A passive candidate is being considered for a position by an employer but is not actively looking for a new job. Passive applicants haven't applied for a career opening and aren't looking for one. However, their skills and expertise make them appealing to hiring managers for a number of reasons, and they may begin interviewing by encouraging qualified applicants to consider the vacancy. Passive applicants also have high demand skills and expertise, making them attractive to employers but difficult to hire, particularly if they are content and well-paid in their current role.