Trend Alert: Responsive Applicant Tracking Systems

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hands ipad sketchThe next frontier for developers of modern applicant tracking systems (and HR Technology in general) is to develop solutions that perform well on any device, even those that have not been invented yet. Until recently, the solution has been to create a different product for every device. This is commonly referred to as an “App Strategy”: developing different products for an iPad, iPhone and Android App, as well as a desktop version. In 2014, the market will benefit from the emergence of universal platforms that are capable of adapting to any screen size. These “responsive” products are setting the bar for usability, accessibility and user adoption rates.

Scrolling, zooming, pinching and squinting aren’t options anymore.

For applicant tracking systems, one fixed-width layout of data and simply does not work anymore. This means the width is fixed at a specific number of pixels (typically 800 pixels) and doesn’t change no matter how big or small the user’s screen is.  Given the variety of screen variations that people work on today, fixed-width pages are preventing the effective use of Applicant Tracking Systems. While some vendors are correct in asserting that their platforms can be accessed on mobile devices, they mean that their product can be viewed on mobile devices. However, this doesn’t mean that users can actually do work on mobile devices. Scrolling, zooming, pinching and squinting are not viable options for users anymore.

Users of applicant tracking systems demand mobility.

  • 98% of recruiters said they’d be more efficient if they had mobile access to their ATS.
  • 90% of hiring managers say they want to access recruiting data from their phones and tablets.
  • 95% of executives expect to participate in job and offer approval processes from their smartphones.

*Results compiled from a 2013 independent survey conducted by Newton Software of over 100 small and medium-sized employers

Responsive ATS is more than a trend. It’s the future.

It’s undeniable; today’s workforces are freer to work from anywhere they want to work. Employers expect people to be productive while on the move, which requires technology that empowers people to work from anywhere in the world, on whatever device they choose. As a result, workers are fueling the demand for mobile solutions. Employers must respond with responsive products. These platforms understand what screen size is being used to access the platform. Responsive platforms automatically provide context and will appropriately juxtapose the right data being displayed, with the right controls, on any device and on any browser, at speeds we’ve never experienced before.

Responsive design is the new mobile. It will prove to be immeasurably beneficial for the recruiting technology industry and consumers of HR technology in general.  Responsiveness is the catalyst that we’ve all been waiting for to truly accelerate the socialization of recruiting technology beyond just recruiters and HR professionals. Our industry is once again on the cusp of reinventing itself and with the help of new technologies like HTML5, one-page apps, and JavaScript, the cornerstones of responsive design. 2014 is going to be a breakthrough year and the perfect set up for what’s to come in an industry that truly is experiencing a technical renaissance.

Newton is the only fully featured responsive applicant tracking system available

Interested in affordable, responsive hiring software for your company? Newton is the only responsive, future-ready applicant tracking system designed to organize and improve internal hiring programs for small and medium-sized employers.

Contact a Newton applicant tracking specialist today: www.newtonsoftware.com 

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