Passive candidate
A passive candidate is not currently conducting an active job search, but may be open to a relevant opportunity when approached directly.
A temporary search state
A passive candidate is not actively searching for a new job at that moment. That does not say whether they are employed, how well they perform, or how long they expect to stay. It only describes their current relationship with the job market.
Active candidate is the contrasting term. The line is not fixed: someone can respond to a relevant message without regularly searching job ads.
Where outreach begins
With a passive candidate, the process begins with an invitation to talk rather than an application. A useful message has a real reason for the contact, connects it to the role, and makes declining straightforward. A selection process starts only if the person wishes to explore it.
Sourcing covers finding and approaching people. It does not replace an assessment of the role requirements or permission for further contact.
How to use the category
Do not treat passivity as a proxy for seniority, quality, source channel, or offer acceptance. A past contact record cannot establish a person’s current interest. Record actual contact and response events, then ask what information the person wants about the role.