What is meant by 'internal candidate' when referring to job applications?

An 'internal candidate' refers specifically to a current employee who is applying for a new position within the same organization. This can include opportunities for promotion or lateral moves to different departments. Internal candidates typically already possess a familiarity with the company's culture, policies, and processes, which can make them advantageous in the selection process. Companies may prefer to promote from within because internal candidates require less onboarding and training, as they likely already have a track record of performance and a deeper understanding of the organization.

The other options describe scenarios that do not accurately represent the concept of an internal candidate. For instance, an external applicant with prior experience does not fall under the category of an internal candidate since they are not part of the organization already. Similarly, a newcomer to the organization lacks the necessary experience or standing within the company to be considered internal. Finally, having extensive networking connections may provide a candidate with certain advantages but does not define their status as an internal candidate. Therefore, recognizing that an internal candidate is a current employee applying for a new position is key in understanding this term within the context of job applications.