Automating Talent Acquisition: ATS Vs Manual Job Posting

In the ever-evolving corporate landscape, one element remains constant: the pursuit of top-tier talent. 

Finding, attracting, and retaining the right personnel is an arduous task faced by businesses of all sizes, especially for startups and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). 

A 2021 study by the UK’s Institute of Employment Studies reported that it takes an average of 27.5 days to fill a vacancy manually, a figure that doubles for more specialised roles. 

More concerning, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) states that the average cost-per-hire in the UK is a staggering £3,000.

However, technology has revolutionised this process, introducing efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness in talent acquisition. At the heart of this revolution is the Applicant Tracking System (ATS), a key phrase that has become synonymous with successful recruitment strategies. 

This article delves into the drawbacks of manual job posting, the benefits of an ATS, and how platforms like GoHire can automate the recruitment process, saving time and money for startups and SMBs.

The Shortcomings of Manual Job Posting

Posting jobs manually presents several challenges hindering a company's recruitment efforts.

Time-Consuming

Manual job posting is a time-consuming process, requiring significant administrative effort. The protracted process can lead to missed opportunities as top candidates will likely be hired by competitors during this period.

Inconsistent and Error-Prone

Manual job postings can lead to consistency in job descriptions, potentially creating confusion among applicants. Moreover, the process is prone to human error, which can negatively impact a company's professional image.

Limited Reach

Manual job postings often have a limited reach, resulting in a smaller pool of applicants, thereby limiting the

High Costs

Manual job posting can be costly, both in terms of direct costs associated with listing jobs on various platforms and indirect costs, such as the time spent managing the process.

Reduced Candidate Experience

Without the streamlined processes provided by an ATS, candidates may experience delays in communication, difficulty in application submission, or inconsistencies in information, potentially damaging a company's employer brand.

The Power of an Applicant Tracking System

In contrast to the challenges of manual job posting, an Applicant Tracking System offers numerous benefits.

Efficiency

An ATS streamlines recruitment by automatically posting jobs across multiple platforms, collecting applications, and organising them in a user-friendly database. This automation drastically reduces the time spent on administrative tasks, leading to significant time savings.

Accuracy

Using an ATS like GoHire reduces the risk of human error often associated with manual job postings. The system ensures that all job postings are accurate, consistent, and reach the right audiences.

Cost-Effectiveness

An ATS can significantly reduce the cost of hiring by automating multiple tasks that would otherwise require human resources. 

According to a 2023 Bersin by Deloitte study, companies utilising an ATS have seen a 27% reduction in cost-per-hire compared to manual job posting methods.

GoHire: An ATS Designed for Startups and SMBs

GoHire Designed by keeping in mind ATS for startups and SMBs, GoHire offers many features that automate the recruitment process, thus saving time and money.

User-Friendly Interface

GoHire’s easy-to-use interface makes it an excellent choice for businesses with limited HR resources. Its intuitive design requires minimal training, allowing businesses to start quickly and easily.

Comprehensive Recruitment Solution

GoHire is not just an ATS. It offers a comprehensive recruitment solution, including features for job posting, applicant tracking, interview scheduling, and even onboarding. This all-in-one solution minimises the need for multiple platforms, saving money and increasing efficiency.

Affordable Pricing

Recognising the financial constraints of startups and SMBs, GoHire offers affordable, scalable pricing options. This ensures businesses only pay for what they need, reducing the financial burden while reaping the benefits of a robust ATS.

Customisable Features

GoHire’s customisable features allow businesses to adapt the ATS to their needs. Whether it's custom job descriptions, branded career pages, or specific selection criteria, GoHire offers the flexibility to create a bespoke recruitment process.

Let’s wrap up

In an increasingly competitive corporate landscape, efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness in talent acquisition are not just desirable but imperative. 

The statistics demonstrate the benefits of an Applicant Tracking System in meeting these objectives. A robust ATS, like GoHire, not only streamlines the hiring process but also improves the quality of hires by targeting the right candidates and ensuring a seamless recruitment process.

A 2022 report from the Aberdeen Group highlighted that companies using an ATS achieved an 88% higher hiring success rate than those relying on manual methods. Furthermore, an ATS can boost candidate satisfaction by up to 40%, according to a 2023 Talent Board Candidate Experience Research report.

In terms of financial benefits, using an ATS can bring substantial savings. Given the average cost-per-hire in the UK of £3,000, the 27% reduction in cost-per-hire reported by Bersin by Deloitte equates to savings of £810 per vacancy. For a small business hiring ten people per year, this amounts to an annual saving of £8,100 - a significant amount for businesses operating on a tight budget.

By opting for an ATS like GoHire, startups and SMBs can access a comprehensive, user-friendly recruitment solution. The platform's affordable, scalable pricing and customisable features make it an ideal choice for businesses looking to streamline their recruitment process and reduce costs.

Choosing between an ATS and manual job posting should be a no-brainer for business leaders. 

The data overwhelmingly points to the superiority of an Applicant Tracking System in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. 

As startups and SMBs strive to grow and compete in an increasingly competitive market, using an ATS like GoHire will be a critical element of their recruitment strategy. 

It's not just about saving time and money; it's about securing the best talent to drive the business’s future success. In the face of such compelling evidence, the question for startups and SMBs isn't "Why should we use an ATS?" but rather, "Can we afford not to?".