Passive Candidate Strategy 101: How to Attract Talent That Isn’t Actively Looking

What Are Passive Candidates?

Passive candidates are those who are currently employed and not actively searching for a new job. These individuals often have valuable skills and experience, making them prime candidates for new opportunities—even if they’re not actively looking.

While passive candidates may not be on the job hunt, they might be open to the right offer. Conversely, active candidates are those who are engaged in job searches, submitting resumes, and applying for roles. These individuals might be motivated by dissatisfaction with their current position, whether due to salary, work-life balance, or managerial style.

Both active and passive candidates are important for your recruitment pipeline , but engaging passive candidates requires a different approach. While active candidates are often proactive, passive candidates require you to be the one who initiates contact.

Why You Need a Strategy to Recruit Passive Candidates

Active job seekers are motivated to find new roles, but passive candidates are often content where they are, making it harder to grab their attention—even with an attractive offer. Because of this, businesses need a dedicated passive candidate strategy to effectively source, engage, and recruit these individuals.

A passive candidate strategy helps you build relationships, promote your employer brand , and position your company as a desirable place to work. It’s about creating meaningful connections over time, so when the right opportunity arises, your company is already on their radar.

78% of businesses find it very or extremely important to adopt a proactive hiring strategy.

Unlike active job seekers, passive candidates need to be engaged in ways that speak to their long-term goals, personal values, and career aspirations. A well-thought-out strategy can help you connect with these talented individuals and make them interested in what your business has to offer.

7 Tips for Recruiting Passive Candidates

Engaging passive candidates takes more effort than with active candidates, but with the right approach, you can build lasting relationships. Here’s how:

1. Connect on Social Media

Platforms like LinkedIn are perfect for finding passive candidates. You can review profiles, assess experience, and directly contact potential candidates. When reaching out, keep your message concise and personalized, detailing why the individual is a good fit for your open role.

Wize Tip: Keep your message short—research shows that personalized messages of 200-400 characters have a 16% higher response rate.

2. Personalize Your Messaging

Personalization is key to grabbing attention. Highlight specific details from a candidate’s experience and explain how their skills align with your company’s needs. For example, if you need a web developer, acknowledge the candidate’s background in coding and how they can contribute to your business. Personalization shows that you’ve done your research and are serious about filling the role.

3. Develop a Cold Email Outreach Strategy

Cold emails are another way to reach passive candidates. Use a compelling subject line to capture attention and keep your message brief yet engaging. Introduce yourself, outline the opportunity, and invite the candidate to reach out for more information.

A strong subject line can make all the difference when it comes to cold email outreach.

Something as simple as “Exciting Opportunity at [Company Name]” or “We Think You’d Be a Great Fit for Our Team” can spark interest and boost your response rates.

4. Network at Industry Events

Networking events aren’t just for active job seekers—they’re also a great way to build connections with passive candidates. Face-to-face interactions can help you develop stronger relationships and make a lasting impression. Whether it’s an industry conference or a professional meetup, make the most of these opportunities to speak with skilled professionals who may not be actively job hunting but could be open to new opportunities.

Industry events are also a great place to demonstrate your company’s thought leadership and expertise, further building trust with passive candidates who value innovation and growth.

5. Employee Referral Programs

Employee referral programs can be especially effective in sourcing passive candidates. Employees within your organization may know talented individuals who aren’t actively looking but would consider the right opportunity. Offering incentives for successful referrals can encourage your team to bring in top-tier talent from their own networks.

Wize Tip: Implement a referral bonus system to incentivize employees for referring passive candidates who are successfully hired.

6. Promote Your Employer Brand

Attracting passive candidates isn’t just about offering perks—it’s about building a strong employer brand . A positive employer brand, shared on your website, social media, and in outreach communications, can help you connect with candidates who share your values and are excited about your company’s mission.

To create a compelling brand, highlight your company culture, employee success stories, and values. This helps passive candidates envision themselves as part of your team and understand what sets your company apart from the competition.

Wize Tip: Consistently share content that reflects your company’s values, such as employee testimonials, workplace culture highlights, and industry accomplishments.

7. Hold an Open House Event

An open house is a great way to showcase your company, facilities, and technology in action. Inviting potential candidates to see your workplace can create a more personal connection and give them a firsthand look at what makes your company special. Hosting events in a welcoming environment can make candidates feel more comfortable and more inclined to consider joining your team.

For remote or hybrid teams, consider hosting a virtual open house to highlight your digital workplace and remote work policies.

Wize Words

Recruiting passive candidates takes time and effort, but it’s worth the investment. A well-planned strategy can help you engage top talent and build a pipeline of potential hires who are a perfect fit for your company.

Frequently Asked Questions About Passive Candidates

Are there any risks associated with passive candidate recruiting?

If approached incorrectly, passive candidate recruiting could harm your company’s reputation. Always remain polite and respectful in your outreach, and if a candidate expresses disinterest, thank them for their time and move on. This approach helps maintain a positive image of your business, even with those who aren’t interested at the moment.

What should employers avoid when interviewing passive candidates?

When interviewing passive candidates, avoid grilling them about their current job or background. Instead, focus on what they’re looking for in an employer and how your company can provide a better opportunity. Approach the interview with a casual, laid-back style to make your candidate feel comfortable.?