Candidate pipeline
Depending on various organizational cultures, a candidate pipeline (alternatively known as talent pipeline and recruitment pipeline) is a pool of either:
- Qualified workers interested in learning about job opportunities as they become available at your company. You “pipeline” candidates because their skills, experience, and traits match a particular role for which there is no immediate hiring need. When it does become available, you can invite the pipelined candidates to interview for the position.
Typically, candidates included in your pipeline for a role:
Meet the requirements identified in the job description Have communicated with your recruitment team Have expressed favorable views of your company and agreed to receive notifications when relevant job opportunities open up Passed an initial phone screen or assessment Are kept warm through regular contact: job postings, company news, blog posts, personalized emails, and other forms of communication
Candidate pipelines are also sometimes called “talent pipelines” or “recruitment pipelines.” Candidate pipeline vs. resume database
A resume database is merely a collection of people’s resumes. A candidate pipeline is a list of candidates who have interacted with you, expressed interest in joining your company, and passed a basic screening or assessment. In other words, you are nurturing a relationship with the candidates in your pipeline.
