Passive candidates represent 70% of the market. Why Canadian recruiters prefer them and how to become one. This topic is particularly relevant in 2026, as the job market goes through major shifts. In this article, we go in depth on the issues, the data and the concrete strategies that help you better structure your job search or your hiring.
Who Are Passive Candidates and Why Do Recruiters Want Them: the essentials
The job market in 2026 presents unique challenges and opportunities. According to the latest data, employers and job seekers must adapt their strategies to remain competitive. SMBs, which represent the vast majority of businesses, play a crucial role in this dynamic.
In a bilingual context, mastery of both official languages offers distinct advantages. The technology, healthcare and professional services sectors continue to show the strongest growth rates in terms of hiring.
Key statistics and data
The numbers speak for themselves. Here are some data points that will help you better understand the context:
- SMBs represent over 98% of businesses in most economies
- Bilingualism (French-English) can increase salary by 10-15% in certain sectors
- A branded career site can cut cost per hire by 30 to 50%
- Over 70% of positions are never posted online (the hidden job market)
- Following the companies you care about directly is still one of the most reliable ways to learn about their new openings quickly
Dive deeper into this topic
Understand why recruiters source on linkedin rather than wait for resumes to grasp the fundamental issues. Identify who are the best candidates to source in your industry to target key players. Explore where do recruiters find candidates in canada in 2026 to locate the best opportunities. Also discover where to be visible to be sourced by canadian recruiters to broaden your search. Follow our guide on how to evaluate your online visibility to canadian recruiters to take action.
Practical guide: tips and steps
To get the most out of this topic, here are the concrete steps we recommend:
- Assess your current situation. Take the time to analyze where you stand in your career path or recruitment process.
- Identify opportunities. Use available tools and platforms to spot the best opportunities suited to your profile or needs.
- Take action. Implement a concrete strategy based on market data and best practices.
- Measure your results. Track your progress and adjust your approach based on results obtained.
"Better hiring and finding your fit always start with the right tools and the right information."
FAQ
Are there free resources to help me with are passive candidates and why do recruiters want them?
Yes, several free resources exist: provincial employment assistance organizations, specialized webinars, and BerryMap, the bilingual tool that brings together a branded career site and a Kanban ATS, which offers a free candidate profile, the AI career coach and company follows for the Canadian market.
How long does it take to see results?
Results vary depending on your profile, but on average 2 to 4 weeks with a steady strategy. BerryMap alerts, which ping you as soon as a company you follow posts a role on its career site help speed up the process by alerting you as soon as a new opening is posted.
Do bilingual candidates have an advantage for are passive candidates and why do recruiters want them?
Absolutely, bilingualism is a major asset in the Canadian market, opening opportunities in both linguistic markets. the BerryMatch score (5 pillars) that makes compatibility transparent fully recognizes this skill in its evaluation.