Candidate sourcing

Candidate sourcing is a proactive approach to finding, identifying, and engaging potential candidates for current or future job openings. It’s all about searching for and attracting top talent before they even enter the job application process. Instead of waiting for job seekers to find an opening, sourcing involves actively looking for professionals whose skills align with company needs. This process typically includes:

• Collecting candidate information, such as resumes and work samples.
• Pre-screening individuals to ensure their skills match the job requirements.
• Reaching out to potential candidates to start conversations about opportunities.
• Building long-term relationships to keep strong candidates in the loop for future roles.

Sourcing vs. recruiting: What’s the difference?

While sourcing and recruiting are closely related, they’re not the same thing. Here’s how they differ:

• Sourcing is the first step - it’s about finding and identifying potential candidates.
• Recruiting takes over once candidates are sourced, handling processes like screening, interviewing, and evaluating applicants.

In some companies, recruiters handle both sourcing and recruiting. In others, dedicated sourcers focus on talent scouting, while recruiters manage the rest of the hiring process.

How does candidate sourcing work?

Sourcing isn’t just about searching LinkedIn or job boards - it’s a strategic effort. It often involves using specialized tools and techniques, like:

• Boolean searches to find hidden talent online.
• Using social media and networking events to connect with professionals.
• Engaging passive candidates - those who aren’t actively job hunting but might be open to new opportunities.
• Maintaining a talent database for future hiring needs.

In today’s competitive job market, companies that rely solely on traditional recruiting may miss out on top talent. By incorporating candidate sourcing into their hiring strategy, organizations can stay ahead of the game and build a strong workforce for the future.