The Importance of Sourcing
What is sourcing? It’s the practice of proactively identifying qualified candidates for the role that you’re looking to fill. Typically, it means engaging with passive candidates (people who aren’t actively searching for a job or have a resume posted). With the current hiring market, sourcing is a critical part of the recruiting process to ensure you are casting a wide enough net to find even more qualified candidates.
Why is sourcing so important anyway? It allows you to connect with an even greater audience as opposed to solely posting a job on a job board. At Preferred Search Group, 65% of our jobs in 2023 were filled with passive candidates that were sourced. In a candidate market where there are more jobs than there are candidates to fill them, sourcing adds a great advantage to your competitors who aren’t sourcing.
What does sourcing look like? Using resume database searches, connecting with local schools, social media searches and outreach, licensing databases, etc. There are many ways to source passive candidates! To find the best way to source for your specific role, it’s best to think like the job seeker - where are they looking? Does this demographic use social media or not? Are they on professional sites such as LinkedIn? Is your target audience currently in school - connect with the specific department for a list of a graduating class. Are you searching for a licensed professional? State licenses are available to the public and while you wont’ get contact information for these individuals, it may lead you into more information on how to search for their resumes, social media presence, etc.
Sourcing is playing the long game! While you may get many “no’s”, you may find yourself building relationships with candidates for future openings. Remember, you are seeking these candidates out, not the other way around. If you do get an interest, sell the job! Why would they be interested in leaving a job where they’re comfortable?
Sourcing is a vital aspect of recruiting as it forms the foundation for identifying and engaging top talent. An effective sourcing strategy enables recruiters to proactively seek out qualified candidates, rather than waiting for them to apply. This approach not only expands the pool of potential candidates but also ensures a more diverse and specialized applicant base. By leveraging various sourcing techniques, such as social media, job boards, and professional networks, recruiters can tap into passive candidates who may not be actively seeking new opportunities. Moreover, sourcing plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall quality of hires, as it allows recruiters to thoroughly evaluate candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit before extending offers. Ultimately, a strong sourcing strategy is key to securing the best talent in a competitive market, driving business success, and fostering long-term organizational growth.
Need more information on ways to successfully source candidates? Contact us today or book a consultation. We look forward to connecting.
