I’ve seen a number of job advertisements recently where the employers refer to successful incumbents being desirable.
”… the most successful incumbent will also be responsible for the safety and overall well being of all …”
How about the least successful incumbent? What will they be responsible for? Maybe they should get some professional development (training) or be sacked.
I’m sure most employers want to have successful incumbents working for them, but if they are incumbent, then WHY are they trying to recruit them. The incumbent is already working for them!!!
Incumbent: The individual who is currently employed in a position
Candidate: Person to potentially fill a job opening
In almost all job ads where I’ve seen this phrase, the word candidate would be much more appropriate than incumbent.
