応募者(おうぼしゃ)

A compound of 応募(おうぼ) (application, entry) and 者(しゃ) (person). Refers specifically to someone who responds to a public invitation — a job listing, a contest, a campaign, etc.

Usage

Very common in business and hiring contexts. Unlike 志願者(しがんしゃ) (volunteer) or 候補者(こうほしゃ) (candidate), 応募者(おうぼしゃ) emphasizes the responsive nature of the application — someone applied because an opportunity was announced.

Common collocations

• 応募者(おうぼしゃ)多数(たすう) — many applicants
• 応募者(おうぼしゃ)を募(つの)る — to solicit applicants
• 応募者(おうぼしゃ)全員(ぜんいん) — all applicants
• 応募者(おうぼしゃ)数(すう) — number of applicants

Similar words

• 候補者(こうほしゃ) — candidate, nominee (broader, includes those nominated by others)
• 志願者(しがんしゃ) — volunteer, someone who puts themselves forward
• 受験者(じゅけんしゃ) — examinee, test-taker (specifically for exams)