Can an Applicant Tracking System Improve the Candidate Experience?

Applying for a job can sometimes feel like sending a message into a black hole. Candidates spend time researching companies, tailoring resumes, completing lengthy applications, and preparing for interviews—only to hear nothing back.

For U.S. employers competing for skilled talent, that experience can be costly. LinkedIn reports that 50% of job seekers say the hiring process has become harder, while 64% of hiring professionals say finding qualified talent has also become more difficult. So, can technology make hiring feel less frustrating and more human?

The answer may be yes—when an applicant tracking system is used to support people rather than simply automate them.

Make Applying Easier, Not More Complicated

A great candidate experience starts with a simple application process. Nobody wants to upload a resume and then spend another 30 minutes manually entering the same information.

Research from LinkedIn Talent Solutions shows that shorter and easier applications can lead to a better candidate experience. Candidates also value clear information and a process that respects their time.

An effective applicant tracking system can help employers simplify forms, organize candidate information, and reduce unnecessary steps. The result? Candidates can spend less time wrestling with technology and more time showing why they may be a great fit.

Keep Candidates in the Loop

One of the biggest frustrations in hiring is silence.

“Did they receive my application?” “Am I still being considered?” “Should I move on?”

Automated updates can make a meaningful difference. An ATS can send confirmation messages, interview reminders, scheduling links, and status updates without requiring recruiters to manually track every interaction. LinkedIn specifically recommends measuring touchpoints and time spent at each stage to identify where candidates may feel forgotten or where the process slows down.

This does not mean every message has to sound robotic. The best recruiting teams use automation for routine communication while leaving room for recruiters to have genuine conversations when they matter most.

Faster Hiring Can Feel More Respectful

Candidates notice when a hiring process drags on. According to LinkedIn’s candidate experience research, respect for a candidate’s time and the overall length of the process are major factors influencing whether candidates stay engaged.

By giving recruiters a clearer view of where every applicant is in the process, an applicant tracking system can help reduce bottlenecks. Recruiters can follow up faster, coordinate interviews more efficiently, and avoid losing strong candidates simply because someone forgot to respond.

That matters in today’s competitive market. SHRM found that 69% of employers were still struggling to fill full-time roles in 2025, while 41% reported candidates ghosting during the interview process. A smoother, more transparent process can help keep both sides engaged.

Technology Still Needs a Human Touch

Of course, technology alone cannot create a great candidate experience. Poorly designed automated screening can create new barriers, and employers still need to consider fairness, accessibility, and legal obligations when using automated hiring tools. The EEOC notes that existing federal employment discrimination laws continue to apply when AI is used in recruiting and hiring.

The real goal is not to remove humans from hiring. It is to remove unnecessary friction.

When used thoughtfully, an applicant tracking system can make applications easier, communication more consistent, and hiring more efficient—while giving recruiters more time to do what technology cannot: build real relationships.

Because at the end of the day, candidates may interact with your technology first, but they will remember how your company made them feel.