WHAT IS APPLICANT?

What is an Applicant?

An applicant is an individual who has shown interest in, or formally applied for, a job opportunity. Essentially, applicants represent the initial phase of the recruitment process, where potential employers gather the resumes of candidates seeking employment. After this preliminary step, employers assess these resumes to identify suitable candidates for further consideration.

It is important to understand the distinction between an applicant and a candidate. While all candidates are applicants, not all applicants transition to the candidate status. Candidates are those individuals who have successfully moved through the early stages of the hiring process and are being considered for the job after completing the application.

Organizations typically utilize a range of methods to vet applicants and choose the best employees, including eligibility tests, interviews, background checks, and reference checks. Once a candidate successfully passes these selection procedures, they receive a job offer, at which point they become an official employee of the organization.

"The recruitment process begins with an applicant's application and culminates in comprehensive selection strategies designed to find the best candidate."

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

To clarify the distinctions:

• Applicants: Individuals who express interest in a role by submitting their resumes or job applications.

• Candidates: These are applicants who move forward in the selection process. They have met initial qualifications and are actively considered for the role based on their resumes and other assessment criteria.

• Employees: The individuals who have successfully navigated the hiring process and accepted a job offer from the organization.

Typically, both applicants and candidates submit resumes as part of their application process, demonstrating their qualifications through various means, including tests and interviews. Those who meet the qualifications are elevated to the candidate stage, while successful candidates receive job offers and transition into employment.

FAQs

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

To enhance their visibility as applicants, individuals should focus on crafting a tailored resume or CV that showcases their skills and experiences relevant to the position they are applying for. Attention to detail in applications is crucial—simple mistakes can significantly impact first impressions. Moreover, applicants can express their personalities through cover letters or by sharing relevant portfolios and projects, which can further set them apart from other candidates.

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

Applicant tracking software (ATS) plays a pivotal role in modern recruitment by assisting employers in filtering through numerous applications to identify and rank candidates based on predefined criteria. This technology accelerates the decision-making process by automating the evaluation and sorting of resumes, ultimately relieving hiring personnel from the burdensome task of manual reviews. Moreover, ATS tools can streamline applicant tracking and interview scheduling.

Implementing advanced tools and strategies throughout the recruitment process is essential for efficient hiring.