Candidate Sourcing Strategies for Creative Recruiters

As a recruiter, finding the right candidate can sometimes feel like hitting a brick wall. Traditional candidate sourcing methods might not always yield the desired results, especially for niche roles like hydraulic design engineers or specialized backend developers. At Loxo, we believe in leveraging creative strategies to source talent.Here are some outside-the-box techniques that can help you discover top-notch candidates.

Leverage lateral and vertical networks

One innovative approach is to tap into the networks of professionals who would be working with the role you're hiring for. Instead of directly reaching out to potential candidates, connect with their colleagues, managers, or other lateral team members. This method can lead to valuable referrals.For instance, if you're searching for a backend engineer, consider reaching out to front-end engineers or engineering managers. These professionals often work closely with backend engineers and might know excellent candidates. You could ask them:

• "Do you remember a good backend engineer you’ve worked with?"
• "I’m looking for a talented backend engineer for a great opportunity. Do you know anyone who fits this role?"

Similarly, reaching out to the head of design or product managers can yield fruitful leads. These professionals might have worked with or know capable backend engineers from their past projects or companies.

Engage with candidates for insights

Another creative tactic for candidate sourcing is to engage in conversations with candidates — even if they aren't interested in the role you’re offering. These discussions can provide insights into the team dynamics and potential candidates who might be a good fit.Ask questions like:

• "Who do you typically work with in your role?"
• "Who directs your work, and where does your output go next?"

By understanding their workflow and team interactions, you can identify new sourcing avenues and potential referral points. These conversations can also reveal companies with high turnover rates or specific tech stacks that match your client's requirements.

Utilize technology and AI

Don't hesitate to use technology to your advantage when it comes to candidate sourcing. Tools like ChatGPT can help brainstorm new sourcing strategies or understand complex roles better. For example, you can ask AI to help outline the key responsibilities and common team interactions for a particular job title.Loxo Source has native machine learning that can help broaden your search. Our AI will surface candidates you may have never found otherwise — but who could be a perfect fit for the role based on their past experience. Not to mention the fact that our entire Talent Intelligence Platform rests on the shoulders of Loxo's proprietary AI, which is currently on its fourth generation.

Think outside the candidate sourcing box

The key to successful recruiting is creativity and persistence. Exploring unconventional methods, engaging with various professionals, and leveraging technology can significantly enhance your sourcing efforts. At Loxo, we encourage recruiters to continuously expand their horizons and develop a deep understanding of the roles they are hiring for. This approach not only helps in identifying the right candidates but also improves your ability to screen and recommend them effectively.In conclusion, sourcing talent is an evolving process that requires thinking outside the box. By tapping into lateral and vertical networks, engaging with candidates for insights, and utilizing advanced tools, you can overcome the challenges of finding the perfect fit for even the most specialized roles. Keep exploring, keep learning, and let Loxo support you in your journey to recruit top talent.Want to hear more about this?We've got a Tactical Tuesday podcast episode dedicated to creative candidate sourcing strategies for recruiters who want to source outside the box. Check out Episode 116: Creative New Ways to Approach Sourcing!