Online recruitment is a term that can mean different things to different people. To some, it means using the Internet to advertise a vacant position. To others, it means using the Internet to allow people to read about and apply for a vacancy online

Either way, as more and more people become familiar and comfortable with the Internet, e-recruitment is becoming a natural extension for advertising and managing job applications. E-recruitment can enable a business to make dramatic time and cost savings.

Applicant tracking (ATS) or e-recruitment systems were originally limited to the major employers who had the largest recruitment needs and could develop an online presence through advertising spend. A key part of the return on investment for these organisations was a reduction in the use of recruitment agencies and the associated costs that this entailed.

Now however, the benefits of these systems are being felt by ever smaller firms. These systems are being recognised and implemented by employers who may wish to continue using their existing recruitment channels, but also want to take advantage of the efficiencies and improved candidate experience. They may continue to use a preferred supplier list of 30 or 40 agencies, but may also want to manage all applicants from all channels through one system, avoiding duplication from different agencies or channels.

The ability for ATS systems to allow call centre / response management staff to enter manual applications also makes an ATS a viable option for a much wider range of organisations, giving equal access to all applicants using all media.

RecruitActive work with a range of public and private sector employers who recruit from as few as 20 staff to over a 3,000 staff a year. Although they each use their ATS slightly differently, they all profit from the classic benefits of reduced cost, reduced time to hire, improved efficiency and improved candidate experience - irrespective of the channels used to attract applicants.

This evolution of the use of ATS will expand the use of these systems to companies of all sizes, even those who do not intend to change their current recruitment techniques.