You’ve had the nod from senior management, the contracts are signed and your new applicant tracking system (ATS) is ready to be implemented. It’s an exciting time; but what do you do if your team aren’t quite as enthusiastic as you?
Introducing a new piece of technology to your business will usually be met with one of two reactions; excitement at the prospect of using new software or trepidation at the thought of changing established processes.
No matter how progressive your business is or how open-minded your staff are, it’s likely you’ll encounter someone who will be unsure or critical of the idea of doing something different to how you’ve ‘always done it before’.
But how can you combat this way of thinking? To improve user adoption rates of your ATS, try following our top tips below:
1. Make sure your ATS is as user-friendly as possible
There is a lot of choice when it comes to selecting an ATS, with hundreds of suppliers on the market. Some systems are simple and easy to get to grips with, whereas others are more complex and can appear daunting to the less tech-savvy members of your team.
It’s important to select an ATS that’s intuitive; even if you’re confident using a configured, enterprise-level system, are your hiring managers going to feel the same?
As well as ease-of-use, it’s also worth considering the training and resources that your supplier has available. Make use of any online resources, such as training guides and videos. Does your supplier have a dedicated support team? A training session conducted face-to-face or via screenshare will help to improve users’ confidence levels with the system.
2. Ensure key stakeholders are involved in any purchasing decisions
When selecting your ATS, think about who will be using it within your business and try to get a selection of these people involved in the purchasing decision. This will ensure that your final choice represents the needs of everyone, rather than just reflecting your own requirements.
By giving people in your company a say in which system they end up using, you increase the chances of them actually using the system as they have invested their time and energy in helping to make the right purchasing decision. Sometimes people just don’t like the idea of being told to use a piece of technology without having any say.
3. Highlight the benefits it will bring to them
One common reason why people might fail to get on board with a piece of technology is because they don’t understand the reasons why you’re implementing the software.
As such, it’s important that you clearly communicate the benefits of your ATS to the rest of your business. Don’t just focus on how it will help you; relate it to every individual and how it will help them to overcome challenges in their own roles.
For example, hiring managers might be fed up with being bombarded with CVs via email to look at; highlight the fact that they can simply log in and review all shortlisted candidates at a glance.
4. Don’t give up
It can be disheartening when other members of your business are critical of the system you spent so long researching and selecting. However, it’s important not to give up.
Introducing a new piece of technology is hard work and although you may experience resistance at first, you should act as an ATS evangelist and keep encouraging people within your business to use it. After all, the more they use the software, the more comfortable they will become with it.
Listen to everyone’s concerns and respond accordingly. If someone doesn’t understand how it works, arrange additional training; your supplier should be more than happy to oblige.
Looking for some help to implement an ATS into your business? Give our team a call on 01392 823 137 to find out how we can help make your transition to technology as smooth as possible.
