Top 4 Ways HR Professionals Can Stay Ahead of ATS Trends and Technology

In the fast-moving world of talent acquisition, staying current with the latest Applicant Tracking System (ATS) trends and technologies is no longer optional—it’s essential. Advances like AI in hiring, automation, and the rise of remote/hybrid work models are reshaping how HR professionals source, engage, and hire top talent. For HR teams striving to improve the candidate experience and deploy smarter HR technology, keeping pace with innovation ensures a competitive edge in both recruitment efficiency and quality.

Embrace the Power of AI in Hiring and Automation

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing recruitment by automating repetitive tasks such as resume screening, interview scheduling, and candidate assessments. HR pros who stay informed about emerging AI capabilities within ATS platforms can streamline hiring processes, reduce unconscious bias, and identify top talent faster. For HR pros, understanding how to leverage AI in hiring means less time sifting through piles of resumes and more time focusing on meaningful candidate interactions. Following industry blogs, attending AI-focused webinars, and participating in technology demos can help HR professionals recognize which tools offer the best integration of AI for their needs.

Automation goes hand in hand with AI in elevating the efficiency of HR teams. From automated workflows that push candidate data to various stages, to AI-powered chatbots that communicate with job applicants, automation ensures a seamless experience for both recruiters and candidates alike. Keeping pace with the latest automation functionalities means HR pros can provide a personalized, responsive candidate experience while saving time and reducing human error.

Adapt to Remote and Hybrid Work Models

The pandemic fundamentally changed the nature of work, making remote and hybrid work models the new normal. ATS technologies have responded by integrating features that support virtual interviews, remote onboarding, and seamless collaboration across distributed teams.

HR professionals need to remain attuned to how ATS platforms evolve to meet these changing hire-and-work dynamics. Engaging with industry thought leadership, networking groups, and peers focusing on remote work technology provides insights into best practices and new tools tailored to distributed hiring environments. This ensures that recruitment processes remain smooth and efficient regardless of physical location.

Focus on Improving the Candidate Experience

In today’s competitive talent market, the candidate experience can make or break your recruitment success. Smarter HR technology not only helps recruiters but also significantly improves the candidate experience. Features like intuitive application portals, real-time status updates, and AI-driven communication foster transparency and engagement. HR pros should explore ATS updates that enhance mobile accessibility and incorporate candidate feedback mechanisms to continuously refine their recruitment approach. Staying updated on ATS innovations focused on user experience helps HR pros ensure every applicant feels valued and informed throughout the hiring process.

Leverage Continuous Learning and Industry Engagement

To stay ahead of evolving ATS trends, HR professionals must commit to continuous education. Subscribing to industry newsletters, participating in HR technology conferences, enrolling in relevant training, and joining professional networks help maintain an up-to-date knowledge base.

Hands-on experimentation, such as pilot testing new features or collaborating with HR tech providers for demos, brings applied understanding that complements theoretical learning. Staying actively involved in the HR tech community enables professionals to exchange ideas, share challenges, and discover practical solutions to common hiring hurdles.

Bradford’s Takeaway

For HR professionals, staying current with the latest ATS trends and technologies is pivotal in harnessing the potential of AI in hiring, automation, and solutions built for remote/hybrid work models. By embracing smarter HR technology and continually focusing on improving the candidate experience, HR teams can drive efficiency, reduce bias, and build stronger talent pipelines.

 

The key to success lies in ongoing learning, active industry participation, and a proactive approach to adopting innovations. In doing so, HR pros ensure their organizations remain competitive while creating recruitment processes that are as dynamic and flexible as the workforce they seek to attract. Keeping up with ATS advancements doesn’t just streamline hiring — it transforms it.

Proven Sales Strategies to Thrive in Today’s Market

The sales landscape is constantly evolving, driven by technology, consumer behavior changes, and market trends. In 2025, businesses face the challenge of keeping up with these shifts while ensuring their sales strategies remain effective and sustainable. To thrive in this dynamic environment, organizations must adapt to new tools, techniques, and mindsets. Below are key strategies to navigate today’s sales landscape and position your business for success.

1. Leverage Data and Analytics

In the modern sales environment, data is king. Sales teams are increasingly using data analytics to make informed decisions and predict customer behavior. By analyzing data from past sales, customer interactions, and digital marketing efforts, businesses can identify trends, optimize sales processes, and forecast future outcomes with greater accuracy.

2. Embrace AI and Automation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming the way sales teams operate. From chatbots to email marketing automation, AI can help streamline repetitive tasks, personalize customer communication, and improve lead scoring. This allows your sales team to focus on high-value activities like building relationships and closing deals.

3. Focus on Relationship Building

In a world of increasing digital communication, personal relationships are more valuable than ever. Buyers are looking for trust, empathy, and value in their interactions with businesses. Salespeople must focus on building authentic relationships and offering solutions that genuinely help their clients, rather than simply pushing for a sale.

4. Adapt to Hybrid Selling Models

The pandemic accelerated the shift toward remote work and digital communication, but hybrid models (a mix of in-person and online interactions) have remained prominent in the post-pandemic world. Sales teams must adapt to selling in both virtual and physical spaces. Virtual meetings, webinars, and video calls are now essential tools in the sales process.

5. Prioritize Customer Experience

Customer experience (CX) has become the top differentiator in the sales process. Buyers now expect seamless, fast, and personalized experiences across all touchpoints. Businesses that provide exceptional CX will build long-term customer loyalty and increase sales opportunities through referrals.

6. Train and Empower Your Sales Team

A well-trained, motivated sales team is essential for success in any sales landscape. Equip your team with ongoing training on the latest sales techniques, tools, and industry trends. Encourage continuous learning and provide resources that empower them to be successful.

7. Use Social Selling to Your Advantage

Social selling is the process of using social media to connect with prospects and build relationships. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram provide invaluable opportunities for salespeople to share insights, engage in meaningful conversations, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry.

8. Adapt Your Messaging for Modern Buyers

Today’s buyers are more informed than ever. With easy access to information online, many buyers conduct extensive research before they ever reach out to a salesperson. As a result, it’s essential that your messaging resonates with modern buyers and positions your product or service as the solution to their problem.

9. Embrace the Power of Referrals and Testimonials

In an age of skepticism, referrals and testimonials have become one of the most trusted forms of marketing. Positive word-of-mouth from existing customers can go a long way in convincing new prospects to make a purchase.

10. Be Agile and Flexible

The sales landscape is constantly changing, and businesses must be able to pivot quickly. Whether it’s shifting market conditions, evolving customer preferences, or unexpected disruptions, agility is key to staying competitive.

Navigating today’s sales landscape requires a mix of technology, strategy, and human touch. By embracing data, AI, and automation while focusing on relationship-building and personalized experiences, businesses can adapt to the modern sales environment. A well-trained sales team empowered with the right tools will be better positioned to drive success and achieve long-term growth in this fast-paced and ever-changing market. Stay proactive, flexible, and always look for ways to improve your sales strategy. Success in today’s landscape isn’t just about making a sale – it’s about building lasting relationships that keep customers coming back.

What Would Bradford Do?


Bradford’s Key Takeaway:

To succeed in today’s rapidly changing sales landscape, businesses must embrace a combination of cutting-edge tools and customer-centric approaches. Data and AI should be used to streamline processes and provide personalized experiences, while relationship-building remains at the core of sales success. By focusing on continuous learning, adapting to hybrid models, and delivering exceptional customer experiences, businesses can position themselves for long-term growth and resilience. 

The Importance of Talent Management in Today’s Business Climate

Talent management is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. In today’s competitive market, companies of all sizes are leveraging Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and recruitment management software to streamline their hiring process, gain a competitive edge, and secure top talent for sustained growth.

The best ATS providers recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach no longer meets the needs of modern businesses. From startups to large enterprises, companies now expect advanced functionality tailored to their size, budget, and hiring requirements. As a result, ATS vendors are continuously innovating, delivering cutting-edge features at cost-effective price points.

 One of the pioneers in this space is Pereless Systems, the first company to introduce the pay-as-you-grow model. This flexible platform offers a robust suite of features, including:

  • Text-to-apply and text recruiting for seamless candidate engagement
  • Automated reference checks to speed up verification
  • Searchable data points for enhanced talent discovery
  • Actionable reporting for data-driven hiring decisions
  • AI-powered tools to identify and attract top talent faster
  • Onboarding with E-Signature and reporting
  • Flexible user hierarchy structure based on permission-based roles
  • Chat / AI bots for ease of use

If your company has been overpromised, underdelivered, and overpaying for an ATS that doesn’t meet your needs, it may be time to explore a system that truly aligns with your hiring goals. Pereless Systems could be the solution that provides the flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness your business deserves.

Queue or Bot? The Ultimate Debate on Customer Service in the Age of AI

In the digital age, customer service has evolved dramatically. What used to be a simple phone call to a representative has now transformed into a variety of options—some more convenient than others, and some more frustrating. Whether you find yourself waiting for minutes—or even hours—in a queue or speaking with an AI bot that doesn’t quite understand your request, customer service has become a mixed experience for many.

But what does the future hold? Should we accept long waits as a norm, or are AI bots truly the solution? Let’s explore the pros and cons of each, and what customers really want from customer service today.

The Queue: A Dying Tradition or Necessary Evil?

Remember the days of calling a customer service number, only to be greeted by an automated message: “Your estimated wait time is 20 minutes”? It’s a scenario that nearly everyone has faced at some point. While queues have been a staple of traditional customer service, they come with significant downsides.

The Frustrations of Waiting

The biggest issue with queues is simply the wait. Long wait times can be incredibly frustrating, especially when your issue is time-sensitive. It often feels like your time is being wasted. And as the wait drags on, customers are left with nothing to do but listen to repetitive hold music or, worse, a never-ending loop of disclaimers.

The Call Center Dilemma

Customer service teams at call centers are often understaffed or overwhelmed by the volume of requests, which exacerbates the wait times. While most companies try to improve response times, it’s not always feasible to staff enough agents to meet the high demand, especially during peak periods or after hours.

However, some organizations are finding innovative ways to improve the queue experience. Offering a callback service, where a representative will return your call at a later time, can reduce the pressure of waiting on hold for hours. This method, although not perfect, helps balance customer service expectations with resource limitations.

AI Bots: The Rise of Automation

As businesses strive to improve the customer service experience, AI bots have become an increasingly common solution. These bots are designed to handle a wide variety of queries—often with quick responses and without the need for human intervention. AI bots can be found on websites, within apps, or integrated into social media platforms.

The Benefits of AI Bots

  1. Instantaneous Response: One of the most significant benefits of AI bots is that they can provide an immediate response. If you need basic assistance or have a simple question, bots are able to respond instantly, eliminating the need to wait in long queues.
  2. 24/7 Availability: Unlike human representatives who work within specific hours, AI bots can be available around the clock. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that operate internationally or in industries where customers expect assistance outside traditional working hours.
  3. Efficiency for Repetitive Queries: AI bots excel at handling routine inquiries. If your question is common, like “Where is my order?” or “What are your business hours?”, the bot can instantly provide the answer. This frees up human agents to handle more complex, unique, or sensitive issues.
  4. Reduced Human Error: AI bots don’t have the fatigue or human errors that may come from a long shift. They can give consistent and accurate responses based on the data they’re programmed with.

The Downsides of AI Bots

While AI bots have made customer service more accessible, they’re far from perfect. Many customers feel frustrated when bots don’t understand their questions or give irrelevant answers. For complex issues, the impersonal nature of AI can make interactions feel cold and robotic—literally.

Additionally, AI bots have limited empathy. A bot might give a factual answer to your problem, but it cannot console you if your issue is more emotionally charged or requires nuanced understanding.

For many people, the frustration with bots comes when they cannot solve the issue or when they “escalate” you to a human representative—who may ask you to repeat everything you just told the bot. In those cases, customers feel like they’re wasting time and energy.

What Do Customers Really Want?

So, what do customers truly want from customer service? The answer is clear: convenience, efficiency, and empathy.

  • Convenience means not having to wait in a long queue or be forced to navigate endless chatbot scripts.
  • Efficiency means getting the right answer or solution quickly, whether through an AI bot or human representative.
  • Empathy means being understood as a human, especially when the issue is complicated, urgent, or sensitive.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to customer service. While many appreciate the speed of AI bots for quick queries, others prefer the reassurance of speaking to a human who can understand the nuances of their issue.

Striking the Balance: AI Bots + Human Agents

The ideal solution for most customers lies in a hybrid model. AI bots can handle the repetitive, time-sensitive tasks, leaving human agents to focus on more complex issues that require empathy and problem-solving skills. This system allows customers to be routed to the right place, faster, while maintaining the personal touch when necessary.

For example, companies like Amazon and federal banks use AI bots for basic inquiries, like order status or account information, but have human representatives available to deal with specific, complicated, or emotional issues.

Looking Ahead

As artificial intelligence continues to improve, it’s likely that customer service will continue to rely on AI bots, but the human element will never be fully replaced. Instead, the two will coexist—AI will help optimize customer service by making routine interactions more efficient, and humans will step in when expertise and empathy are needed.

Ultimately, the best customer service will be a blend of technology and human care—one that listens, understands, and responds swiftly and effectively to every customer’s needs.

Top 10 Sourcing Strategies for Recruiters to Boost Placement Rates in 2025

As the recruiting landscape continues to evolve, staying ahead of trends and mastering innovative sourcing strategies is more crucial than ever. 2025 brings a new wave of technologies, candidate behaviors, and shifts in talent acquisition. For recruiters, the challenge remains the same—find the right candidates and place them in positions that match their skills, aspirations, and company culture. To boost your placement rates and stay competitive, here are the top sourcing strategies you need to consider in 2025.

1. Leveraging AI and Automation to Enhance Sourcing Efficiency

Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform recruiting, especially in candidate sourcing. AI tools can help recruiters quickly sift through vast pools of resumes, identify high-potential candidates, and even predict candidate success based on historical data. By automating repetitive tasks like resume screening, job matching, and initial candidate outreach, recruiters can focus their energy on more strategic efforts like relationship building and in-depth candidate evaluation.

2. Engage with Passive Candidates via Social Media and Niche Networks

Passive candidates—those not actively seeking new opportunities—represent a rich untapped pool. In 2025, recruiters must move beyond traditional job boards and engage with candidates where they spend their time: social media platforms and niche professional networks. Engaging with passive candidates requires a more subtle approach: posting valuable content, joining industry-specific groups, and interacting with candidates’ posts.

3. Incorporating Video Recruiting to Create Stronger Connections

Video recruiting isn’t new, but in 2025, it’s becoming a must-have for any recruiter looking to boost placement rates. Video interviews, employer branding videos, and even video job descriptions allow recruiters to make a more authentic connection with candidates. Not only does this provide candidates with a clearer understanding of a company’s culture, but it also allows recruiters to assess non-verbal cues in interviews—helping to evaluate cultural fit and communication skills more accurately.

4. Nurture Candidate Relationships with Talent Pools and CRM Systems

Building long-term relationships with candidates is more important than ever. A strong candidate relationship management (CRM) system will allow recruiters to keep track of valuable passive candidates and past applicants, making it easier to nurture them until the right job opportunity arises. Instead of just filling immediate needs, recruiters can build deep talent pools that cater to future hiring requirements.

5. Adopt an Inclusive Sourcing Strategy

Diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives are no longer optional; they’re essential for the success of any recruitment strategy. By 2025, sourcing for diversity will be an ingrained part of every recruitment plan. Recruiters should be proactively identifying diverse talent in underrepresented groups and ensuring that their job descriptions, employer brand, and candidate experience reflect a commitment to inclusivity.

6. Utilize Employee Referrals More Effectively

Employee referral programs have always been one of the most effective ways to find top talent—and this is especially true in 2025. A well-structured referral program can create a consistent flow of high-quality candidates, as employees tend to refer to individuals who fit the culture and understand the job’s requirements. However, modern referral programs go beyond simply incentivizing employees to make referrals—they should focus on engagement, recognition, and clear communication.

7. Refine Your Candidate Screening with Behavioral Assessments

Beyond just reviewing resumes and conducting interviews, recruiters in 2025 are increasingly using behavioral assessments to get a more holistic view of candidates. Tools like Corvirtus or HireVue offer assessments that measure traits, enabling recruiters to predict how candidates will perform in specific roles.

8. Offer Flexible and Hybrid Work Opportunities

The future of work is increasingly remote and hybrid, and candidates are actively seeking flexibility. Offering remote or hybrid positions isn’t just a nice perk—it’s often a necessity to attract top talent, especially in industries like tech, marketing, and customer support. In 2025, recruiters need to ensure they communicate the flexibility of the role upfront and be prepared to onboard candidates in virtual environments.

9. Optimize for Mobile Recruiting

More job seekers are searching and applying for jobs via their mobile devices than ever before. Optimizing your recruiting strategy for mobile is essential to reaching a larger pool of candidates. A mobile-optimized careers site, job application process, and even mobile-friendly interviews can significantly improve engagement and reduce drop-off rates.

10. Collaborate with Freelancers and Gig Workers

The gig economy is only growing, and many candidates now prefer flexible freelance or contract roles over traditional full-time positions. As a recruiter, it’s essential to adapt by sourcing freelance or gig workers for certain roles, offering more agile talent solutions to your clients.

Our Takeaway

The recruitment industry is always evolving, and recruiters in 2025 need to stay agile and open to new sourcing strategies to boost their placement rates. Whether through AI, social media engagement, or inclusive hiring practices, there are endless ways to improve your sourcing tactics and attract top-tier talent. By leveraging the right technologies, embracing flexibility, and nurturing long-term candidate relationships, recruiters will not only succeed but thrive in this new era of talent acquisition.

The Future of Recruiting: Adapting to Change with AI and Technology

How AI Will Affect Recruitment in the Future

The recruitment landscape is rapidly evolving, with artificial intelligence (AI) set to play a transformative role in how companies attract, evaluate, and hire talent. Here are the primary impacts AI will have on recruitment:

1. Automated Resume Screening and Candidate Sourcing

AI-driven systems can automatically screen resumes and profiles, quickly matching candidates with job requirements. Advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithms can understand qualifications, skills, and experiences beyond keywords, making initial filtering more efficient and unbiased.

• Impact: Recruiters can save time by focusing on the most relevant candidates, reducing bias through objective filtering.

2. Enhanced Candidate Matching

AI-powered tools can go beyond resume parsing to include candidate soft skills, cultural fit, and potential for growth. By leveraging predictive analytics and machine learning models, these systems can recommend the best-fit candidates for each role, boosting the quality of hires.

• Impact: This approach increases precision in matching job seekers with positions, reducing turnover rates and improving employee satisfaction.

3. Automated Communication and Candidate Engagement

Chatbots and AI-driven communication tools can handle initial interactions, answer candidate queries, schedule interviews, and keep applicants updated. This enhances the candidate experience by ensuring continuous engagement throughout the recruitment process.

• Impact: Streamlined communication reduces delays and improves candidate satisfaction, ensuring a positive employer brand image.

4. Data-Driven Insights and Predictive Analytics

AI can analyze large volumes of recruitment data to identify patterns and trends. Companies can use these insights to forecast hiring needs, adjust recruitment strategies, and optimize job descriptions to attract high-quality candidates.

• Impact: Improved data analysis leads to more strategic decision-making and better talent pipeline management.

5. AI-Enhanced Interviews and Skill Assessments

AI-powered tools such as facial recognition and voice analysis can be used during video interviews to assess emotions, confidence, and honesty. Additionally, skill assessments powered by AI can evaluate hard skills through simulation-based testing or gamified evaluations.

• Impact: Interview analysis increases objectivity in the hiring process, while skill-based assessments offer a more accurate gauge of candidate capabilities.

Types of Software Firms in the HR Sector that Will Benefit

The growth of AI in recruitment will benefit several types of HR tech companies. These firms focus on various aspects of talent acquisition, management, and employee engagement:

1. Recruitment Software and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) Providers
Firms offering ATS with AI integration will benefit greatly. These systems can utilize machine learning for resume parsing, job matching, and predictive hiring analytics. Companies like Greenhouse, Lever, and Workday have already started integrating AI features into their solutions.

2. AI-Powered Talent Assessment and Screening Platforms
Companies specializing in candidate assessments and screening tools will see increased demand. Platforms like Pymetrics, HireVue, and Codility use AI to assess candidates based on cognitive, emotional, and technical skillsets.

3. Chatbot and Candidate Engagement Platforms
Firms creating conversational AI tools like chatbots for candidate engagement and initial screening will be at the forefront. Examples include Mya Systems, Paradox (Olivia), and AllyO.

4. Video Interview and Analysis Software
Companies offering AI-enhanced video interviewing solutions, such as HireVue and XOR, will benefit. These platforms can analyze candidates’ facial expressions, voice modulation, and speech patterns, adding another dimension to interview evaluations.

5. HR Analytics and Predictive Analytics Firms
Firms focusing on predictive hiring and HR analytics will benefit as businesses rely on AI insights for strategic workforce planning. Companies like Eightfold AI and Visier use data-driven models to predict hiring needs and analyze talent gaps.

6. Employee Onboarding and Experience Platforms
Companies that provide AI-based onboarding and employee experience solutions, like Talmundo or Enboarder, will see significant growth. AI can help customize the onboarding journey, ensuring a more personalized employee experience.

Take Away

The recruitment industry stands to be significantly transformed by AI. The combination of automated resume screening, candidate matching, predictive analytics, and AI-enhanced assessments is set to reshape how organizations source and hire talent. Software firms in the human resource sector focusing on AI-driven solutions, candidate engagement, predictive analytics, and tailored experiences will be well-positioned to capitalize on these trends.

Are you hiring for the upcoming holiday season? Let Pereless Systems help assist you in streamlining your recruiting process and attract top talent fast! With job board integrations to Indeed, ZipRecruiter, LinkedIn, etc. Pereless Systems will find you top qualified candidates in no time! Request a demo today and see how we can help you simplify hiring!