The phrase 'exceptional candidate' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe a person who has outstanding qualities when compared to most other people. For example: "We had a number of strong candidates for the position, but Jane stood out as an exceptional candidate due to her extensive qualifications and exemplary work experience."
Martin Boyce has turned many heads but painter George Shaw is an exceptional candidate, a true original.
Dr Peter Belafsky, from UC Davis, said Ms Jensen was "an exceptional candidate for the transplant because she was highly motivated.
"When Shane Watson advised of his decision to stand down, the NSP [national selection panel] viewed Brad as the exceptional candidate to step into this leadership void".
The Department for Education and Skills said the position of children's commissioner was advertised at a £100K a year salary but "that could increase for an exceptional candidate".
But analysts suggested that was precisely Ms. Whitman's problem here: In order to win in California, even when the climate is tough for Democrats, Ms. Whitman has to be an exceptional candidate and run an exceptional campaign.
"I think what Europe wants above all else is a stronger U.S. economy, and that means that Europe has a vested interest in an exceptional candidate being appointed," said Richard Barwell, senior European economist at Royal Bank of Scotland.
Around 300, no doubt exceptional, candidates are selected.
How else can top universities discriminate between the good candidate and the truly exceptional?" But how can a school hope to produce as many truly exceptional candidates as Brighton College, Westminster, North London Collegiate?
She continues: "Law firms are increasingly realising that they are missing out on some exceptional candidates and are beginning to become more flexible in the way they recruit graduates".
While Labour created all-women shortlists, David Cameron's Conservatives tried the slightly less radical option of an A-list; 200 exceptional candidates, 100 of whom would be women, for constituency parties to pick from for the 2010 election.
The new program will include 60 fellowships to go to exceptional candidates for teaching degrees, on the undergraduate or graduate level, and to cover the cost of all education courses.
