Applicant vs. Candidate — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 13, 2024
An applicant is someone who expresses formal interest in an opportunity, often by submitting materials like an application form, whereas a candidate is considered for selection, usually having passed an initial screening.
Difference Between Applicant and Candidate
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An applicant is the term used for individuals who have submitted their materials, such as resumes or application forms, for an opportunity, showing their initial interest. On the other hand, a candidate refers to those who have moved beyond the initial application phase and are being considered more seriously for a position or role, often after meeting certain criteria.
Applicants are at the very start of the selection process, indicating their desire to be evaluated for a specific role or opportunity. Whereas candidates are those who have been evaluated and deemed potentially fit for the position, moving forward in the selection process.
The number of applicants for a position often exceeds the number of candidates, as not all applicants make it to the candidate phase. This distinction underscores the screening process that narrows down the pool based on qualifications, whereas candidates are fewer in number, having passed through initial filters.
The term applicant implies a broader, more inclusive group of individuals expressing interest, without any implication of their suitability for the role. On the other hand, being referred to as a candidate can imply a level of pre-qualification and suitability for the position at hand.
In the context of recruitment, all candidates are applicants at the beginning, but not all applicants become candidates, highlighting a process of selection and refinement based on criteria set by the hiring organization or institution. Whereas the transition from an applicant to a candidate marks a significant step forward in the selection process.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An individual who submits material to show interest in an opportunity.
An individual being considered for selection after passing initial screening.
Stage in Process
Initial stage of expressing interest.
Later stage, under serious consideration.
Number
Usually larger in the initial phase.
Fewer, having passed initial screening.
Implication
Interest in opportunity, no implication of suitability.
Implies a degree of pre-qualification and suitability.
Transition
All applicants start here.
Applicants become candidates after evaluation.
Compare with Definitions
Applicant
Someone who submits a request or application.
The loan applicant filled out the necessary paperwork.
Candidate
An individual considered for a position.
She was a strong candidate for the marketing director role.
Applicant
An individual applying for a job.
The company received over a hundred applicants for the position.
Candidate
Someone who has passed initial screening.
The candidates for the job interview were selected from a large pool.
Applicant
A person expressing formal interest.
Applicants to the college must submit their SAT scores.
Candidate
A person likely to be chosen.
Candidates for the scholarship must meet strict criteria.
Applicant
A candidate at the initial phase of selection.
Applicants were screened based on their resumes.
Candidate
A nominee for a position or award.
He is a leading candidate for the annual design award.
Applicant
An entrant to a program or institution.
Every applicant was required to provide a portfolio.
Candidate
A prospective member or employee.
Only three candidates made it to the final round of interviews.
Applicant
One that applies, as for a job.
Candidate
A candidate, or nominee, is the prospective recipient of an award or honor, or a person seeking or being considered for some kind of position; for example: to be elected to an office — in this case a candidate selection procedure occurs. to receive membership in a group"Nomination" is part of the process of selecting a candidate for either election to an office by a political party, or the bestowing of an honor or award.
Applicant
One who applies for something; one who makes a request; a petitioner.
Our job advertisement attracted seven applicants.
Candidate
A person who seeks or is nominated for an office, prize, or honor.
Applicant
A party who initiates legal proceedings against another party.
Candidate
A student who has nearly completed the requirements for a degree.
Applicant
The third coordinate (or z-coordinate) in a three-dimensional coordinate system.
Candidate
One that seems likely to gain a certain position or come to a certain fate
Young actors who are candidates for stardom.
A memorandum that is a good candidate for the trash can.
Applicant
One who apples for something; one who makes request; a petitioner.
The applicant for a cup of water.
The court require the applicant to appear in person.
Candidate
A person who is running in an election.
Smith announced he was the party's candidate for the next election.
Applicant
A person who requests or seeks something such as assistance or employment or admission
Candidate
A person who is applying for a job.
All candidates who miss the deadline or make a spelling mistake in their applications are automatically rejected.
Candidate
A participant in an examination.
Candidates must remain silent for the entirety of the exam.
Candidate
Something or somebody that may be suitable.
After being presented with various suitors, she decided none of the candidates were the kind of man she was looking for.
Candidate
(genetics) A gene which may play a role in a given disease.
Candidate
(uncommon) To stand as a candidate for an office, especially a religious one.
Candidate
To make or name (something) a candidate (for use, for study as a next project, for investigation as a possible cause of something, etc).
Candidate
One who offers himself, or is put forward by others, as a suitable person or an aspirant or contestant for an office, privilege, or honor; as, a candidate for the office of governor; a candidate for holy orders; a candidate for scholastic honors.
Candidate
A politician who is running for public office
Candidate
Someone who is considered for something (for an office or prize or honor etc.)
Common Curiosities
Is being a candidate better than being an applicant?
Being a candidate implies a closer consideration for an opportunity, having passed some form of pre-qualification.
How does someone move from being an applicant to a candidate?
Through evaluation and meeting certain criteria set by the hiring party, an applicant becomes a candidate.
What is the main difference between an applicant and a candidate?
The main difference lies in the stage of consideration; applicants are at the initial expression of interest, while candidates are being seriously considered for selection.
Can all applicants become candidates?
Not all applicants become candidates; only those who pass initial screenings or meet specific qualifications do.
Can the terms applicant and candidate be used interchangeably?
While related, they refer to different stages in a selection process and are not interchangeable.
What materials do applicants typically submit?
Applicants usually submit resumes, cover letters, application forms, and sometimes portfolios or references.
What happens after one becomes a candidate?
Candidates undergo further evaluations, such as interviews or assessments, leading towards a final selection.
What is an applicant?
An applicant is someone who expresses formal interest in an opportunity by submitting necessary materials like an application form or resume.
What defines a candidate?
A candidate is considered for selection, usually having passed an initial screening or evaluation process.
How many candidates are usually selected from applicants?
The number varies based on the opportunity and the criteria set by the hiring or selecting body.
Do all opportunities have both applicants and candidates?
Most structured selection processes distinguish between applicants and candidates, but the terminology may vary.
Is the number of candidates always less than the number of applicants?
Yes, candidates represent a selected pool from the larger group of applicants based on certain criteria.
How important is the distinction between applicant and candidate in a selection process?
The distinction is important for both the selectors and the individuals, indicating progress and closer consideration.
Can someone be a candidate without first being an applicant?
Typically, one must first be an applicant, submitting interest or materials, before being considered a candidate.
What criteria are used to move an applicant to a candidate status?
Criteria can include qualifications, experience, skills, and how well they match the opportunity's requirements.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
