What is Sourcing?
Sourcing is the proactive search for candidates who have not applied to a role, typically conducted through databases, social platforms, referrals, or search techniques like Boolean strings.
Why does Sourcing matter?
Most qualified people are not actively job hunting at any given moment, so relying only on inbound applications means missing the majority of the available talent pool.
How does Sourcing work?
Recruiters identify potential candidates through channels like LinkedIn, resume databases, and referrals, then reach out directly, rather than waiting for candidates to find and apply to a posted job.
Frequently asked questions
Is sourcing the same as recruiting?
Sourcing is the candidate-identification step within the broader recruiting process, which also includes screening, interviewing, and closing.
What is the difference between sourcing and talent sourcing?
The terms are used interchangeably in most recruiting contexts.
How BrightMove helps
BrightMove’s Power Search lets recruiters run full Boolean searches across their entire candidate database from inside the ATS. See Power Search in action.