How to Grill an Applicant Tracking Vendor

Here are some questions you’ll want to consider asking vendors ofapplicant-tracking products before you sign on any dotted line:

Functionality
Installation and training
Customer service
Pricing
Security and stability
Flexibility
Scability
Other

• What is the maximum number of users who can use this? Can they use itsimultaneously?

• Can a hiring manager use the technology in such a way that prevents him orher from seeing other hiring managers’ candidates?

• Tell me about how the system finds jobs from job boards. Where else can itfind resumes?

• Does the system work with my existing company Web site with job listings?How?

• Does the system work with my e-mail program (e.g. Microsoft Outlook)?

• Does HR have the option of having as much or as little control as itwants?

• How does your system interface with services such as background checks, relocation vendors, or drug testing companies? Do you have “preferred partners” I have to use?

• Is your system compliant with the various international laws regarding data importation? For example, moving data from Germany to the United States?

• Does the system work “wireless”?

• What are the installation fees? How long does it take? Who on my end wouldbe involved? Tell me about the process.

• What are the training fees? How long does it take? Who on my end would beinvolved? Tell me about the process.

• Will the system interface with my HRMS? Are there any difficulties indoing so, or things to watch for?

• How many people will handle customer service for my account? When are theyavailable (what hours)? Tell me about the estimated response time. Any feesinvolved?

• Does scanning resumes cost extra?

• Are there any other added fees? Tell me about them. Are there anydiscounts?

• What are the costs per additional user? As my company grows, how willcosts be affected?

• Do I have to pay extra for the test environment?

Security and stability

• How often do you back the system up? What happens if you’re down—whatsafety-net plans are there? How are fees discounted?

• How customizable is the system for me? Can it be used with a specificlanguage I need (Italian, Spanish, etc.)?

• Can I change the layout or the navigation?

• How can the system adapt to the unique aspects of my industry?

• What are the prices on this customization? How long would it take to do?

• How often is the system upgraded? Does this cost more? How much more?

• What upgrades do you have planned? Can our version be meshed into theupgrade?

• How long have you been in business? How many clients do you have when itcomes to applicant management?

• What is the normal/ideal company size of a customer of yours?

• Tell me a little bit about data recovery (what happens to my data if you go out of business).

• Can I have names and contact information of your references?