What Is an Applicant Flow Log (AFL)?
Definition and Purpose
An Applicant Flow Log (AFL) is a tool used to document and track applicant information throughout the recruitment journey, from initial contact through interviews and final hiring decisions. It plays a key role in helping businesses meet Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) compliance requirements while offering valuable insights to enhance recruiting practices and workforce diversity.
Why Do Employers Use Applicant Flow Logs?
Maintaining an applicant flow log provides several benefits for employers. By capturing key details like the number of applicants for each position and demographic data (such as race, gender, ethnicity, and veteran status), organizations can protect themselves against unintentional discrimination during the hiring process.
A well-kept AFL also tracks how each candidate moves through the recruitment pipeline, including:
- Submitted job applications
- Interview history
- Background and reference check results
- Job offers extended
- Offer acceptances or rejections
These records help HR professionals streamline their workflows, maintain compliance, and organize data for better decision-making. Applicant flow logs can also reveal recruitment trends, such as where candidates are dropping off or which sourcing channels bring in the strongest applicants.
How to Create an Applicant Flow Log
There isn’t a single standard method for setting up an AFL. Some companies use simple spreadsheets, while others adopt third-party software solutions, such as those offered by Beyond, to manage this data.
At a minimum, a solid AFL should include:
- The job posting information
- The applicants tied to each job
- Demographics (gender, race, ethnicity, veteran status)
It’s recommended to review and analyze the log regularly to identify potential disparities and ensure fairness across the hiring process. Used thoughtfully, an AFL not only keeps your business compliant with EEO guidelines but also supports inclusive and equitable recruitment practices.
Example Use in a Sentence
“Thanks to the insights we’ve gained from our applicant flow log, we’ve been able to fine-tune our recruitment funnel and attract a more diverse pool of candidates.”
Related Terms
- Workforce diversity
- Hiring compliance
- EEO reporting
- Candidate tracking system
- Recruitment analytics
Related Articles and Resources
- Tips for optimizing your employee onboarding experience
- Recruiting best practices for modern teams
- How to structure an effective employee handbook
- New hire reporting essentials for employers
- Comprehensive onboarding checklist
- Understanding background screening protocols
Let me know if you’d like a ready-to-use AFL spreadsheet template or integration advice for using this with Beyond!