a candidate for the position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a candidate for the position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who is being considered for a specific job or role within an organization. Example: "After reviewing all the applications, we have shortlisted three candidates for the position of marketing manager."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Clarke dutifully called a friend in the agency, even though O'Neill still wanted to be a candidate for the position.

The New Yorker

They also tried to persuade Mali to nominate a candidate for the position, as well as the Argentinians.

The Guardian

"I don't know him except by reputation," said Walt Harrison, the president of the University of Hartford, who was a candidate for the position.

The New York Times - Sports

"To ensure a smooth transition to new leadership, the provost has graciously agreed to stay on for up to one year with my successor, but he will not be a candidate for the position of president," Hennessy said.

Stanford University

The victory of Mr. Diaz, a city councilman, was especially surprising both because he defeated an incumbent and because he did not become a candidate for the position until two weeks before the Democratic primary.

The New York Times

On Thursday morning cabinet was to consider Rudd's request for the government to nominate him as a candidate for the position when Ban Ki-moon's term expires at the end of the year.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Mr. Samper, a candidate for the secretary position, has been serving since March, when Lawrence M. Small resigned the post after revelations about lavish personal spending.

The New York Times

Terry Murray, former coach of the Florida Panthers, said today he was a candidate for the same position with the Chicago Blackhawks.

The New York Times - Sports

Julie Peterson, a university spokeswoman, said the 59-year-old Martin has indicated he is not a candidate for the permanent position.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms. Blumstein, who specializes in the study of how people make and understand language, will not be a candidate for the permanent position.

The New York Times

"We are having a problem now," said Hana el-Gallal, a prominent human rights lawyer who was said to be a candidate for the education position.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a cover letter, clearly state that you are "a candidate for the position" and highlight your relevant skills and experiences to demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating your qualifications when presenting yourself as "a candidate for the position". Be honest and provide concrete examples to support your claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a candidate for the position" functions as a noun phrase, identifying an individual being considered for a specific role. Ludwig confirms its common use in professional and formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a candidate for the position" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone being considered for a job or role. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in news, academic, and business contexts. While there are many synonyms, such as "applicant", "contender", and "nominee", the original phrase remains a clear and professional choice. When using this phrase, ensure you accurately represent your qualifications and avoid exaggeration. Overall, it is an effective way to position yourself or someone else in the context of a job search or hiring process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An applicant for the role

Replaces "candidate" with "applicant" and "position" with "role", focusing on the application aspect.

A contender for the job

Substitutes "candidate" with "contender" and "position" with "job", highlighting the competitive nature.

A nominee for the post

Uses "nominee" instead of "candidate" and "post" instead of "position", indicating a formal nomination.

A prospect for the opening

Replaces "candidate" with "prospect" and "position" with "opening", emphasizing potential and opportunity.

A possible choice for the spot

Uses more general terms like "choice" and "spot" to convey the possibility of selection.

An aspirant to the office

Replaces "candidate" with "aspirant" and "position" with "office", implying ambition and a formal setting.

A hopeful for the vacancy

Substitutes "candidate" with "hopeful" and "position" with "vacancy", focusing on hope and an available position.

Someone in the running for the position

Emphasizes the active competition implied by being "in the running".

An individual seeking the position

Uses more formal language, focusing on the act of seeking the position.

A competitor for the position

Highlights the competitive aspect of applying for a position.

FAQs

How can I use "a candidate for the position" in a sentence?

You can use "a candidate for the position" to describe someone being considered for a job, like "She is "a candidate for the position" of marketing director".

What are some alternatives to saying "a candidate for the position"?

Alternatives include "an applicant for the role", "a contender for the job", or "a nominee for the post".

Is it better to say "candidate to the position" or "candidate for the position"?

"Candidate for the position" is the correct and more commonly used phrase. "Candidate to the position" is grammatically incorrect.

What qualities make someone "a good candidate for the position"?

A good candidate typically possesses the required skills, experience, and qualifications outlined in the job description, and demonstrates a strong fit with the company culture.