“Applicant”

What is an Applicant?

An applicant is an individual who has expressed interest in a job opportunity or applied for a job. At the basic level, an applicant is the first step in the recruitment process. A potential employer will accept and consider applicants’ resumes. Then, they can choose to evaluate those resumes and select suitable candidates.

Candidates are also different from applicants. Candidates are applicants who move through the selection process until the employer identifies the best individual for the job. Candidates have already completed the application process, and they move through different stages of selection procedures.

In order to find the best employees, organizations often conduct eligibility testing, interviews, background checks, and reference checks. Once these selection procedures are completed, a candidate will receive a job offer, following which they become an employee of the organization.

What Are the Differences Between Applicants, Candidates, and Employees?

An applicant is an individual who has expressed interest in a job opportunity or applied for a job. A candidate is an applicant who has been moved through the selection process to the point of being chosen as the best individual for the job. An employee is an individual who has received a job offer and is now employed by the organization.

Applicants and candidates typically send resumes when applying for a job. Additionally, It must prove their eligibility through tests or interviews. Those who meet the required qualifications will become candidates and move on to the next round of selection jointly decided by the employer. Successful candidates will eventually receive a job offer and become employees of the organization.

FAQs

How can individuals increase their chances of standing out as an applicant?

Individuals can stand out as applicants by ensuring their resume or CV is well-crafted, paying attention to detail in their application, and tailoring their resume to the position they are applying for. They should also consider ways to demonstrate their personality, such as using cover letters or sharing portfolios. In addition, they should be prepared to answer any potential questions regarding their application.

What role does applicant tracking software (ATS) play in the recruitment process?

Applicant tracking software (ATS) is a tool used to filter applicants and rank them according to preset criteria. It helps the employers make faster decisions by automatically evaluating candidates against necessary criteria and sorting them into pre-defined categories. It also helps to reduce the burden of manually reviewing resumes, tracking applicants, and scheduling interviews.