Hiring · HR glossary

Passive Candidate

A passive candidate is someone who is not actively applying for a new job but may consider a suitable opportunity. The label describes current job-search behaviour, not ability or commitment.

Example

An engineer who has not submitted applications responds to a recruiter because the proposed role offers work on a project they want to pursue.

What to keep in mind

Do not assume passive candidates are better than active applicants. Explain the opportunity honestly, respect a refusal and use the same job-relevant assessment standards for both groups.

Further reading

← Browse all HR terms