Thoughts from a Sourcing Whisperer
Do you believe in magic? Neither do I, but properly using keywords in a recruiting search can seem like you are using wizardry as a recruiter. Over time I learned how to use the information I had about the position to my advantage. Your search + keywords= answers. I know there is more to it, but this works for now.
A recruiting search algorithm is like a river of data, and you are the fisherman. The bait is keywords for your search. What’s biting today? Some days you catch much smaller fish, and other days you land that trophy. Have you ever gone fishing and yesterday’s bait isn’t yielding the same results? Sourcing can be the same. Change the bait and see what bites! You would be surprised at how many different profiles you might source for screening by adding, subtracting, or manipulating the search.
We all use algorithms to find information on the internet even if we don’t realize it. An algorithm is essentially a set of rules used to achieve a specific objective*. I source hundreds of candidates a month for our clients. When searching, some days, I feel like I’ve hit oil, and other days can be a little more trying I must be creative in my search to keep generating new profiles to look at by changing keywords that are still within my search criteria.
Last week I was sourcing and might have already looked at 10,000 profiles over months. After a while, you continue to see the same profiles. Before I start my day, I plan how I’m going to approach my sourcing to get new candidates to look at. Remember, I am changing my bait to land that trophy! Use multiple job titles; today, I’m looking for a specific college graduation year, maybe a particular city or town. Small changes every day can land you significant results.
Final Thoughts
Sourcing isn’t new to talent acquisition but these days it is the most important step in recruiting because it’s the introduction to the company. My favorite part of recruiting is introducing a candidate to a new experience they otherwise wouldn’t have known about.
*Algorithm definition citation: What is Algorithm - Definition, Types and Application - Edraw (edrawsoft.com)
