Applicant

Applicant is a general concept. It applies to anyone who wants to receive something or join an organization. However, this term is most often associated with job applicants. Let’s take a closer look at the specifics of its functioning in this area.

Who is an applicant?

This is a person who applies for or becomes a member of something. It is important not to confuse a job candidate with an applicant. The latter is someone who has expressed a desire to work in the organization, and the candidate is a person who has passed the minimum test for the position. This may include interviews and various assessments.

The number of applicants for each particular vacancy can vary significantly. It depends on the following factors:

• Level of the organization and the conditions it offers;
• Work experience and qualifications of the group of applicants;
• Level of competition for the job;
• Location of the company (the larger the number of people in the locality, the more applicants);
• Hiring process.

Typically, only a small percentage of applicants are offered an interview. Selection is based on resumes and cover letters. The most important thing is the assessment of the applicant’s qualifications.

What does an applicant submit to participate in a competition for a vacancy?

When expressing interest in a particular position, a person submits an application, which usually contains the following components:

• The application itself;
• Resume;
• A support letter;
• Other documents, such as various awards.

It is important to provide as much information as possible about your qualifications, work experience, and skills required for the position you are applying for.

Submitting an application

This process requires special attention. Firstly, it is worth asking about the requirements of the organization where the applicant wants to apply. You need to analyze in detail all the information available on the company’s website. Sample documents, if they are available, require a more detailed study. In some cases, you just need to send a resume and references to an email address. In other situations, you need to fill out an online form, provide all the necessary data, and upload a photo.

Not all applicants are invited for an interview. However, information about them remains in the organization’s database. As soon as a vacancy appears that matches the applicant’s qualifications, they may be contacted with an offer to come for an interview.

How are applicants scored?

This process has several stages. Usually, it is handled by the HR manager, if the company has one. Otherwise, these responsibilities are taken over by the HR department.

The first stage involves analyzing the resume for compliance with the requirements of the vacancy. References may also be checked. After that, only a few applicants are shortlisted and invited for an interview. During such a meeting, there is a conversation with the candidate, and various tests may also be conducted. Usually, they are focused on determining the level of the applicant’s qualifications or analyzing the suitability of their psychological qualities for the position. The forms of such assessment may vary, for example:

• Online exams;
• Aptitude tests;
• Real-life job simulations.

This way, employers get more objective information about the applicant. It enables them to make the most correct decision.

The applicant is an important element in many work processes. It indicates a person’s desire to join a certain field of activity. Most often, this concerns applicants for a certain position, for whom the correct application is the first step in their career development.