Integrating your Applicant Tracking System (ATS) with your Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) is a step towards gaining efficiencies. With their vast knowledge of the Fair Credit Reporting Act and state employment laws, CRAs can assist in navigating the compliance standards for pre-employment screening. ATS integrations can vastly improve the hiring experience but can seem like a big undertaking. Follow these tips for integration success, and you’ll be on a smooth path to positive gains.
- Do Your Research
A discovery call with your ATS and screening providers is the first step in the process. Every integration is different, so it’s crucial to understand the capabilities of your ATS and background screening provide to achieve success. The more versed you are, the better you’ll be able to plan for and manage expectations. Each ATS has a unique interface, and it’s important to know what your system is capable of before beginning an integration.
- Assemble Your Team
Identify the persons in your company who will need to stay informed during the project. These are typically key people in human resources, operations, and the IT department. While you’re assembling your “dream team,” the technical side of things will be ironed out by your screening provider and ATS.
- Make a Project Plan
Creating a timeline with important dates, approvals, and communication requirements will set the project up for success. Be sure to include anticipated outcomes and solutions for potential roadblocks. Your vendors will be working through their project plan and establishing the development cycle.
- Time for Testing
Once the development cycles are final on the backend, your vendors will begin testing the system. The project team will reach out as questions and technical snags arise. Constant communication is essential to the process, as responsiveness is necessary for keeping things on track. Progress is dependent on open conversation, so be sure to keep the discussion flowing for a timely turnover.
- Train and Revise
Testing will be turned over to you once the vendors finalize the configuration. Organize education sessions with your project team to test all functionalities and workflow in the system and direct any questions back to your vendors. Some workflows may seem right on paper, but falter when put into place. Testing within your department will allow you to identify any possible hang-ups and make changes or offer training before problems arise.
- Integration Implementation
When the integrated systems are working at your expectation level, it’s time to sign off! A release date will be scheduled, and training provided for the rest of your company’s users. A best practice is to schedule frequent sessions to ensure all staff members are comfortable prior to launch. - Assess the Functions
For the next 30-45 days, a representative will be assigned to monitor your account and resolve any problems, adjusting as necessary. The transition becomes smooth with the experts close by to assist in the change.
Integrations may seem complex on the surface, but by following these steps, it will be a smooth and simple process. Are you ready to integrate your systems? Employment Screening Services (ESS) offers integrations with over 35 systems. Contact one of our experts at solutions@es2.com for more information.
