What is an applicant tracking system (ATS)?
Answer
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is hiring software that stores applications, organizes candidates by stage, and helps your team collaborate on reviews and decisions. It replaces inbox chaos with a structured pipeline from "new applicant" to "hired" or "not moving forward."
Most ATS tools also give you a branded place to post roles and collect applications in a consistent format, so you compare candidates fairly and respond faster. For small businesses, that means less manual copying from email and fewer candidates slipping through the cracks.