What is the difference between an applicant and a candidate?

An applicant has submitted materials for a role but has not yet been screened. A candidate is someone who has passed initial screening and is being actively considered. Not all applicants become candidates.

What rights do applicants have during hiring?

Applicants have the right to fair treatment, freedom from discrimination based on race, gender, age, or disability, privacy of submitted materials, and accurate information about the role and the hiring process.

What documents does an applicant typically submit?

Most applicants submit a resume, cover letter, and a completed application form. Some roles may also require portfolios, references, certifications, or responses to pre-screening questions.

How can applicants improve their chances of being selected?

Applicants should tailor their resume and cover letter to the specific job description, research the employer thoroughly, and highlight skills and achievements that directly match the role requirements.

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HR Glossary

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Applicant

An applicant is a person who has applied for a job or other opportunities, such as an educational program or a grant.

Summarise this term with:

What is applicant?

An applicant is a person who has applied for a job or other opportunities, such as an educational program or a grant. An applicant typically submits an application, which may include a resume, cover letter, and other supporting materials, to a potential employer or organization.

The term “applicant” is often used to refer to a person seeking employment, but it can also refer to someone seeking other types of opportunities, such as a scholarship or grant. An applicant may also be referred to as a “candidate,” depending on the context.

The process of applying for a job or other opportunity typically involves several steps, such as submitting an application, participating in interviews or other assessments, and potentially being offered the position or opportunity. It is important for applicants to carefully prepare and present their application materials in order to increase their chances of being selected for the position or opportunity.

What are the rights of applicants during the application process?

Some common rights of applicants during the application process include:

The right to be treated fairly and with respect.
The right to privacy and confidentiality.
The right to be free from discrimination and harassment.
The right to receive clear and accurate information about the job or opportunity.
The right to have their application materials kept confidential and only shared with authorized individuals.

Responsibilities of applicants during the application process:

Some common responsibilities of applicants during the application process include:

Providing accurate and complete information on their application materials.
Responding to requests for additional information or clarification in a timely manner.
Complying with any instructions or requirements for submitting application materials.
Treating all individuals involved in the application process with respect and professionalism.
Protecting the confidentiality of any sensitive or proprietary information that they may come across during the application process.

Frequently asked questions

An applicant is anyone who formally submits materials such as a resume and cover letter in response to a job opening. They remain an applicant until selected, rejected, or withdrawn from the process.

Related terms

Underwriter

An underwriter is a professional who assesses risk, makes decisions on coverage, loan or bond, and sets terms and conditions, determining premium or interest rate.

Unemployed

Not working, actively seeking employment, not included in the labor force, part of the unemployed population.

Unexpected time off (unplanned leave)

Unexpected time off is unplanned absence from work, usually due to personal reasons, which can disrupt employer’s operations.

Unfair Dismissal

Unfair dismissal is termination without a valid reason or proper procedure can be various types like automatic, conduct, redundancy, discrimination, whistle-blowing, or retaliation.

Unfair Selection

Unfair selection refers to discriminatory HR practices in hiring, leading to unequal job opportunities and potential legal consequences.

Union

A union is an organization of workers that protects and promotes the rights and interests of its members through collective bargaining with their employer.

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