A passive candidate refers to an individual who is currently employed and not actively seeking a new job but may be open to considering new career opportunities if approached by recruiters or employers. Unlike active candidates who are actively applying for jobs and actively seeking new employment, passive candidates are typically satisfied with their current job and are not actively looking for a change. However, they may be open to exploring new opportunities if presented with compelling offers.

Example
A software developer working for a tech company is approached by a recruiter from another company who offers a challenging role with better compensation and growth opportunities. Although the developer is not actively seeking a new job, they are open to exploring the opportunity due to the attractive offer and potential for career advancement