The Lost Art of Sourcing in Talent Acquisition: A Hands-On Approach

Talent acquisition has undergone significant changes in recent years. With the rise of technology, talent acquisition professionals have access to many tools that help them identify potential candidates. However, as they focus more on automation and the latest technologies, they risk losing sight of the human touch that made talent acquisition successful in the first place. Don't get me wrong; these tools have tremendous value but not in place of the human touch.

One of the most significant challenges that talent acquisition professionals face today is finding the right talent. The best candidates are often already employed and not actively looking for new opportunities. As a result, talent acquisition professionals must adopt a hands-on approach to sourcing to connect with top talent and build long-term relationships.

A hands-on approach to talent acquisition means treating candidates like people, not just resumes or job titles. It involves building relationships with potential candidates and staying in touch with them even when no immediate job openings exist. This approach requires talent acquisition professionals to go beyond traditional job postings and candidate databases to identify and connect with high-potential candidates.

To find the best candidates, talent acquisition professionals must focus on seeking out passive candidates. These candidates are not actively looking for new opportunities, but they may be open to considering new opportunities if presented with the right opportunity. Passive candidates are often the most desirable candidates, as they have proven track records and are more likely to stay with a company long-term.

Talent acquisition professionals must use a salesman mindset to "sell" passive candidates that the job opportunity is worth considering. They must highlight the benefits of the job, such as the company's culture, mission, and values. They must also present the opportunity in a way that highlights how it aligns with the candidate's long-term career goals. Long story short, you must have a product (opportunity) worth selling!

Another critical aspect of a hands-on approach to sourcing is communication. Talent acquisition professionals must keep candidates informed about the hiring process and provide regular updates, even if there are no immediate job openings. Candidates should feel valued and informed, not like they are being ignored or forgotten. This level of communication helps build trust and encourages candidates to consider future opportunities.

In conclusion, talent acquisition is an ever-evolving field, but the importance of the human touch cannot be overstated. To find the best candidates, talent acquisition professionals must adopt a hands-on approach that builds relationships, seeks out passive candidates, and communicates regularly. By doing so, talent acquisition professionals can identify top talent and build long-term relationships that benefit both the company and the candidate.