How to Use Direct ATS

In Handshake, you can direct candidates to apply through your applicant tracking system to streamline the application process.

If you haven't created a job on Handshake yet, refer to How to Post a Job.

Find or create the job you want to update

1. Click Jobs from the left navigation bar. 

2. Locate the job:

• If the job is a new job, click the black Create job button in the upper-right corner of the page. 
• If the job was saved as a draft, click the View drafts button and select the job. 
• If the job exists but isn't posted yet, select the status Not Posted from the Status dropdown and select the job.

Set up Direct ATS on the job

1. In the Application process section of the job form, answer the question "How will candidates submit applications?" by selecting On a separate website.

2. Complete the following fields:

• External URL: Enter the full link to your external application. The URL must begin with http:// or https://.
• Instructions for applicants (optional): Add brief notes to guide candidates, for example "Complete the full application" or "Attach a cover letter."

Workday 

The External URL field is pre-filled. It is only editable if the global setting for Applicant Tracking Systems is enabled to "Allow users to change default 'External Apply' URLs."

• To make changes to your global settings, refer to Company Settings: Global Settings.

Greenhouse 

For Greenhouse-integrated jobs, both the External URL field and the Instructions for applicants textbox are visible on the job form.

The External URL field is pre-filled and greyed out, so it cannot be edited, because Handshake automatically populates it through the Greenhouse integration. The Instructions for applicants field remains editable.

How the application process works

If your job posting has any required documents checked, applicants will first be prompted to upload those documents in Handshake before being redirected to your external application (ATS).

Note: Some students may upload their documents and click through to your external site but may not complete the application process.

The Applicants tab in Handshake shows all students who clicked to apply, regardless of whether they submitted the full application through your ATS.

• If you'd prefer that students go directly to your ATS without uploading documents in Handshake, uncheck any required documents in the Application process section of your job posting.
• Include clear instructions in your job description so students understand they must complete their application on your external site.

 Need help managing applicants? Learn more about Reviewing Applications in Handshake.