Do you want to use recruitment automation effectively to save time and develop your employer brand, while retaining the human element in your hiring process? Check out the following ATS automation features to use and the ones to avoid.

Imagine investing in a brand new Swiss Army Knife…and only using the corkscrew! Or worse yet, what if you used some tools incorrectly and hurt yourself in the process?

Some organisations make similar mistakes using their recruitment tech and ATS automation features. Failing to use great features can be due to poor training and team changeovers. On the other hand, some recruiters use ATS automation features that damage their employer brand without them knowing it.

Recruitment automation is the technology and tools that allow organisations to automate recruitment tasks and workflows.

While you may not need to use 100% of the recruitment automation features in your Applicant Tracking System, here are three useful ones to use, as well as three you should avoid. These tips will make life easier for you and your candidates, while retaining the human element in your recruitment process.

Recruitment automation features to USE

1. Knock-out questions

You may be using tailored screening questions already. But can you tie non-negotiable requirements to ATS automation?

For example, many recruiters choose to ask candidates if they have the right to live and work in the country, with “yes” or “no” response options. Employers that are unable to offer roles or relocation assistance to overseas candidates can tie an “ineligible” status to candidates who respond “no” to save time when screening.

Note, this feature comes with an important caveat. Be sure to read about ATS automation features to avoid at the end of this article.

2. Interview scheduling

Previously, playing phone tag to schedule interviews was frustrating for both recruiters and candidates. Now, interview scheduling features in your Applicant Tracking System automate this process.

Select your interview times and send a personalised, branded email invitation to your top candidates, allowing them to choose a time at their convenience. This is particularly useful if you need to involve multiple stakeholders in the interview process.

Be sure to personalise these email invitations with system placeholders that can populate your email template with candidate and job details.

3. Post jobs across platforms

Despite the recent shift to an employer-driven market, posting a single job ad on Seek won’t net you the best talent. Most Applicant Tracking Systems integrate with a variety of job boards, so you can share your recruitment advertisement across channels at the click of a button.

Recruitment automation features to AVOID  

There are times when automation isn’t always positive. Here are three examples of features to steer clear of.

1. Generic, unbranded emails

Every candidate should receive an email confirmation after they submit an application. However, bland emails that begin with “Dear candidate”, “This is an automated response”, or “Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted,” are a huge turn-off.

Create beautiful, branded emails with your logo and colours. Better yet, send them “from” a real member of your team with their name and signature. Can you encourage candidates to connect with you on your social media channels, or check out your careers site? Use this as another touch point to strengthen your employer brand.

2. Instant rejection emails

While it’s frustrating for candidates to never hear back about a role, it can be even worse for them to receive an instant rejection email, especially after investing the time to apply.

Find out more about candidates’ recruitment pet peeves in our Employer Branding Insights report.

As a candidate shared in our Candidate Experience survey: “If I’m mistreated during the recruitment process, I’ll make a note to never apply there again. How they treat applicants tells you a lot about what they think about staff and how they run their business.”

Rejecting candidates with tact and grace is a natural part of any good recruitment process. These communications create a lasting impression of your brand, positive or negative. Doing it right allows you to keep the door open for them to apply for roles in the future or provide referrals.

Wait at least 2-3 days after a candidate’s application to share unsuccessful feedback (this is something that you can automate well with certain Applicant Tracking Systems). Ensure your recruitment workflow is established correctly from the start, particularly if you are using multiple automation features in conjunction, such knock-out screening questions and system-triggered rejection emails.

3. Applications with too many steps

Applications that are too complex, ask for duplicate information, require candidates to create user accounts, or demand too much information upfront, such as referee details, result in higher candidate drop off rates.

As this candidate explained, “Having to separately re-enter all the data from my CV is frustrating and time-consuming.”

Recruitment automation is changing the face of hiring. Ensure you’re using your ATS to its fullest potential! Use these tips to strengthen your employer brand, avoid the pitfalls and retain the human element in your organisation’s recruitment.

Find out more about Scout Talent’s Applicant Tracking System :Recruit and recruitment automation features. To enquire, contact the Scout Talent team on 1300 366 573 or at info@scouttalent.com.au.

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