Applicant vs. Application — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 2, 2024
Applicants actively seek positions or opportunities, whereas applications are the documents or forms they submit to be considered.
Difference Between Applicant and Application
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Applicants are individuals who express interest in or apply for something, such as a job or educational program. They take the active step of submitting their credentials for consideration. Applications, on the other hand, refer to the collection of documents, forms, or online submissions that contain the applicant's personal and professional information. These materials are used by the reviewing body to make decisions.
While applicants can be people looking for employment, enrolling in academic institutions, or applying for visas, applications are tailored to each of these contexts, containing specific questions and requirements related to the opportunity. This means that the nature of an application can vary widely depending on what the applicant is applying for.
Applicants often have to adapt their approach and materials based on the requirements of the application. This could involve tailoring a resume for a job application or writing a personal statement for a university application, showing how applicants must modify their strategy to meet the needs of different applications.
Applications serve as a bridge between the applicant and the opportunity they are seeking. They provide a structured way for applicants to present themselves and their qualifications, and for decision-makers to evaluate the suitability of each applicant for the opportunity in question.
The success of an applicant in securing a position or opportunity is heavily dependent on their application. While the applicant's qualifications and experiences are critical, the way these are presented in the application can significantly influence the outcome. This highlights the interdependent relationship between applicants and their applications.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
An individual seeking a position or opportunity.
A document or form submitted for consideration.
Role
Active participant in the process.
The medium through which consideration is sought.
Nature
Dynamic, as it involves personal engagement and initiative.
Static, consisting of information and responses to set questions.
Context
Applies to a wide range of scenarios (jobs, education, etc.).
Specific to the opportunity being applied for, with unique requirements.
Outcome Influence
Dependent on their qualifications and how well they present themselves.
Serves as the basis for evaluation by the reviewing body.
Compare with Definitions
Applicant
An individual seeking a position, opportunity, or admission.
The applicant impressed the interview panel with her experience and skills.
Application
A formal request for something, typically a job, school admission, or grant.
His application for the master's program was submitted before the deadline.
Applicant
A person attempting to enter a competitive situation, like a job or college.
The number of applicants for the program far exceeded the available spots.
Application
The process of applying for a position or opportunity.
The application involves several steps, including submitting documents and attending an interview.
Applicant
Someone who applies for something officially.
Each applicant was required to submit a detailed resume and cover letter.
Application
Software designed to perform a specific task.
She developed an application to simplify project management tasks.
Applicant
An aspirant to a professional role or title.
The job posting attracted over a hundred applicants within the first week.
Application
A document or online form filled out to apply for something.
The application requires detailed personal information and a statement of purpose.
Applicant
A candidate for an opportunity, such as a grant or scholarship.
Applicants for the scholarship must demonstrate not only academic excellence but also community involvement.
Application
The act of putting something into operation or use.
The application of this theory in real-life scenarios is its biggest test.
Applicant
One that applies, as for a job.
Application
The act of applying.
Applicant
One who applies for something; one who makes a request; a petitioner.
Our job advertisement attracted seven applicants.
Application
Something applied, such as a cosmetic or curative agent.
Applicant
A party who initiates legal proceedings against another party.
Application
The act of putting something to a special use or purpose
An application of a new method.
Applicant
The third coordinate (or z-coordinate) in a three-dimensional coordinate system.
Application
A specific use to which something is put
The application of science to industry.
Applicant
One who apples for something; one who makes request; a petitioner.
The applicant for a cup of water.
The court require the applicant to appear in person.
Application
The capacity of being usable; relevance
Geometry has practical application in aviation and navigation.
Applicant
A person who requests or seeks something such as assistance or employment or admission
Application
Close attention; diligence
Shows application to her work.
Application
A request, as for assistance, employment, or admission to a school.
Application
The form or document on which such a request is made.
Application
(Computers) A computer program designed for a specific task or use.
Application
Of or being a computer program designed for a specific task or use
Applications software for a missile guidance system.
Application
The act of applying or laying on, in a literal sense
The application of this cream should reduce the swelling.
Application
The substance applied.
Application
The act of applying as a means; the employment of means to accomplish an end; specific use.
Application
The act of directing or referring something to a particular case, to discover or illustrate agreement or disagreement, fitness, or correspondence.
I make the remark, and leave you to make the application.
The application of a theory to a set of data can be challenging.
Application
(computing) A computer program or the set of software that the end user perceives as a single entity as a tool for a well-defined purpose. (Also called: application program; application software.)
This iPhone application can connect to most social networks.
Application
A verbal or written request for assistance or employment or admission to a school, course or similar.
December 31 is the deadline for MBA applications.
Application
A petition, entreaty, or other request, with the adposition for denoting the subject matter.
Their application for a deferral of the hearing was granted.
Application
The act of requesting, claiming, or petitioning something.
Application
Diligence; close thought or attention.
Application
A kind of needlework; appliqué.
Application
(obsolete) Compliance.
Application
The act of applying or laying on, in a literal sense; as, the application of emollients to a diseased limb.
Application
The thing applied.
He invented a new application by which blood might be stanched.
Application
The act of applying as a means; the employment of means to accomplish an end; specific use.
If a right course . . . be taken with children, there will not be much need of the application of the common rewards and punishments.
Application
The act of directing or referring something to a particular case, to discover or illustrate agreement or disagreement, fitness, or correspondence; as, I make the remark, and leave you to make the application; the application of a theory.
Application
That part of a sermon or discourse in which the principles before laid down and illustrated are applied to practical uses; the "moral" of a fable.
Application
The capacity of being practically applied or used; relevancy; as, a rule of general application.
Application
The act of fixing the mind or closely applying one's self; assiduous effort; close attention; as, to injure the health by application to study.
Had his application been equal to his talents, his progress might have been greater.
Application
The act of making request of soliciting; as, an application for an office; he made application to a court of chancery.
Application
A request; a document containing a request; as, his application was placed on file.
Application
A verbal or written request for assistance or employment or admission to a school;
December 31 is the deadline for applications
Application
The act of bringing something to bear; using it for a particular purpose;
He advocated the application of statistics to the problem
A novel application of electronics to medical diagnosis
Application
A program that gives a computer instructions that provide the user with tools to accomplish a task;
He has tried several different word processing applications
Application
The work of applying something;
The doctor prescribed a topical application of iodine
A complete bleach requires several applications
The surface was ready for a coating of paint
Application
Liquid preparation having a soothing or antiseptic or medicinal action when applied to the skin;
A lotion for dry skin
Application
A diligent effort;
It is a job requiring serious application
Common Curiosities
Can an application exist without an applicant?
No, applications are inherently linked to applicants, as they are the means through which individuals apply.
What makes a successful applicant?
A successful applicant not only meets the required qualifications but also effectively communicates their strengths and fit for the opportunity through their application.
Why is the application process important?
The application process is a crucial step in evaluating the suitability of applicants for a given opportunity.
Is the application process the same for every opportunity?
No, the application process can vary significantly depending on the nature of the opportunity and the organization offering it.
How does an applicant differ from an application?
An applicant is a person seeking an opportunity, while an application is the medium through which they apply.
What is an application?
An application refers to the document or form submitted by an applicant to be considered for an opportunity.
What challenges do applicants face?
Applicants often face the challenge of standing out in a pool of candidates and effectively conveying their unique strengths.
What is an applicant?
An applicant is an individual who applies for a position, opportunity, or admission.
How can an applicant improve their application?
Applicants can improve their applications by tailoring their materials to the specific requirements of the opportunity and clearly articulating their qualifications and motivations.
Can an applicant submit multiple applications?
Yes, applicants can submit multiple applications for different opportunities or even for multiple positions within the same organization.
Why do some applications get rejected?
Applications can be rejected for various reasons, including insufficient qualifications, poor presentation, or a better fit of other applicants for the opportunity.
How do decision-makers use applications?
Decision-makers use applications to assess the qualifications, experiences, and fit of applicants for the opportunity in question.
What is included in an application?
Applications typically include personal information, educational background, professional experience, and sometimes, specific essays or statements.
What happens after an application is submitted?
After submission, an application is reviewed by the decision-makers, and the applicant may be invited for an interview or further assessment.
What role does an application play in the selection process?
The application plays a critical role in the selection process as it is the primary tool used by decision-makers to evaluate and compare applicants.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Place vs. Spot
Next Comparison
Guy vs. GalAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
