Recruitment handbook
Passive Candidates
Abstract
Passive candidates are individuals who are not actively seeking new job opportunities but may be open to discussing potential roles if approached. Reaching passive candidates often requires proactive sourcing strategies, such as direct search or networking.
Passive Candidates: Professionals Who Are Not Actively Job Hunting
Passive candidates are professionals who are currently employed and not actively looking for new positions. However, they may be open to suitable job offers if these align with their career aspirations.
Differences Between Passive and Active Candidates
Active Candidates: People actively seeking new jobs, for example, due to unemployment or the desire for change. They often use job boards, career sites, and networks to find new opportunities.
Passive Candidates: Employed professionals who are not actively searching but are receptive to attractive offers. They are often reached through social media, professional networks, or direct outreach.
Strategies for Approaching Passive Candidates
Active Sourcing: Targeted identification and approach of potential candidates through platforms like LinkedIn or XING.
Personalized Recruiting: Individually tailored messages that address candidates' specific skills and experiences can increase the success rate.
Strong Employer Branding: A positive employer image can attract the interest of passive candidates.
Utilizing Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or specialized forums provide opportunities to reach passive candidates through targeted content.
Benefits of Recruiting Passive Candidates
Expanding the Talent Pool: Approaching passive candidates increases the selection of potential employees.
Qualified Professionals: Passive candidates are often experienced specialists who bring valuable expertise.
Less Competition: Since passive candidates are not actively searching, competition for these talents is lower.
Conclusion
Approaching passive candidates requires specific strategies but offers the opportunity to attract highly qualified professionals who might otherwise be unreachable.

Aliosha Milsztein
Co-founder & CEO
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