candidate pool

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "candidate pool" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to the total number of people from which a selection can be made. For example: "The company's candidate pool included applicants from over twenty countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Church plans to elect bishops from among a candidate pool that includes two women.

The New York Times

Also, Sandy Knapp, of USA Gymnastics, said yesterday, "I'm in the candidate pool".

The New York Times - Sports

"There are numerous reasons why the candidate pool for school administrators is so small," he said.

The New York Times

"Shard companies want future leaders, but our candidate pool doesn't see themselves as future leaders.

The Guardian

Principals often do not advertise job openings until August, partly to have the largest candidate pool possible.

The New York Times

Often candidates think these roles are woman dominated and, in turn, the available candidate pool reflects that.

The Guardian

(The candidate pool is filled with Democrats because it reflects the political leanings of Hollywood power players).

The New York Times

What remained was a sad, diminished spectacle that revealed the atrophied state of our press corps and candidate pool.

The New York Times - Magazine

During jury selection in the Jackson case, a man in the candidate pool asked, "Suppose the jury votes against the death penalty.

The New Yorker

But the curiosity highlights a growing concern in private school circles that the old headmaster and headmistress candidate pool is not sufficient for new times.

The New York Times

The consultant will place advertisements, gather resumes, narrow down the candidate pool and eventually arrange interviews with finalists, Mr. Thompson said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing diversity, ensure your language reflects inclusivity, e.g., "a diverse "candidate pool"" rather than implying diversity is an exception.

Common error

Don't solely focus on active job seekers. Tap into the passive "candidate pool" by networking and directly sourcing individuals who may not be actively applying but possess valuable skills.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "candidate pool" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a group of individuals available or considered for a specific position or opportunity. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage across various contexts, from elections to job recruitment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "candidate pool" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe the group of individuals being considered for a particular role or opportunity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's appropriate for various contexts, from news and media to scientific and business discussions. Its neutral register and widespread use make it a valuable phrase in professional communication. When writing, remember to focus on inclusivity, avoid overlooking passive candidates, and clearly define your target audience to maximize your reach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

applicant group

Focuses specifically on individuals who have formally applied.

nominee list

Implies a formal selection process where individuals have been put forward for consideration.

talent pool

Emphasizes the skills and abilities of the individuals being considered, typically in a professional setting.

shortlist of candidates

Refers to a narrowed-down selection of top contenders after an initial screening process.

pool of prospects

Highlights the potential of the individuals under consideration, often used in sales or investment contexts.

selection group

Focuses on the act of choosing individuals from a larger set.

available candidates

Emphasizes the readiness and accessibility of the individuals for a particular role or opportunity.

roster of contenders

Suggests a competitive environment where individuals are vying for a limited number of positions.

potential hires

Specifically refers to individuals being considered for employment.

qualified applicants

Highlights that the individuals meet specific criteria or requirements.

FAQs

How can I effectively use the phrase "candidate pool" in a sentence?

The phrase "candidate pool" is best used when referring to the entire group of potential individuals being considered for a position or opportunity. For example, "Our "candidate pool" included applicants with diverse backgrounds and skill sets."

What's a good alternative to "candidate pool" when emphasizing skills?

If you want to emphasize the skills of the candidates, you might consider using "talent pool", which specifically highlights the abilities and expertise of the individuals.

Is it better to say "applicant pool" or "candidate pool"?

While both terms are similar, "applicant pool" typically refers to those who have already formally applied for a position, whereas "candidate pool" can include potential individuals who haven't applied but are being considered.

How do you increase the diversity of a "candidate pool"?

To increase diversity, proactively reach out to underrepresented groups through targeted recruitment efforts, ensuring that your job postings and outreach strategies attract a broad range of qualified individuals.