We're Not Hiring (Yet): Why Your Applicant Tracking System Still Matters
The article explains that even during hiring freezes or periods without active recruitment, maintaining an applicant tracking system (ATS) subscription is crucial because it keeps companies prepared to quickly respond to staffing needs, allows organization of applicant data and job descriptions in advance, and helps build a pipeline of qualified candidates for future hiring.
We’re Not Hiring (Yet): Why Your Applicant Tracking System Still Matters
Aug 5, 2025
HR and Recruiting Industry Information, Recruiting Best Practices
Whether your company is facing a hiring freeze or simply properly staffed, you may not be actively hiring at the moment. Some employers are tempted to terminate their applicant-tracking system during such periods, as they aren’t using it to recruit and bring on new staff. But we’re here to tell you that doing so can actually cause more problems. Check out why maintaining an applicant tracking system (ATS) subscription is valuable even when hiring isn’t an immediate focus.
The Value of Staying Prepared
The hiring landscape can change quickly; having your ATS ready ensures you can hit the ground running when the time comes. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden or unexpected departure or the need to fill a newly created position, you’ll be glad to have acces to the system when the need arises.
ApplicantStack also makes it easy to organize applicant data long before positions open up. Stored job descriptions and pre-built workflows streamline the hiring process. Your future self will appreciate the simplicity of creating and sharing a job posting when you do need to hire.
Build a Candidate Pipeline
Your applicant tracking system can also help you be ready with a pool of qualified candidates. When individuals apply for roles with your company but aren’t selected, keeping their information in the system is highly beneficial.
Features like tagging strong resumes for future roles and organizing candidates by skillset or experience level are available in ApplicantStack, and they make it easier to go back and find an applicant who would be a great fit for a newly opened position. Pre-built candidate pipelines can save days of work when a job opening arises.
Analyze Your Past Hiring Efforts
It also makes sense to maintain your applicant tracking system to analyze past efforts and identify efficiencies. Downtime is ideal for reviewing previous hiring metrics, identifying problems, and improving your processes. Look at key hiring metrics like time-to-hire and cost-per-hire, as well as any bottlenecks that may be occurring when making decisions about how to move forward. Use this data to enhance your recruiting efficiency for the next hire.
Create or Update Job Templates
During periods of hiring downtime, why not refine job descriptions and application templates? By staying on top of these efforts when you do have time, you can avoid making rushed decisions or hurrying to get something posted in an effort to fill an open role as soon as possible.
It’s also smart to collect data to determine how well specific posting details resonate with candidates. Use tools like A/B testing to figure out which jobs get more clicks and applications.
Explore Features
When you’re rushing to hire, you don’t have a lot of extra time to explore the features and functionality within the platform. Slower periods are perfect for that. For example, you could utilize the Document functionality in ApplicantStack to create offer letter templates and other resources that will further streamline your hiring process.
Maintain Your Brand Presence with Candidates
Your applicant tracking system can also help the company maintain relationships with potential candidates during slower hiring periods. Collecting applicant data allows you to stay in touch through email campaigns or newsletters to update the group about your company and keep them engaged. While you’re thinking about your company’s brand presence, why not make some enhancements to the branding of your job board? It’s highly customizable within ApplicantStack and helps your company stand out.
Utilize ApplicantStack to the Fullest
Maintaining an applicant tracking system during slower hiring periods is an investment in your company’s future success. It ensures you’re prepared to act quickly when new roles open, keeps valuable candidate data accessible, and allows you to refine your hiring processes to be more efficient and effective.
Instead of seeing ApplicantStack as a tool solely for times of active recruiting, think of it as an essential part of your overall talent strategy—one that helps you stay ready, organized, and ahead of the curve. Utilizing your downtime to optimize your system will set the stage for smoother, faster, and more strategic hiring when the time comes.
You can also take advantage of our Knowledge Base, which is packed with articles designed to help you make the most of your ATS. We host regular webinars that help clients learn how to maximize the features and functionality for their needs. Our team is here to support your business in times of hiring and beyond!
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