Final Year Project
Final Year Project
Submitted by
Zunair Tariq (FA-2020-BSSE-048-B)
Muhammad Abaidullah (FA-2020-BSSE-238-B)
Session
Fall 2020
Supervised by
Syed Ali Haider Naqvi
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APPLICANT TRACKING SYSTEM
In
By
Zunair Tariq
Muhammad Abaidullah
Supervisor
Lecturer
Department of Software Engineering
Lahore Garrison University
Chairperson
Head of Department
Department of Software Engineering
Lahore Garrison University
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COPYRIGHTS
This is to certify that the project titled “(Applicant Tracking System)” is the genuine work carried out by
Zunair Tariq, Muhammad Abaidullah, student of BSSE of Software Engineering Department, Lahore
Garrison University, Lahore. During the academic year 2020-2024, in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering the project has not formed the
basis for the award previously of any other degree, diploma, fellowship, or any other similar title.
Zunair Tariq
Muhammad Abaidullah
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DECLARATION
This is to declare that the project entitled “Applicant Tracking System” is an original work done by the
undersigned, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree “Bachelor of Science in Software
Engineering” at the Software Engineering Department, Lahore Garrison University, Lahore. All the
analysis, design, and system development have been accomplished by the undersigned. Moreover, this
project has not been submitted to any other college or university.
Zunair Tariq
Muhammad Abaidullah
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all those who have contributed to the completion of
this project. Their guidance, support, and encouragement have been invaluable. Firstly, we thank our
supervisor, Syed Ali Haider Naqvi, for his continuous support, and insightful feedback, and for steering
us in the right direction. His expertise and dedication have greatly enriched our understanding and inspired
[Link] are also grateful to our co-supervisor, Hassan Latif, for his collaboration, discussions, andassistance.
His constructive critiques and commitment to excellence have significantly enhanced the quality of this
work. Our appreciation extends to Lahore Garrison University for providing the necessary resources and
a conducive environment for research and development. The university's support was fundamental in
facilitating our work. Finally, we are profoundly grateful to our families and friends for their unwavering
support, patience, and understanding. Their encouragement and belief in our abilities were a constant
source of motivation. This project would not have been possible without the collective efforts of many
individuals and institutions. We deeply appreciate every contribution and express our heartfelt thanks to
all involved.
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DEDICATION
This work is dedicated to those who have stood by us with unwavering support and encouragementthroughout
this journey. To our mentors and educators, who have imparted their wisdom and knowledge, guiding us
through the labyrinth of learning and discovery. Your patience and dedication have been instrumental in
shaping our academic and professional paths. Without your insights and teachings, this project would not have
reached its full potential. To our families, whose love, patience, and understanding have been our constant
source of strength. Your unwavering belief in us has provided the foundation upon which we have built our
success. Your encouragement has inspired us to strive for excellence, overcome obstacles, and remain resilient
in the face of challenges. Your sacrifices and support have been the bedrock of our achievements. To our
friends, whose camaraderie and encouragement have been invaluable. Your support has been a beacon of
light, guiding us through the most challenging moments of this project. Your words of encouragement, shared
laughter, and steadfast friendship have been our solace during times of stress and uncertainty. Your belief in
our abilities has given us the confidence to persevere and succeed. Lastly, this dedication extends to all those
who pursue knowledge and innovation with passion and dedication. May this work serve as a testament to the
power of perseverance, the importance of community, and the boundless potential of the human spirit. To
everyone who dreams big and works tirelessly to make those dreams a reality, we hope this project inspires
and encourages you to continue on your path of discovery and achievement. This work is dedicated to those
who have stood by us with unwavering supportand encouragement throughout this journey. To our mentors
and educators, who have imparted their wisdomand knowledge, guiding us through the labyrinth of learning
and discovery. Your patience and dedication have been instrumental in shaping our academic and professional
paths. Without your insights and teachings, this project would not have reached its full potential. To our
families, whose love, patience, and understanding have been our constant source of strength? Your
unwavering belief in us has provided the foundation upon which we have built our success. Your
encouragement has inspired us to strive forexcellence, overcome obstacles, and remain resilient in the face of
challenges. Your sacrifices and support have been the bedrock of our achievements. To our friends, whose
camaraderie and encouragement have been invaluable? Your support has been a beacon of light, guiding us
through the most challenging moments of this project. Your words of encouragement, shared laughter, and
steadfast friendship have been our solaceduring times of stress and uncertainty. Your belief in our abilities
has given us the confidence to persevere and succeed. Lastly, this dedication extends to all those who pursue
knowledge and innovation with passion and dedication. May this work serve as a testament to the power of
perseverance, the importance of community, and the boundless potential of the human spirit?
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Table of Contents
COPYRIGHTS iii
DECLARATION iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS v
DEDICATION vi
List of Tables ix
List of Figures x
List of Abbreviation xi
Abstract xii
Chapter 1 1
1.1 Purpose 1
1.2 Document Conventions 1
1.3 Intended Audience and Reading Suggestions 2
1.4 Product Scope 2
Chapter 2 3
2.1 Problem Description 3
2.2 Product Functions 3
2.3 User Classes and Characteristics 3
2.4 Operating Environment 4
2.5 Design and Implementation Constraints 4
2.6 User Documentation 4
2.7 Assumptions and Dependencies 5
Chapter 3 5
3.1 User Interfaces 5
3.2 Hardware Interfaces 6
3.3 Software Interfaces 6
3.4 Communications Interfaces 6
Chapter 4 7
4.1 Creating Job Postings 7
4.1.3 Stimulus/Response Sequences 7
4.2 Functional Requirements 7
REQ-1: Create Job Posting 8
REQ-2: Edit and Update Job Listing 8
REQ-3: Track Job Posting Analytics 8
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REQ-4: Resume Submission and Parsing 8
REQ-5: Search and Filter Candidates 8
REQ-6: View and Evaluate Resumes 8
REQ-8: Automated Interview Reminders 8
4.3 Other Nonfunctional Requirements 10
4.4 Safety Requirements 10
4.5 Performance Requirements 10
4.5.1Security Requirements 10
4.5.1 Software Quality Attributes 10
4.5.1Business Rules 10
Chapter 5 11
5.1 System Design & Architecture 11
5.2 System Architecture/Initial Design 11
5.1.1 Detailed Subsystem Design 11
5.1.2 Use case Diagram 11
5.1.2 ER Diagram 12
5.1 Activity Diagrams 16
Chapter 6 20
Implementation and Testing 20
6.1 Testing Methodologies 20
6.2 Software Methodologies 20
6.3 Core Functionalities 20
Chapter 7 21
Results and Discussion 21
7.1 System Testing Strategy 21
7.2 User Feedback and Iterative Improvements 22
7.3 Comparison with Competitor Systems 22
7.4 Evaluations Undertaken 23
7.5 Recommendations 24
Chapter 8 24
Conclusion and Future Work 24
8.1 Conclusion 24
8.2 Future Work 25
References 26
viii
List of Tables
ix
List of Figures
x
List of Abbreviation
HR Human Resource
UI User Interface
xi
Abstract
The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a comprehensive software solution meticulously designed to
streamline and optimize all phases of the hiring process. This robust system encompasses a wide array of
functionalities, including job postings, candidate recruiting, resume parsing, and application searches, all
aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of recruitment efforts. Central to the ATS is its ability to
facilitate the classification and management of candidates through advanced algorithms, ensuring a more
organized and systematic approach to hiring. The ATS begins by providing a centralized platform for creating,
managing, and distributing job postings across multiple channels such as company websites, job boards, and
social media platforms. This broadens the reach and attracts a diverse pool of candidates.
As applications come in, the system automates the recruiting process by integrating with various job portals
andsocial media networks, allowing recruiters to source candidates from multiple channels, thus reducing the
time and effort required to find suitable candidates. One of the core features of the ATS is its advanced natural
language processing (NLP) capabilities, which enable the system to parse resumes and extract essential
information such as skills, qualifications, work experience, and contact details. This data is then indexed,
making it easy for recruiters to search and filter applications based on specific criteria. Moreover, the system
employs sophisticated algorithms to classify and rank candidates based on their qualificationsand suitability
for the job, providing a repeatable and objective evaluation of each candidate. A key focus of the ATS is its
user-friendly interface, which simplifies the recruitment process for HR professionals. The intuitive design
ensures that users can easily navigate the system, manage candidate information, and perform essential tasks
without extensive training.
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Chapter 1
Introduction
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this document is to provide a comprehensive overview of the Application Tracking Software
project. This includes details about the software's goals, features, user classes, and system requirements. In
today's rapidly changing job market, finding the right candidates for specific positions can be a challenging
task. That's where our Applicant Tracking System (ATS) comes in. Our system uses advanced technology to
automate the analysis of resumes and provide a detailed evaluation of each candidate's suitability for a job.
The ATS acts as a connection point between job seekers and employers, transforming the traditional
recruitment process. It makes the process of understanding the content of resumes more efficient byextracting
important information like skills, qualifications, and contact details.
This technology allows for a thorough assessment of a candidate's profile, helping employers make more
informed decisions. One of the standout features of our ATS is its ability to identify key skills and match
them to job requirements. It doesn't stop there - the system goes beyond a simple match by assigning a
percentage or star rating, making it easier for both candidates and recruiters to gauge the candidate's suitability
for a particular role. But our ATS doesn't just help during the application stage. It offers a comprehensive
approach to evaluating candidates, collecting data from skill assessments and interview feedback. This
information is securely stored in the ATS database, creating a centralized repository for easy searching,
filtering, and matching of candidate profiles to available job opportunities. This streamlines the hiring process,
saving time and effort for both job seekers and employers. Overall, our ATS provides a user-friendly and
efficient way to navigate the recruitment process. By leveraging advanced technology, it simplifies candidate
evaluation, making it easier to find the right fit for each position.
This document follows standard conventions for documenting software projects, ensuring clarity and ease of
navigation for readers. One of the key conventions employed is the use of clear headings and sections,
allowing readers to quickly locate specific information they are interested in. By organizing the document into
sections such as Introduction, Overall Description, External Interface Requirements, System Features, and so
on, readers can easily navigate to the relevant sections based on their specific needs and interests. Clear and
concise headings aid in providing a comprehensive overview of the document's contents, enabling readers to
find the specific information they are seeking.
1.3 Intended Audience and Reading Suggestions
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The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a modern tool designed to make hiring new people easier and faster.
Instead of manually going through resumes, the system automatically looks for important skills and
information in a person's resume. This helps recruiters find the right people for the job more quickly. The
system stores this information in a safe place, making it easy for recruiters to search for and matchcandidates
to open job positions. The ATS is made to be easy to use, with a simple interface for recruiters, interviewers,
and managers. This summary gives a quick look at the main features of the ATS and how it canimprove our
hiring process.
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Chapter 2
Problem Definition
2.1 Problem Description
The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is designed to enhance and streamline the recruitment lifecycle by
seamlessly integrating with existing Human Resource Management Systems (HRMS) or other HR tools
within an organization. The ATS is adaptable to various organizational sizes and industry sectors, ensuring
smooth data flow and efficient recruitment processes. Key features include:
The ATS includes several core functionalities to streamline recruitment and enhance collaboration:
• Skill Detection: Uses algorithms to evaluate resumes against job requirements.
• Data Storage: Securely stores resume data and feedback for easy searching, filtering, and matching.
Different user classes interact with the ATS based on their roles in the recruitment process:
• Recruiters: Post jobs, review resumes, and coordinate interviews. Need detailed candidate
information and collaboration tools.
• Hiring Managers: Make final hiring decisions. Need quick candidate profiles, interview feedback,
and collaboration features.
• HR Administrators: Set up and manage the ATS. Require tools for user management and system
configuration, along with analytics.
• Job Seekers: Submit resumes and track applications. Need an easy-to-use interface for application
submission and status updates.
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• System Administrators: Maintain system functionality and security. Require access to system logs,
security settings, and troubleshooting tools.
• Executives: Review hiring metrics and strategic insights. Need summarized reports and key statistics.
• External Recruiters: Collaborate with internal teams and manage specific recruitment tasks. Require
secure access to relevant tools and candidate information.
• Hardware: Standard business hardware, including servers, workstations, and mobile devices.
• Server Requirements: Adequate processing power, memory, and storage.
• Operating Systems: Compatible with Windows Server, Linux.
• Introduction: Overview of ATS capabilities and benefits for different user classes.
• Getting Started: Instructions on accessing the system, user roles, and navigating the interface.
• Functionality Guides: Detailed instructions for recruiters, hiring managers, job seekers.
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2.7 Assumptions and Dependencies
Key assumptions and dependencies include:
Assumptions:
Dependencies:
• External APIs and Integrations: Essential for data exchange and functionality.
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Chapter 3
Software Requirement Specification
3.1 User Interfaces
The User Interfaces (UI) of the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) play a pivotal role in ensuring
Experience for users across various roles. The UI design focuses on providing efficient
• Administrator Interface
Functional requirements define the specific functionalities or features that a software system must possess to
meet the needs and expectations of its users. These requirements describe the interactions between the system
and its users, specifying the behaviors, capabilities, and constraints of the system. Functionalrequirements
focus on "what" the system should do.
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REQ-1: Create Job Posting
• The system shall provide a user interface for recruiters to input job details, including title,
description, qualifications, and application instructions.
• The system shall validate and ensure the completeness of the required job details before allowing the
recruiter to submit.
• Changes made by the recruiter shall be saved and reflected in the updated job listing.
• Recruiters shall have access to a visual representation of job posting analytics through the user
interface.
• The system shall use resume parsing algorithms to extract relevant information, populating the
candidate profile.
• The search results shall be presented in a clear and organized manner for easy evaluation.
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• The system shall provide tools for recruiters to add evaluations and feedback to candidate profiles.
• Reminder notifications shall include relevant details such as date, time, and location.
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Maintainability, and performance. Defining these attributes with specificity and measurability is crucial
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Chapter 5
System Design & Architecture
5.1 System Architecture/Initial Design
A use case diagram is a type of behavioral diagram defined by the Unified Modeling Language (UML) that
represents the functional requirements of a system from the perspective of the users. It visually captures the
interactions between users (actors) and the system to achieve specific goals (use cases).
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Entity Relationship Diagram
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Manage Login
Manage Users
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Manage Jobs
Manage Record
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Figure 5.7: Class Diagram of ATS
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Figure 5.9: Activity Diagram of HR
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Chapter 6
Implementation and Testing
6.1 Testing Methodologies
To ensure a robust and efficient development process, we employed the Agile methodology. This iterative
approach allowed for continuous feedback, iterative improvements, and flexibility to adapt to changing
requirements. Key practices included:
• Sprint Planning
• Daily Standups
Sprint Planning:
Setting specific goals for each development cycle (sprint) to ensure focused progress.
Daily Standups:
Short daily meetings to track progress, identify blockers, and plan the day's work.
Evaluating completed work and identifying areas for improvement at the end of each sprint.
The ATS extracts crucial information such as skills, qualifications, and contact details from resumes. This
functionality uses Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques to accurately parse and categorize resume
content:
• Skill Matching
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• Centralized Data Repository
• User Interface
• Performance
• Scalability
The ATS's accuracy in parsing resumes and matching skills was evaluated using a test dataset. The results
were compared with manual evaluations to ensure high accuracy. Adjustments and improvements were made
based on these evaluations to refine the parsing algorithms and matching criteria. The system identifies key
skills in resumes and matches them to job requirements. It assigns a percentage or star ratingto indicate the
candidate’s suitability, facilitating quick and informed decision-making for recruiters. Performance tests were
conducted to measure the system's response times, throughput, and resource utilization. The ATS
demonstrated efficient handling of high volumes of data and rapid processing times, meeting the performance
benchmarks outlined in the original specifications.
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Chapter 7
• Unit Testing
• Integration Testing
• System Testing
• Performance Testing
The comprehensive evaluation of the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) highlights its effectiveness in
transforming the recruitment process. The system demonstrated high accuracy in parsing resumes and
matching skills, significantly reducing the manual effort required by recruiters. Performance and scalability
tests confirmed that the ATS handles increased loads efficiently without compromising user experience.
User satisfaction surveys revealed positive feedback, emphasizing the system's intuitive interface andefficient
workflows.
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wider variety of resume styles. These user-driven refinements ensured that the final version of the ATS
not only met the technical specifications but also aligned closely with the real-world needs and
expectations of its users, thereby enhancing its overall effectiveness and adoption.
• Accuracy Testing
These evaluations provided strong evidence that the ATS effectively addresses the recruitment
challenges, offering a reliable and efficient solution.
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7.5 Recommendations
Based on the evaluations, several recommendations can enhance the system's effectiveness:
To further enhance the effectiveness and user satisfaction of the Applicant Tracking System (ATS), several
key recommendations should be implemented. First, refining the parsing algorithms to better handle
unconventional resume formats will ensure higher accuracy and broader applicability, accommodating the
diverse ways candidates present their qualifications. Enhancing the skill matching algorithms to interpret
vague or uncommon skill descriptions more effectively will improve match accuracy and provide recruiters
with more reliable candidate evaluations. Expanding integration capabilities to include compatibility with a
wider range of HR systems and tools will facilitate smoother adoption and interoperability, making it easier
for organizations to incorporate the ATS into their existing workflows. Additionally, providing
comprehensive user training.
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Chapter 8
Conclusion and Future Work
8.1 Conclusion
The proposed ATS successfully addresses the identified problem statement by automating the resume
analysis process, providing detailed candidate evaluations, and streamlining the recruitment process. Through
rigorous implementation and testing methodologies, the system demonstrates high accuracy, performance,
and scalability, fulfilling the original project specifications and offering a robust solution for modern
recruitment challenges. Job Search Portal stands as a revolutionizing element in the sphere of recruitment.
They act as a communication bridge between applicants and recruiters facilitating their requirements. This
application helps organizations to have greater exposure to the candidate pool and job seekers facilitating a
wide search of jobs matching their interests.
The web application provides flexibility to jobseekers to view the openings and applied jobs without the need
to carry a laptop. This web application provides an enhanced user experience for both employers and job
seekers. It provides a user-friendly interface that facilitates reaching a wide range of audiences. The
application has achieved all the requirements that were initially set in the requirements gathering phase.
This project taught me somebest practices in technology stocks like Python, Django, and web services.
Starting from requirements elicitation to design, construction, implementation, and testing, I have gained a
very good experienceworking with various technologies at every phase. The development of this project
boosted my confidence in web applications. These features could have been implemented unless time did not
limit us.
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• Advanced Machine Learning Models.
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References
[1] Johnson, M. (2021). The role of ATS in modern recruitment. HR Solutions Inc.
[2] Johnson, S., & Lee, M. (2021). Advanced programming techniques [Technical manual]. ABC
Books. Available: [Link]
[3] Nguyen, P. (2015). The impact of early ATS adoption on recruitment practices.
[4] Smith, J. (2017). From paper resumes to digital parsing: The journey of applicant tracking systems.
HRToday, 12(4), 225-238. [Link]
[5] Smith, J., & Johnson, A. (2022). User manual for applicant tracking system [User manual]. ABC
Publications. Available: [Link]
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