At the recent Kennedy Conference, the question came up how many people are unhappy with their current applicant tracking system, and almost every person in the room raised their hand (approx 80 people). This questions, and or response, are nothing new. I have seen this question and response to this at numerous conferences in the past. First, this article isn't written to bash vendors, or the people that purchase them, but to educate.

I can image people are very happy with their systems, and or vendors, however, the majority rules in this case, so with that being said, STOP BUYING Technology and START BUYING a solution. You may ask yourself, Jason, what does this mean, do you offer a technology? The answer is, yes. However, it really surprises me how many people are in the space/industry who are technologist and haven't spent a day in the life. They haven't held a staffing, recruiting, or human resource position, but will offer a technology that will solve your recruiting- hiring problems. Products are built by two people. One is the technologist who has a technical background who can build a technical system and in theory and or in technology lingo will solve and or address your problem and or issue. The other is a problem solver, like me. You see I?ve been there. Having spent 10 years in the recruiting/staffing space, I set out to solve a problem. I was tired of the lack of ROI the products produced and the quality I received from the company who provided the technology. I was also tired of the sales person who was more concerned with the sale, instead of the outcome because, that's the way they are compensated.

I met a gentleman from the conference who came up to me and said, ?we don't need another vendor, we need a partner.? I said amen finally someone who understands the difference. A solution solves a problem, a partner works with you to solve that problem. Not someone that says, it should, would, or could. When you?re spending more time fixing, doing Q & A, and or helping the company refine their Technology, you?re not a customer, but you have just rebuilt their next version and or release of their software, so they can turn around and sell it to you.

So I encourage you before you plunk down that next big pile of cash ask yourself....Am I buying a Technology or am I buying a Solution?