02/02/2024

HR at Work

The difference between applicants and candidates

HR Question: My recruiter talks about applicants and candidates as if they’re not interchangeable – what’s the difference?

HR Answer: Good question! When it comes to the recruitment process, the terms “candidate” and “applicant” are often used interchangeably, yet they carry distinct meanings. Understanding the divergence between these two labels is important for both job seekers and employers navigating recruitment.

Who is an “Applicant?"

An applicant typically refers to an individual who has submitted an application for a specific job opening. This initial step involves sending in a resume, cover letter, or completing an application depending on the employer’s requirements. At this stage of the process, the person has expressed interest in the position but has not progressed beyond the initial screening process.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.