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AI-powered ATS vs Traditional ATS Comparison: Which One is Better?

Introduction


Choosing the right applicant tracking system (ATS) is crucial for your organization's success in hiring top talent. An ATS can help streamline your recruitment process, improve candidate experience, and ultimately save time and money. However, with so many options in the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which ATS is the best fit for your company. In this blog post, we'll compare traditional ATS with AI-powered ATS and highlight the benefits of using the latter. We'll also discuss how ExactBuyer's AI-powered solution can help you build more targeted audiences and streamline your recruitment process.


What is an AI-powered ATS?


If you're in the market for an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), you may have heard of an AI-powered ATS. But what exactly is it and how does it differ from a traditional ATS? In short, an AI-powered ATS uses artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to streamline the recruitment process, whereas a traditional ATS relies on manual data entry and often lacks sophisticated automation and analytics features.


How an AI-powered ATS Works?


An AI-powered ATS uses machine learning algorithms to analyze resumes and job descriptions, automatically screen candidates, and predict which applicants are the best fit for a particular role based on skills, experience, education, and other factors. Through natural language processing, an AI-powered ATS can even evaluate a candidate's writing and communication skills.


Furthermore, an AI-powered ATS can automate certain recruitment tasks such as scheduling interviews, sending personalized emails, and posting job ads on various platforms.


How an AI-powered ATS differs from a traditional ATS?


An AI-powered ATS differs from a traditional ATS in several key ways:



  • Automation: AI-powered ATS can automate various recruitment tasks, saving recruiters time and improving efficiency.

  • Analytics: AI-powered ATS can provide insights into the recruiting process, such as which job boards and sourcing channels are most effective at attracting quality candidates.

  • Predictive Hiring: An AI-powered ATS can help predict which applicants are most likely to succeed in a particular role, based on data from past hires and job performance metrics.


Overall, an AI-powered ATS can help companies find the best talent more efficiently and effectively, while reducing recruiters' workload and streamlining the recruitment process.


Features of AI-powered ATS


An AI-powered ATS (Applicant Tracking System) offers a suite of features that can significantly benefit your recruitment process. Here are some of the features that you can expect:



  • Automated Resume Screening


    AI-powered ATS systems use natural language processing to scan resumes and match them to job descriptions, which speeds up the screening process and ensures that you are only considering candidates who meet your specific requirements.



  • Automated Candidate Sourcing


    A number of AI-powered ATS platforms use machine learning to source candidates from a variety of online sources based on specified hiring criteria. This can save time and help you find candidates who might otherwise go undiscovered.



  • Customizable Dashboards


    Most AI-powered ATS systems offer customizable dashboards that provide real-time visibility into your hiring pipeline. You can view the status of your job posts, resume submissions, and candidate interviews all in one place.



  • Automated Interview Scheduling


    Many AI-powered ATS systems have interview scheduling capabilities that can save recruiters a significant amount of time. Once an interview is scheduled, the system can automatically send out reminders and follow-up emails to keep candidates updated and engaged.



  • Predictive Analytics


    AI-powered ATS platforms can use predictive analytics to identify trends and patterns in your hiring data. This can help you optimize your recruitment process, identify potential bottlenecks, and make more informed decisions overall.



  • Improved User Experience


    Modern AI-powered ATS systems are built with user experience in mind, providing intuitive interfaces and streamlined workflows that make it easy for recruiters to manage their hiring processes.




These are just a few of the features that an AI-powered ATS offers. By leveraging the power of machine learning and automation, you can streamline your recruitment process, save time, and make more data-driven decisions overall.


Benefits of AI-powered ATS


When it comes to applicant tracking systems (ATS), there are traditional systems and newer, AI-powered systems. AI-powered ATS offer numerous benefits over traditional ATS. Here's an overview of some of the major benefits:


1. Improved Candidate Matching


One of the biggest advantages of AI-powered ATS is improved candidate matching. These systems use artificial intelligence to compare job requirements with candidate resumes, searching for the most qualified candidates. This saves HR departments time and energy and can help identify candidates that might be overlooked using traditional ATS.


2. Reduced Recruitment Bias


Human bias can creep into the recruitment process, leading to less diverse and less qualified candidate pools. However, AI-powered ATS can help reduce recruitment bias by basing candidate selections solely on objective criteria such as skills and experience.


3. Increased Efficiency


AI-powered ATS also offer increased efficiency. These systems can automate the resume screening process and send interview requests without human intervention. This not only saves time, but it also allows recruiters to focus on higher-level tasks such as conducting interviews and engaging with candidates.


4. Improved Candidate Experience


Using AI-powered ATS can also contribute to an improved candidate experience. These systems can offer candidates a more personalized recruitment experience, helping to build trust and improve candidate satisfaction.


5. Greater Cost-Effectiveness


By automating many of the recruitment processes and streamlining candidate selection, AI-powered ATS can offer greater cost-effectiveness. Companies can save money on recruitment costs while also improving the efficiency of their recruitment process.


Overall, the benefits of AI-powered ATS make them a compelling option for companies looking to improve their recruitment process and find the best talent.


If you're interested in learning more about AI-powered ATS or finding new accounts or candidates for your business, try out ExactBuyer, which provides real-time contact and audience intelligence solutions.


Drawbacks of AI-powered ATS


AI-powered ATS has revolutionized the recruitment process by providing efficient and effective ways to screen, sort and shortlist candidates. However, like any technology, it also has some potential drawbacks that should be taken into consideration before implementing it in the recruitment process. This section discusses some of these drawbacks and suggests ways to overcome them.


Lack of Human Interaction


One of the drawbacks of AI-powered ATS is the lack of human interaction during the initial stages of the recruitment process. AI-powered ATS uses algorithms and machine learning models to screen and sort candidates based on predefined criteria. This can lead to the exclusion of potentially qualified candidates who may not meet the predetermined criteria but can add value to the organization.


Bias in Algorithms


Another potential drawback of AI-powered ATS is the bias in algorithms. Algorithms are developed by humans and can inherit the biases of their creators. This can lead to discrimination against certain groups, such as minorities or people with disabilities, who may not fit the algorithm's criteria.


Overreliance on Technology


AI-powered ATS can also lead to an overreliance on technology during the recruitment process. Human interaction and decision-making skills are still crucial in the recruitment process, and too much reliance on technology can lead to overlooking candidates who may not fit the algorithm's criteria but have important soft skills or potential.


Suggestions to Overcome the Drawbacks


To overcome the potential drawbacks of AI-powered ATS, it is important to balance the use of technology with human interaction and decision-making skills. Some suggestions include:



  • Using AI-powered ATS as a screening tool and having human recruiters review the shortlisted candidates

  • Ensuring that the algorithm used in AI-powered ATS is regularly assessed and updated for bias

  • Training recruiters to recognize potential biases in algorithms and to make decisions that balance the use of technology with human interaction and decision-making skills


By considering these potential drawbacks and implementing ways to overcome them, organizations can effectively use AI-powered ATS in their recruitment process while still ensuring a fair and successful hiring outcome.


What is a Traditional ATS?



An ATS or applicant tracking system is a software application that is used by organizations to manage and automate their recruitment process. Traditional ATS systems are designed to simplify the tracking of resumes and applications through a centralized database accessible by HR professionals and recruiters. It is responsible for collecting and analyzing information, rankings, and feedback on candidates. Here are some of the features of a traditional ATS:



  • Allows recruiters to create job postings and publish them on multiple job boards.

  • Captures resumes, pre-screens applications, and stores candidate information in a centralized database.

  • Enables recruiters to manage job postings, resumes, and candidate communications.

  • Allows HR professionals to track the entire recruitment process, generate reports, and set up automated workflows.

  • Offers data analytics, sourcing, and collaboration functionalities.

  • Requires human intervention in every step of the recruitment process.


Traditional ATS systems require recruiters to manually review resumes and applications and select the best candidates for the job. Recruiters have to read each resume and rate it manually based on specific criteria, which is a time-consuming process. These systems do not have capabilities to analyze unstructured data. Traditional ATS systems have limited capabilities to identify and analyze internal employees that might be a good fit for the position. For that reason, AI-powered ATS has been developed to overcome these limitations.


Features of Traditional ATS


A traditional Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software application designed to streamline and automate the recruitment process. It provides features to manage job postings, resumes, candidate communications, and hiring workflows. Here are some common features of traditional ATS and how they can benefit your recruitment process:


Job Posting Management



  • Job Board Integrations: ATS can automatically post job openings to different job boards which helps to reach a wider audience.

  • Customizable Job Templates: Recruiters can create job templates with pre-defined descriptions, requirements, and questions for different positions which can help to speed up the job posting process.


Resume Management



  • Resume Parsing: ATS can automatically extract candidate information from resumes, such as name, contact details, education, and work experience, and store it in the system.

  • Resume Search: Recruiters can search for resumes using specific keywords, education, or location to find qualified candidates quickly.


Candidate Communications



  • Email Integration: ATS allows recruiters to communicate with candidates through the system, which helps to track candidate responses and maintain communication history.

  • Automated Emails: Recruiters can set up automated emails to send to candidates, such as confirmation of resume submission or interview reminders.


Hiring Workflows



  • Workflow Customization: ATS allows recruiters to customize the hiring workflows based on their organization's specific requirements.

  • Candidate Status Tracking: Recruiters can track the progress of candidates through the hiring process and update the status as necessary, which helps to avoid duplication and confusion.


In summary, a traditional ATS provides a myriad of features to handle job posting management, resume management, candidate communications, and hiring workflows. These features help to streamline the recruitment process and save time for recruiters.


Benefits of Traditional ATS


When it comes to evaluating different applicant tracking systems (ATS), traditional ATS hold several advantages over AI-powered ATS.


Time-Tested Tracking System



  • Traditional ATS have been around for many years and have a proven track record of success.

  • These systems have been refined over time and offer reliable and time-tested tracking methods.


Workflow Integration



  • Traditional ATS can easily integrate with other systems that organizations use such as HRIS, ERP, payroll, and other applications.

  • This means that hiring managers and recruiters can quickly access candidate information and material without having to switch between systems, minimizing potential disruptions and maximizing productivity.


Customizability



  • Traditional ATS can often be tailored to meet the specific recruitment requirements of an organization.

  • This allows the organization to create a recruitment workflow that is unique and caters to specific needs.


Cost-Effective



  • Traditionally, these ATS tend to be less expensive than their AI-powered counterparts.

  • Organizations that are tight on budget can easily afford these systems as they are priced lower and often come with minimal setup requirements.


In conclusion, traditional ATS offers several advantages. However, before investing in a particular system, it is essential to evaluate different ATS systems' features and functionalities to determine which one aligns with company requirements and offers maximum benefits.


Drawbacks of Traditional ATS


When it comes to recruitment management, an applicant tracking system (ATS) is an essential tool for any organization. However, traditional ATS options have their own drawbacks. Here are some potential drawbacks of using a traditional ATS and how they can be overcome:


Limited Keyword Search Results


Traditional ATS often rely on simple keyword matching algorithms which can lead to limited search results. This can make it difficult for recruiters to find candidates with the right skills and experience. The solution is to use an AI-powered ATS like ExactBuyer which uses natural language processing and machine learning to accurately match resumes with job descriptions.


Limited Data Visibility


Traditional ATS may not always allow the recruiters to see the complete candidate profile of the applicant, since they often lack integration with external data sources. This can make it difficult to determine whether a candidate is a good fit for a particular job. With ExactBuyer's real-time contact and company data, recruiters can obtain a comprehensive view of the candidate’s work history, education, and other relevant data before moving the candidate further down the recruitment process.


Poor Candidate Experience


Traditional ATS may fail to deliver a seamless and friendly candidate experience due to their outdated interface and cumbersome application process. This can adversely affect the candidate's impression of the organization making it difficult to source the best talent. ExactBuyer’s AI-powered search interface provides a seamless candidate experience, resulting in better candidate engagement and higher conversion rates.


High Cost of Ownership


Traditional ATS options can be overly expensive to manage as they require constant maintenance, updates, and scalability. Furthermore, they might require additional training costs for the recruiters to use the system effectively. ExactBuyer offers affordable pricing plans with easy-to-use user interfaces that do not require any additional training costs.



  • Conclusion:

  • Given the above drawbacks, it is important for recruiters to choose the right ATS that can overcome these challenges. An AI-powered ATS like ExactBuyer offers advanced search algorithms and real-time data that can help recruiters find and hire the right talent quickly and efficiently.



Which is Better? AI-Powered ATS vs Traditional ATS


Are you currently in the market for an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) but unsure whether an AI-powered ATS or a traditional ATS is the right fit for your organization? In this article, we’ll provide an overall comparison between the two types of ATS and explore which one may be better suited for your organization's needs.


What is a traditional ATS?


A traditional ATS is a software application that automates the recruitment and hiring process by organizing, storing, and tracking resumes and job applications. This type of ATS typically relies on keywords, filters, and Boolean search operators to match candidates with job openings.


What is an AI-powered ATS?


An AI-powered ATS is a software application that leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to enhance the recruitment and hiring process. This type of ATS can analyze resumes, predict candidate fit, provide candidate rankings, and even automate scheduling of interviews.


Comparison



  • Speed: AI-powered ATS can analyze resumes and applications much faster than traditional ATS.

  • Predictive Analytics: AI-powered ATS can analyze a candidate's previous job experiences, skills, and education to predict whether they’d be a good fit for the role. Traditional ATS lacks this functionality.

  • Customization: Traditional ATS can be more easily customized to meet an organization's specific needs. AI-powered ATS may require more effort and customization to be tailored to your organization.

  • Cost: Traditional ATS are generally less expensive than AI-powered ATS.

  • User Experience: AI-powered ATS provide a more intuitive and user-friendly experience for both hiring managers and candidates.


In conclusion, while traditional ATS may be more cost-effective and customizable, AI-powered ATS provide faster and more accurate candidate matching and a better user experience. Depending on your organization's specific hiring needs, one type of ATS may be better suited than the other.


To experience the power of AI in recruitment and explore our AI-powered ATS solution, check out ExactBuyer.


Conclusion


After evaluating the comparison between AI-powered ATS and traditional ATS, it is clear that each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.


Summary of Comparison


While traditional ATS relies on manual processes and keyword matches, AI-powered ATS uses machine learning and natural language processing to improve the recruitment process. AI-powered ATS can automate many manual processes and offer more accurate candidate rankings, reducing hiring bias and increasing the efficiency of the recruitment process. It also offers real-time candidate matching, which can be essential in fast-paced hiring ecosystems.


On the other hand, traditional ATS offers a simpler approach and can be more accessible to smaller businesses or those with simpler recruitment needs. It can also be better suited for specific industries or roles where employers want to see precise qualifications or experience on a resume.


Recommendation


Based on the comparison, we recommend that businesses evaluate their recruitment needs and determine which type of ATS will best suit their requirements. Larger businesses or those with need for automation and real-time matching benefits should consider implementing an AI-powered ATS solution for their recruitment needs. However, smaller businesses or those with simpler recruitment needs could benefit from using traditional ATS solutions.


Whichever solution businesses choose, it is crucial to ensure that the ATS provider offers up-to-date, verified, and relevant data for recruiting purposes. ExactBuyer's AI-powered Search is one example of an ATS that provides accurate and up-to-date data in real-time, helping businesses make informed decisions and improve their recruitment processes.


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