The Role of an ATS in Onboarding: Bridging the Gap Between Offer and Start Date

Exelare ATS

May 30, 2025

Table of Content

The moment a candidate accepts a job offer is critical—but it’s not the end of the hiring journey. In fact, the period between offer acceptance and the first day on the job can be a vulnerable time. Candidates may feel uncertain, disengaged, or even accept a competing offer. That’s why onboarding begins well before day one, and a robust Applicant Tracking System (ATS) plays a vital role in bridging that gap.

At Exelare, we understand how important a smooth transition is for both new hires and hiring teams. Our Applicant Tracking Software not only streamlines recruiting but also supports seamless onboarding processes that keep candidates engaged and informed from the moment they say “yes” to the moment they log in on their first day.

Why the Post-Offer Period Matters

The time between offer and start date is often overlooked, yet it can significantly impact:

New hire retention
Candidate experience
Productivity and performance
Brand reputation

Without a structured approach during this phase, candidates can feel neglected, leading to anxiety, lack of trust, or even withdrawal from the opportunity.

How Applicant Tracking Systems Support Preboarding and Onboarding

A modern Applicant Tracking Software like Exelare bridges the gap by enabling recruiters and HR teams to stay connected with new hires while preparing them for success. Here’s how:

1. Automated Communication Keeps New Hires Engaged

Exelare’s ATS automates post-offer communications with personalized messages, welcome emails, reminders, and onboarding checklists. This keeps the candidate informed, reassured, and excited about joining your team.

2. Centralized Document Collection

Gone are the days of manually chasing down paperwork. Exelare allows recruiters to send, receive, and track onboarding documents—such as contracts, tax forms, and policy agreements—directly through the platform. It ensures compliance and saves time for HR teams and new employees alike.

3. Task Management and Workflow Automation

Our Applicant Tracking System enables you to build onboarding workflows tailored to specific roles or departments. You can assign tasks to IT, payroll, managers, or new hires themselves—ensuring a coordinated and timely start for every employee.

4. Integrated Calendar and Interview Feedback Access

New hires can be granted access to relevant schedules, team intros, and feedback summaries, which helps them feel connected and prepared. This early exposure builds confidence and decreases first-day jitters.

5. Onboarding Metrics and Insights

Exelare provides reporting tools to track onboarding progress, task completion rates, and engagement levels. These insights help you identify any weak points in the process and refine your onboarding strategy for better results.

Bridging the Gap with Exelare’s Applicant Tracking Software

At Exelare, we believe onboarding starts at the offer letter. Our Applicant Tracking Software is designed to close the gap between offer and start date by:

Streamlining communication
Automating administrative tasks
Keeping candidates engaged
Reducing no-show rates
Setting the foundation for a positive employer-employee relationship

Whether you’re onboarding one hire or a hundred, Exelare provides the structure, automation, and customization you need to make it seamless.