Passive Candidates

What are Passive Candidates?

People in the talent pool who are not actively seeking a job and may already be employed are called passive candidates. They may be open to new offers if they find them attractive, but they are not sending out resumes or applying for any vacancies. They are sought after by recruiters because they often have the expertise and qualifications that are in high demand in the competitive job market, even if they are not aware of new opportunities. Contacting them allows companies to find more and better candidates for their open positions before they start looking for a job themselves.

More: Check out our guide on how to do passive recruiting like a pro.

How Do You Engage Passive Candidates

To engage passive candidates, companies can use various strategies. One effective method is to use recruitment platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with them and build relationships. This can help establish trust and make it easier to reach out to candidates when a job opportunity arises. Employee referrals can also be used to reach out to potential applicants who may be interested in the company. Another way to engage them is by leveraging your employer brand that showcases the company culture and values. This can help attract these candidates who are looking for a company that fits their career goals and values.

The Benefits

There are several benefits of hiring passive candidates:

1. Helps build a positive employer brand
2. Enhances succession planning by proactively establishing an external pool of skilled workers.
3. Reacts faster to transform passive candidates into active ones than rival businesses.
4. Recruiting screened candidates with confirmed abilities reduces risk.

Even though they might be tougher to recruit, passive candidates provide numerous advantages. A passive candidate might have the skills you’re looking for and the ability to perform the role at a high level. If you hire a passive candidate, you may also benefit from interest from their former coworkers as well.