What is an Applicant?

Table of Contents

An applicant is an individual who applies for a job or position by submitting their resume or job application to a company or organization. The applicant expresses interest in the job and typically provides information about their skills, education, work experience, and qualifications to demonstrate that they are a good fit for the position. During the hiring process, applicants may be asked to participate in interviews, assessments, or other evaluations to determine if they are the best candidates for the job.

Several types of applicants can apply for a job or position, including

Internal applicants: These are individuals already employed by the organization and looking to move into a new position or department. They are often considered for new job openings before being advertised externally.
External applicants: These are individuals who are not currently employed by the organization but are interested in applying for a job or position. External applicants can come from various sources, including online job boards, social media, or employee referrals.
Passive applicants: These individuals are not actively looking for a job but may be open to new opportunities. They may be approached by recruiters or headhunters looking for candidates with specific skills and experience.
Active applicants: These are individuals actively searching for a job and submitting applications to various companies and organizations. They may spend significant time researching job openings, submitting applications, and networking with industry professionals.
Referred applicants: These are individuals recommended for a job or position by someone within the organization, such as a current employee or a client. Referred applicants often have an advantage in the hiring process, as they are already known to someone within the organization.
Remote applicants: These are individuals applying for a job or position located in a geographic location different from where they currently reside. Remote applicants may be considered for positions that offer the ability to work remotely from home.
Contract or temporary applicants: These are individuals who are applying for a job or position that is temporary in nature, such as a short-term project or a seasonal position. Contract or temporary applicants may work for a specific period of time and are often hired to complete a specific task or project.

Conclusion

An applicant is a crucial participant in the hiring process, representing the potential workforce for a company or organization. Whether internal or external, active or passive, referred, remote, or temporary, each applicant brings unique skills and experiences to the table. Technological advancements and the rise of remote work trends are expanding the boundaries of the talent search. Recognizing the nuances of each applicant type empowers employers to tailor their recruitment approaches, fostering a dynamic and inclusive workplace that thrives on the strengths of its diverse team members.