of course these issues apply to any size business when it comes to technology. But with small and Mid-size organizations, with limited budgets and IT support, its important companies get it right.
