Direct Match vs Potential Match vs Expandable Match

This article is part of the Potential and Expandable Matching guide.

Optio’s matching framework produces three categories of match for every role. Each has a distinct meaning and a different recommended approach.

Direct match

A direct match is a candidate whose profile meets the employer’s requirements in full, and whose stated intent aligns with the employer’s current offer. No adjustment is needed on either side.

Recommended approach: Prioritise. Initiate a hiring conversation promptly. This candidate is in the right place and the offer is right for them.

Potential match

A potential match is a candidate whose profile meets the employer’s requirements, but where one element of the employer’s current offer falls short of the candidate’s stated intent. The gap is identified and explained.

Recommended approach: Review the gap. Decide whether you can or want to flex. If yes, adjust and proceed. If not, note the pattern — repeated potential matches with the same gap indicate a structural offer issue.

Expandable match

An expandable match is a candidate whose current skills or qualifications fall slightly short of the employer’s requirements, but where a development pathway — funded training, a qualification, structured support — could close the gap.

Recommended approach: Evaluate the investment. What would it cost to fund the required training? What is the expected tenure and loyalty uplift? Is the candidate otherwise strong enough to justify the development path?

The three tiers together give employers a complete picture of their talent pool — not just the easy wins, but the near-misses and the development opportunities.

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