During the job search and recruiting process, there are two types of people looking to be hired: active candidates and passive candidates. The former are currently unemployed individuals looking to re-enter the workforce; the latter are those that currently hold a position but may be open to leaving that position for the right fit.
While the main focus in hiring is typically on active candidates, since they’re often the most responsive to recruiter outreach and inquiry, it is actually a better idea to pursue passive candidates. It may seem counterintuitive to focus on these candidates; after all, they’re already employed and may be less likely to take the position. However, finding and pursuing the right passive candidates can yield several benefits to a company as outlined below.
These candidates are proactive and driven, meaning they don’t wait until the misfortune of unemployment falls into their lap before searching for a new position. They take action by opening themselves up to recruitment opportunities and apply to new roles while currently employed.
This translates into candidates taking their employment seriously. If they sense something may be wrong in their current company or hear that layoffs may be coming, they don’t wait around for it to happen, they take action—ensuring they’re equipped with a new position on the horizon. These candidates also translate their proacativeness in their next role and often apply it to their daily work, establishing themselves as strong hires who take their jobs seriously.
Passive candidates also bring practicality and common sense to the table. In beginning their search while they still hold a position, they demonstrate active use of smart and practical decision-making skills.
Even before an interview is held, a recruiter or hiring manager has valid proof of these skills and knows the candidate will bring them to their position, ensuring these hires will be comfortable making level-headed decisions in their new roles.
By searching for new companies while already employed, passive candidates show they are committed to their employment and understand the value of that commitment. Because these candidates already hold a position, they are much less likely to leave unless they find the perfect fit, demonstrating their dedication to their current employer, while also looking out for themselves. These candidates often put in a two-weeks notice, as they are also committed to the well-being of those they work with and their companies.
In hiring these candidates, you gain a great hire not only with the benefits mentioned above but one that will continue to uphold their dedication and commitment and transfer it to your company and its employees as well.
Many recruiters often miss opportunities to bring real talent to their companies by focusing on active candidates. While active candidates are more likely to respond to outreach and may be quicker to hire, their skills may be a bit rusty. This means they’ll more often than not need a few weeks to get used to using those skills again before they can begin to flourish in their new positions.
The opportunity in hiring passive candidates, however, is that their skills currently undergo regular use and upkeep within their current positions. They also demonstrate obvious talent, as they’re already employed, and these talents and skills are preserved and don’t need a break-in period in a new position.
Hiring passive candidates may seem like a lengthier process than hiring active seekers, but the benefits a company receives in doing so are well worth the wait. At GoGig, we understand the importance of considering passive candidates and seek to take the headache out of the outreach process for you.
With our innovative hiring tool, connecting with passive job seekers who are looking for a position in your company is easier than ever. We connect you with talented passive candidates who are proactive, practical, committed, and honed, so you can reap all the benefits and the candidate can find their perfect fit. Don’t believe us? Try a GoGig demo and see just how much easier finding the right candidate has become.