This is a comprehensive guide on LinkedIn Sourcing. Read our related content on Boolean Search, LinkedIn Recruit Filters, and Diversity Sourcing.
We continue our series dedicated to LinkedIn and how you can use it for your recruitment efforts with an article about advanced sourcing techniques.
We cover some basics about LinkedIn sourcing, along with specific examples.
Introduction to LinkedIn Sourcing
Explanation of the term “sourcing”
Sourcing is about identifying and attracting potential candidates for a particular role you are hiring for. It requires you to search for profiles of people that could become part of your candidate pipeline.
How LinkedIn can be used for sourcing
LinkedIn is currently the largest professional networking platform, with over 740 million members. Looking at that number, you can imagine how creating a LinkedIn account offers you access to a large pool of potential candidates.
Besides the available profiles, LinkedIn also gives you filter options that you can use for doing specific searches. You can filter based on location, job titles, industry, or experience.
Moreover, you can connect and send InMails to the profiles that you consider a perfect match for your needs.
Another great thing that you can use while sourcing is that you can also see similar profiles or 2nd and 3rd connections.
Benefits of using LinkedIn for sourcing
The main benefit is that you get access to that various pool of profiles, candidates with a diverse range of skills from various locations.
Using the filters we previously discussed helps you save time and have more precise results. This increases efficiency and chances for a higher conversion rate.
And one of the biggest benefits is that you have access to insights. Data-driven decisions are the best decisions since you focus on the facts. LinkedIn helps you with this and shows you what the results of your sourcing efforts look like.
Another benefit is that using LinkedIn for sourcing helps you increase your brand reputation. Nowadays, this has a direct effect on the quality of the candidates you are attracting.
How to use LinkedIn for Sourcing
Setting up a LinkedIn Account
If you think LinkedIn is a proper tool for your sourcing efforts, the first thing you should do is set up an account.
To sign up, you have to go to www.linkedin.com and follow these steps:
- Type your name, email address, and password
- Click Join now
- Complete any additional steps, if displayed
Optimizing your LinkedIn profile
Once you set up your account, the next thing is to work on optimizing your profile.
There are a few things that you should consider:
- Use a professional profile photo and add a cover that lets people know you are hiring
- Write a compelling headline
- Customize your LinkedIn URL with your name or something memorable
- Write a summary that shares more about you and your role as a recruiter
- Use the ‘’Skills’’ section to update your abilities
After setting up your personal account, you should also consider creating a company page.
Search for candidates
After you finish with the setup, you can start searching for candidates. The simplest way is to start using filters based on the specifics you are looking for.
You can also use the advanced option to filter based on years of experience, education, and company size.
Reach out to candidates
Once you identified the profiles that match your expectations, you can move to the next step: connection.
You can send a connect request or use the InMail option to reach them.
If you choose InMail, make sure you create a strong subject line that will determine your potential candidate to open it and reply.
Advanced LinkedIn Sourcing Techniques
Boolean search strings
Apart from classic techniques, there are some advanced LinkedIn sourcing methods that you can use. One of them is a boolean search.
Boolean search strings are queries that use operators such as AND, OR, and NOT to refine your search results. You can use ‘’Manager AND Finance AND (New York OR Florida)’’ to find people that have management and finance experience and that are located in New York or Florida.
Advanced search features
We previously mentioned advanced search features. These advanced features allow you to search after:
- Location
- Company
- Job title
- Industry
- School
- Experience level
LinkedIn Recruit Filters
LinkedIn Recruit is a paid service offered by the platform. The filters allow you to search after seniority, job functions, education levels, years of experience, and specific industries.
Diversity Sourcing
Why is it important?
Apart from access to a pool of candidates, LinkedIn offers a diverse network of people. To promote an inclusive culture, it’s crucial to consider diversity during the sourcing process and be mindful of personal biases
When sourcing, look for various backgrounds, locations, and experiences.
Best practices
If you are still at the beginning or looking for ways to have an inclusive sourcing strategy, here you have 4 best practices that you can use:
- Connect with people with different backgrounds. Beware of your biases when accepting or sending connection requests
- Avoid using biased language in your job descriptions
- Use diversity-focused job boards such as the Women in Tech network
- Train your team regarding unconscious biases and how they impact decision making
Tips for Effective LinkedIn Sourcing
To wrap up this article, we want to leave you with 5 tips that you can use for effective LinkedIn sourcing.
- Constantly optimize your LinkedIn profile based on your evolution and knowledge or info that you can offer to your network.
- Use Boolean strings whenever you are looking for creative ways to reach new people.
- Take advantage of using advanced filters to narrow your searches and increase your productivity.
- Don’t shy away and reach your candidates with a personalized message. Don’t send email templates.
- Build relationships. LinkedIn is great for connecting with people. Maintain a relationship with your candidates for future opportunities as well.
LinkedIn Sourcing FAQ
What is LinkedIn sourcing, and how can it help with talent acquisition?
LinkedIn sourcing allows you to search for candidates by using advanced filters and boolean strings.
What are some advanced techniques for LinkedIn sourcing?
Some advanced techniques for LinkedIn sourcing are filters based on location, industry, year of experience, and boolean strings.
How is LinkedIn Sourcing different from traditional recruiting methods?
LinkedIn Sourcing is different from traditional recruiting methods because you have a large pool of professionals that might be your candidates in the same place. Moreover, you get access to passive candidates and enhanced search capabilities.
How can I measure the success of my LinkedIn sourcing efforts?
The main metric you should look for when measuring your success of sourcing efforts is the quality of your candidates. You can then check time-to-hire and engagement with your job openings.
