Sourcer

A 'sourcer' is an individual or entity specializing in the identification, procurement, and initial outreach to potential candidates, resources, or information. They are primarily responsible for the early stages of a sourcing process, often acting as the first point of contact to engage and qualify prospects. Their skills revolve around utilizing various tools and techniques to find hidden or passive talent, often before they become active job seekers or are public about their needs. Sourcers possess strong research capabilities, communication skills, and an understanding of relevant industries and candidate profiles. The role emphasizes proactive and strategic methods to build a pipeline of leads rather than relying solely on inbound applications.

Sourcer meaning with examples

• As a technical sourcer, Sarah excels at finding software engineers with specific skills on platforms like GitHub and Stack Overflow. She uses boolean search strings and social media to build a strong pipeline of candidates, engaging them with targeted messaging to gauge their interest in the open roles at her company. Her proactive approach has greatly accelerated the company's hiring cycle.
• The freelance sourcer was contracted to uncover market intelligence regarding competitor pricing and product launches. Using specialized databases and public sources, the sourcer compiled a comprehensive report which allowed the marketing team to plan a preemptive strategy. His work provided a significant competitive advantage in the market.
• Before launching a new product, the research team hired an information sourcer to find studies about consumer behaviors around related products. The sourcer used various databases and academic journals to unearth key findings. These findings then informed the product development team and guided them to design a more appealing product.
• The corporate recruiter's primary sourcer, John, spent most of his time building a diverse pool of applicants. He engaged in proactive outreach, contacting potential candidates and highlighting opportunities that matched their skillsets, and built relationships with professionals through networking events. This proactive approach helped fill key roles in the company.