What is the Difference Between Applicant and Candidate?

The primary difference between an applicant and a candidate lies in their progress within the hiring process. Here are the key distinctions between the two:

• Applicant: An applicant is a person who submits an application for a job, typically in response to a job posting. They may have limited experience or qualifications and have not yet been vetted by the potential employer. Applicants are job seekers who apply to a specific position at a company.
• Candidate: A candidate is an applicant who has progressed through one or more stages of the hiring process. They have been deemed qualified for the job and are further along in the hiring process. Candidates are applicants in the talent pipeline who may apply to more than one job and are considered active applicants that recruiters have screened and verified as qualified for the requirements of the job opening.

In summary, while both applicants and candidates are job seekers, the difference lies in their progress within the hiring process. Applicants have submitted their resume and application but have not yet been vetted, while candidates have been screened and deemed qualified for the job opening.

Comparative Table: Applicant vs Candidate

The primary difference between an applicant and a candidate is the progress they have made in the hiring process. Here is a table summarizing the differences:

In conclusion, an applicant is someone who has applied for a job, while a candidate is an applicant who has progressed further in the hiring process and has been deemed qualified for the job. Understanding this distinction can help you navigate the job search and interview process more effectively.