A candidate is a person under consideration for a vacancy, whether they applied directly or were identified through sourcing or headhunting. The term covers the whole journey from first contact through to the hiring decision.
What it means
Not every candidate progresses equally - screening narrows the full applicant set down to those interviewed, and only one (or a small shortlist) typically receives an offer. Candidates not selected for a current role may still be retained in a talent pool for future vacancies.
Where it fits in
A candidate becomes an employee, and a payroll record, only once they accept a job offer - everything before that point is tracked in the recruiting system, not in HR or payroll.
Key rules
- A person under consideration for a vacancy, from application to decision.
- May come from a direct application, sourcing or headhunting.
- Narrowed through screening to a shortlist, then to a hire.
- Only becomes an employee, and enters payroll, on accepting an offer.
