(Part Two) Just as a side discussion, take a look at the definitions of “potential” as a noun and “prospect” to complete the comparison. Potential (noun): describes a person’s ability to improve in a certain area and achieve a higher standard, or the ability for something to be put to practical or profitable use. Examples: 1.You definitely have the potential to get a higher IELTS band score if you practise harder before your second attempt. 2.The potential of nuclear fusion is limitless if scientists can find a way to harness the energy safely. Prospect (noun): describes a chance of something happening, especially for advancement or profit. Examples: 1.Early settlers were drawn by the prospect of finding oil. Here are some examples where “prospect” and “potential” are not interchangeable: 1.The human potential is infinite. (correct) / The human prospect is infinite. (incorrect) (We need “potential” to refer to practical human abilities.) 2. You definitely have the potential to get a higher IELTS band score. (correct) / You definitely have the prospect to get a higher IELTS band score. (incorrect) (We need “potential” again to refer to a higher level of achievement.) I hope this helps.

Prospective = expected to get the job or likely to get the job. If you are put on the short list = the bad candidates have been eliminated, and you have been told to go for a second interview. Because you are on a short list of only a few. You are a prospective successful candidate. Potential = you have the skills and capabilities, but so do / or might the other candidates. Prospective = most likely (more positive) Potential = you might not get the job you will have to hope they phone you back. In real life the prospective candidate is told they have the job, before leaving the interview. This is my lifetimes experience.

Prospective is more certain than potential, but still not 100% certain. For example, after I sent my resume to a company and they looked at it, they called me because I was a potential employee. I wanted to work for them, and they were thinking about hiring me if the interview went well. Once they gave me an offer and I signed it, I became a prospective employee. I hadn't started working for them yet, but I was almost certainly going to work for them.

(Part One) Hi Niwantha, These are some of the differences: Potential (adjective): describes an unrealised possibility of a change, outcome or someone taking on a role. Examples: These is a potential danger of cutting corners when it comes to aircraft maintenance. They are potential candidates for the upcoming presidential election. Prospective (adjective): describes something that one anticipates, or is likely to become. Examples: Teachers registered with italki have access to a huge database of prospective students. As you can see, “potential” describes the possibility but not actuality of something happening, while “prospective” means likely to happen or likely to become. Example: 1. That company is my potential/prospective employer. (Both are possible, with “potential” focusing on an unrealised ability while “prospective” focuses on your likely entry.) 2. Three prospective buyers had a look at the property and one seemed interested. (people who are likely to buy) 3. Some of these visitors may turn out to be potential buyers. (people who have the ability to buy)

Hi, refer here for more explanations https://wikidiff.com/potential/prospective http://grammarist.com/usage/prospective-perspective/