Final answer:
An automated method for keeping track of job applicants is known as an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), which helps companies manage applications efficiently and reduce hiring biases.
Step-by-step explanation:
An automated method for keeping track of job applicants is formally called a Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This system helps streamline the recruitment process by collecting and organizing applicant information. Large companies often implement an ATS to handle numerous applications they receive as it saves time and resources compared to managing applications manually. Additionally, an ATS can make the hiring process more objective and help reduce biases, such as in cases where affirmative action is needed to prevent discrimination against certain groups. To successfully navigate through these systems, candidates may need to optimize their resumes to ensure they contain the right keywords and formatting that the ATS algorithms favor, thereby increasing their chances to be noticed by potential employers.