10 Innovative Candidate Sourcing Methods that Really Work
In the ever-evolving landscape of talent acquisition, we’ve gathered insights from top industry professionals, including CEOs and seasoned recruiters. They share their most innovative methods, from leveraging LinkedIn professional networks to networking in Slack and Discord channels. Discover the ten cutting-edge strategies these experts have found effective for sourcing candidates.
- Leverage LinkedIn Professional Networks
- Build a Passive Candidate Database
- Embrace Candidate Sourcing Automation
- Innovate with Virtual Reality Recruitment
- Utilize Social Media’s Extensive Reach
- Host Industry-Specific Competitions
- Capitalize on Engaging Company Websites
- Implement an Employee-Referral Program
- Engage with Niche Online Communities
- Network in Slack and Discord Channels
Leverage LinkedIn Professional Networks
My professional network on LinkedIn has allowed me to build a network of fellow recruiters and HR professionals that operates on collaboration and mutual benefit. Often, people in my network come across candidates who are exceptionally talented and have a lot of potential but don’t fit the specific role they’re hiring for. Instead of letting these potential hires slip away, they recommend them to me when their skill set aligns with a role we are hiring for.
For example, Anna, our top-performing copywriter, was recommended this way. She had missed an application deadline for another company, but her portfolio impressed a recruiter in my network. Recognizing her potential, the recruiter recommended Anna to Admix Global when we were hiring.
Today, Anna is an important part of our team and has led successful content and social media marketing campaigns, driving growth. Time is everything, and my professional network on LinkedIn ensures we don’t miss out on candidates with potential.
Eugenia Syrytsia
Seasoned Recruiter, HR Expert, Admix Global
Build a Passive Candidate Database
It may take more time and dedication than other methods, but building a passive candidate database is an investment worth committing to.
Essentially, this involves proactively collecting information on individuals who might not be actively job hunting but could be an excellent match for our organization. There are many ways to implement this strategy. You can turn to social media platforms, industry forums, and networking events to identify—whatever works best for you. I’ve seen success by reaching out to professionals in our industry, acknowledging their expertise, and expressing genuine interest in their career paths.
By fostering a relationship and keeping the conversation casual, it allows us to establish a rapport over time. This way, when a relevant opportunity arises within our organization, the connection has already been established, making it more likely for them to consider the opportunity.
Riley Beam
Managing Attorney, Douglas R. Beam, P.A.
Embrace Candidate Sourcing Automation
2024 promises to be the year of automation, and when it comes to sourcing candidates, I’m happy to hand repetitive tasks over to a computer. Embracing this technology has allowed me to more effectively hunt for candidates; I have more time to focus on the things that really matter, like connecting with potential hires in person. It’s expanded the hiring pool drastically because a more efficient process has a wider reach, and I’m able to scan large amounts of information in order to eliminate or progress those suited to the role. Analytic tools are built in, helping me make decisions informed by patterns and trends.
To be honest, I don’t know how I lived without applicant and candidate tracking systems. It’s not about replacing recruiters with robots; rather, these tools sharpen and highlight my human abilities.
Travis Hann
Partner, Pender & Howe
Innovate with Virtual Reality Recruitment
We created a virtual reality (VR) experience that mimicked many real-world workplace circumstances. Virtual reality headsets allowed candidates to explore various environments, with the goal of solving difficulties or completing tasks that reflected actual employment requirements. In this dynamic and engaging setting, we were able to study the candidates’ problem-solving abilities, creativity, and flexibility.
Furthermore, we utilized virtual reality to display office tours and team interactions, providing candidates with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience our work culture and surroundings. Because it gave them a feel for our actual office and team dynamics, this was very attractive to candidates who could only apply remotely.
Virtual reality (VR) did more than evaluate abilities; it captivated applicants in a unique and exciting way, establishing our business as an innovative and forward-thinking employer.
John Butterworth
Founder and CEO at 10kschools, 10kschools
Utilize Social Media’s Extensive Reach
Harnessing the vast reach of online platforms to connect with potential candidates has significantly enhanced our recruitment strategy. Engaging with professionals across various social networks has proven highly effective in identifying and attracting qualified individuals.
By tapping into these digital communities, we effortlessly bridge geographical gaps, swiftly identifying talent that aligns seamlessly with our organizational needs. The real-time nature of social media allows for immediate interaction, fostering dynamic exchanges between recruiters and candidates. This approach not only expedites the hiring process but also cultivates a more transparent and direct line of communication.
In adapting to this method, we optimize our recruitment efforts by efficiently locating and engaging with a diverse pool of candidates, ultimately streamlining the talent acquisition process and ensuring a robust and agile workforce.
Travis Willis
Director of Customer Success, Aspire
Host Industry-Specific Competitions
One innovative method we’ve implemented at DasFlow for sourcing candidates is hosting industry-specific design challenges and hackathons. These events attract creative talents who thrive in a competitive and collaborative environment.
It’s a practical showcase of skills, allowing us to identify individuals with the innovation and expertise we value. This approach has proven effective not just in finding talent, but in discovering those who align with our company’s dynamic and creative spirit.
Nicolas Krauss
Founder and CEO, dasFlow Custom Sublimation Apparel
Capitalize on Engaging Company Websites
We enhance our candidate sourcing by utilizing our website. I think having a high-quality, engaging website can be a big advantage. People who frequently visit our site are already familiar with and supportive of our company. They’re often involved in a similar industry or at least interested in it.
Using this approach expands our pool of candidates to include those who are already enthusiastic about what we do. By posting job ads on our careers page, we give our supporters the opportunity to join our team. This strategy taps into a group that’s likely to be highly motivated and aligned with our values.
Lucas Ochoa
Founder & CEO, Automat
Implement an Employee-Referral Program
We’ve found great success recruiting through our employee-referral program. Our people know the qualities that make someone a good fit for our culture and open positions.
By incentivizing referrals with bonuses for successful hires, we encourage our staff to tap into their own networks to source strong candidates. This personal outreach allows us to attract skilled people who may not be active job seekers. Our referral program has been instrumental in building our exceptional workforce.
Gideon Ruben
CEO, Your IAQ
Engage with Niche Online Communities
One innovative method I’ve used for sourcing candidates, which has proven highly effective, is leveraging niche online communities and forums. This approach goes beyond traditional job boards or LinkedIn and taps into platforms where potential candidates are engaged in discussions related to their field of expertise.
For example, when looking for a software developer with expertise in a specific programming language, I turned to GitHub and Stack Overflow. These platforms are where developers showcase their work, contribute to open-source projects, and participate in problem-solving. By engaging with these communities, I could identify individuals who showed not only technical skills but also a passion for their field and a propensity for collaborative problem-solving.
In one instance, I needed a developer skilled in Python for a data analytics project. Instead of posting on a job board, I searched through Python project repositories on GitHub, looking for contributors who showed exceptional problem-solving skills and innovative coding solutions. I then reached out to these individuals directly.
This approach not only gave me access to a pool of talented professionals who weren’t actively looking for new opportunities but also demonstrated to the candidates that we valued their skills and expertise, thus making our job offer more appealing.
Bruno Gavino
Founder, CEO, CodeDesign
Network in Slack and Discord Channels
I’ve found exceptional professionals, especially in the tech category, on relevant Slack and Discord communities. I see these platforms as talent gold mines, especially now that the world has gone remote and it’s possible to widen your talent pool.
Once you join a Slack channel or Discord community, it’s best to build rapport and add value by participating in conversations, sharing useful resources, and giving feedback instead of spamming them with job openings. Many individuals have proper Discord profiles set up with their contact information, so if you think someone might be a good fit for a position, you’ll often have the option to email them directly.
From FinTech and gaming to blockchain and crypto, Discord and Slack host diverse, high-potential professionals who could be your next hires.
Joe Coletta
Founder & CEO, 180 Engineering
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