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  • Writer's pictureQuentine Stoc

Recruiter vs. Sourcer: Understanding the Differences and the Importance of Both Expertise


Recruitment is an essential aspect of a company's success and the role of recruiters and sourcers are crucial in attracting and selecting the best candidates for a given organization. Although the two professions share a common goal, recruiters and sourcers have different responsibilities, skills and expertise.


What is a Recruiter?

A recruiter is the main point of contact between a company and its potential candidates. Recruiters are responsible for identifying, attracting and engaging the best talent for an organization. They develop relationships with potential candidates, evaluate their suitability for the role, and guide them through the recruitment process. Recruiters must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as a strong understanding of the organization's hiring needs and culture.


What is a Sourcer?

A sourcer, on the other hand, focuses on finding and attracting candidates through various sourcing channels such as job boards, communities, social media, and professional networks. Sourcers are experts in leveraging technology and data to identify and engage potential candidates. They have a deep understanding of the talent market, trends and competition and know how to use this information to the company's advantage. Sourcers must have excellent research and analytical skills, as well as the ability to find and connect with passive candidates.


The Importance of Both Expertise

Recruiters and sourcers have different skills, but they complement each other and work together to achieve a common goal: to find and hire the best talent for the company. Recruiters use their interpersonal and communication skills to engage candidates, while sourcers use their research and analytical skills to find the best talent. By combining their expertise, recruiters and sourcers can create a strong, diverse and inclusive candidate pool that meets the company's hiring needs.


What it Takes to be a Great Recruiter

Being a great recruiter requires excellent interpersonal skills, an understanding of the company's culture and hiring needs, and the ability to manage the recruitment process from start to finish. A great recruiter is an excellent communicator, able to build strong relationships with potential candidates and guide them through the recruitment process. They must be organized, detail-oriented, and have the ability to effectively evaluate and select the best candidates for the company.


Building relationships with hiring managers and providing guidance to them is another important aspect of a recruiter's role. A great recruiter should have the ability to establish a strong working relationship with the hiring manager, understand their needs, and offer them relevant advice and support to ensure a successful hiring process.

This ability to connect with the hiring manager and provide a customized approach to meet their needs is one of the key factors that sets a great recruiter apart from the rest.


What it Takes to be a Great Sourcer

Being a great sourcer requires excellent research and analytical skills, a deep understanding of the talent market, and the ability to leverage technology and data to identify and engage the best candidates. A great sourcer is an expert in sourcing techniques and knows how to use various channels to find the right talent. They must have excellent problem-solving skills, the ability to work well under pressure, and the ability to effectively manage and prioritize multiple projects.


The Cooperation of Recruiters and Sourcers

Having a strong and effective recruitment team requires a balance of both recruiters and sourcing pros. Organizations that invest in building a team with a mix of both skillsets are more likely to find and attract top talent.


So, if you're looking to build a winning recruitment team, consider the unique skillsets of recruiters and sourcing pros and how they can work together to achieve your hiring goals.


At Flexxy, we understand the importance of both recruiting and sourcing and how they work together to deliver the best hires for our clients. That's why we offer a range of services that includes both recruiting and sourcing expertise, along with marketing and research support, all in one subscription.


If you're looking for a one-stop-shop for all your hiring needs, reach out and we will be happy to help you!


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