Dispositioned Candidate
What is a Dispositioned Candidate?
A dispositioned candidate refers to a job applicant who has gone through the recruitment process and has been given a final decision regarding their application, and is no longer being considered for the role. “Disposition” typically means the candidate has been categorized or marked as either Not Selected or Rejected after evaluation.
Applicant tracking systems are typically used to automate status updates, indicating when a candidate’s application has been processed and when a recruiter has made a decision about the candidate’s fit for the role. Dispositioning a candidate helps recruiters and hiring managers track where each applicant stands in the hiring process and maintain organized records.
In short, a dispositioned candidate is one who has been assessed and is no longer in the running for a particular position.
Related Terms
Candidate Experience
is the perception a job seeker has on the entire recruitment process and the employer, based on a series of interactions.
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
are sometimes called talent management systems. An ATS is recruiting software that can streamline an organization’s hiring process. This term is sometimes used interchangeably with the phrase recruitment management system, but the two have distinct differences, and an RMS is more robust. The line between recruitment management and applicant tracking systems has become blurry because the two have similar functions.
Candidate Journey
refers to the seven stages or steps that candidates go through during the recruitment and hiring process: awareness, consideration, interest, application, selection, hiring, and onboarding.
Recruiting Funnel
is a term that refers to the stages of the recruitment process, from beginning to end. Qualified candidates are interviewed and begin working through the candidate journey, until the candidate pool is down to one candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should candidates do after being dispositioned?
After being dispositioned, it’s a good idea to reflect on the interview or application process and consider areas for improvement. Continue applying to other roles and stay connected with the company by following them on social media or even networking with employees.
Can candidates be considered for future roles if they were dispositioned?
Yes, being dispositioned does not necessarily exclude you from future opportunities with the company. In fact, many employers keep dispositioned candidates' data and may reach out if a more suitable position arises.
Will candidates receive feedback after being dispositioned?
Constructive feedback is not always provided, but some companies do offer some to candidates after a disposition. If you do not receive any, it’s appropriate to politely ask for it, especially if you’re interested in improving for future opportunities.
Why do interviewers disposition candidates?
Candidates may be dispositioned if another one is a better match for the role in terms of skills, experience, or cultural fit. Sometimes, it could also be due to internal changes, such as budget constraints, or shifting hiring priorities.