ATS vs Traditional Hiring: Unleashing Retail Business Success

Navigating the seas of retail recruitment can often feel like steering a ship through a storm. High staff turnover, seasonal recruitment surges, and the relentless pursuit of top talent - are all part and parcel of the retail hiring landscape. 

But what if there was a tool that could transform these tumultuous seas into tranquil waters? Enter the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). According to recent studies, 75% of large companies use an ATS to streamline their hiring process, and an increasing number of SMEs are hopping on board too. But is an Applicant Tracking System for Retail Businesses a step up from traditional hiring methods? 

Let's put on our captain's hat, take the wheel, and chart a course through this debate.

Unpacking Traditional Hiring Methods in Retail

To understand where we're going, we need to know where we've been. Traditional hiring methods in the retail sector typically involve posting job adverts, manually sorting through CVs, conducting interviews, and checking references. It's a time-consuming process and often a bit like trying to find a golden needle in a haystack. 

Moreover, traditional hiring methods can be a drain on resources. The Centre for American Progress reports that replacing a mid-level employee can cost up to 20% of their annual salary. This could add up to a significant sum for a retail business, especially given the sector's high turnover rates.

Introducing the ATS: A New Dawn for Retail Hiring

An ATS is essentially a digital command centre for all your hiring needs. It allows you to post job adverts across multiple platforms, filter applications based on predefined criteria, and organise candidate data in one centralised location. The impact of an ATS on the retail hiring process can be phenomenal. According to a report by the Aberdeen Group, companies using an ATS have reduced their cost-per-hire by an impressive 27%. Furthermore, businesses utilising an ATS have reported a 20% increase in hiring manager satisfaction.

Case Study: The GoHire Advantage

One name often stands out when talking about ATS software for retail businesses: GoHire. It's an intuitive and robust ATS that is designed to make your retail hiring process as smooth as sailing on a calm sea. GoHire offers several unique advantages. Its seamless integrations allow you to post job adverts across various platforms. Its user-friendly interface makes navigating the system a breeze, and its centralised candidate database keeps all your applicant information in one secure location.

Retail businesses that have used GoHire have reported some impressive results. A UK-based high-street fashion chain using GoHire reported a 40% reduction in time-to-hire and a 35% improvement in the quality of their hires. Meanwhile, a local grocery store credited GoHire with simplifying their seasonal hiring process and providing invaluable insights into their hiring strategies.

Applicant Tracking Systems: An Investment, Not an Expense

Adopting an ATS might seem like a significant expense upfront. But in reality, it's a strategic investment. A report from Nucleus Research shows that an ATS can drive a return of up to $3.64 for each dollar spent. The math is simple here: an ATS can ultimately help save your retail business money by reducing the time spent on hiring, improving the quality of candidates, and cutting down on turnover rates.

ATS and Data: Driving Informed Hiring Decisions

We live in an age of data-driven decision-making. So why should your hiring process be any different? An ATS like GoHire provides a wealth of data, offering insights into crucial hiring metrics like source of hire, time-to-fill, and acceptance rates. These analytics allow you to refine and optimise your hiring strategy continually. Remember, knowledge is power, and an ATS provides plenty of it.

ATS and the Candidate Experience: Turning Applicants into Advocates

Your hiring process isn't just about filling vacancies; it's also an opportunity to build your employer's brand. A positive candidate experience can turn applicants into advocates for your business, even if they don't land the job. And an ATS like GoHire can be pivotal in enhancing this experience. 

From user-friendly application processes to timely communication, an ATS can help you leave a positive impression on every candidate that comes your way. Considering that 78% of job seekers say the overall candidate experience they receive indicates how a company values its people, an ATS is your key to showcasing your commitment to your employees.

Embracing the Digital Transformation

In the digital age, businesses need to modernise their processes avoid being left behind. This is especially true when it comes to hiring. Today’s job seekers — particularly millennials and Generation Z — are digital natives. 

They expect to be able to apply for jobs with the click of a button and receive timely updates on their application status. Using an ATS like GoHire can help meet these expectations and ensure that your business keeps pace with the digital transformation of the hiring process.

ATS and Compliance: Navigating the Regulatory Seas

Compliance with employment laws and regulations is crucial for businesses of all sizes. Failing to comply can lead to hefty fines and damage your business's reputation. An ATS like GoHire can help ensure your hiring process is compliant, taking the stress out of navigating the complex regulatory seas. From ensuring that job adverts meet non-discrimination standards to securely storing candidate data, GoHire has built compliance into its core.

Preparing for Seasonal Recruitment Surges

For many retail businesses, certain times of the year bring a tidal wave of hiring needs. Be it the holiday season or the summer rush, seasonal recruitment can be a massive challenge. But this is where an ATS can truly shine. With GoHire, you can easily ramp up your hiring efforts when needed. The platform allows you to quickly post job adverts, filter through applications, and schedule interviews. Moreover, you can keep track of previous seasonal applicants, making it easy to re-hire top performers.

Let’s wrap up

From enhancing your hiring efficiency to keeping you compliant and prepared for seasonal surges, an ATS like GoHire is the co-captain you need for your retail business hiring voyage. It’s a powerful tool that can revolutionise your recruitment process, making your life easier and positioning your business for success in today’s digital, fast-paced retail environment.

There's no contest in the Applicant Tracking System vs Traditional Hiring Methods debate: an ATS comes out on top. So why not set sail on smoother seas and see how GoHire can transform your retail business hiring process? The horizon is looking bright.