noun
Refers to a person who is being considered for a position, role, award, or admission. Commonly used in elections, job applications, and selection processes.
彼は大統領選挙の候補者だ。
He is a candidate in the presidential election.
このポストには多くの候補者が応募した。
Many applicants applied for this position.
応募者 emphasizes the act of applying (応募), often used for job or contest applicants, whereas 候補者 focuses on being a candidate under consideration.
Compound of 候補 (candidacy) and 者 (person). The word is a straightforward Sino-Japanese formation.