What is Sourcing?

The process of Sourcing always utilizes the various Proactive Techniques like searching for the right candidates in Job Boards (e.g. Monster.com, Naukri.com, Timesjob.com, Careerbuilder.com, etc), in company’s own Recruiting Database, using Social Networking Sites (e.g. Twitter.com, Facebook.com, etc.), searching through Boolean Operators and through Phone Calls. However the process of Sourcing does not include the methods of recruitment through Employees Referral, Employment Agencies or some Career Fair.

Sourcing is divided into major 2 types: -
(a) Primary Sourcing or Phone Sourcing is the sourcing method which utilizes the Phone to identify the candidates and than calling them in the company’s office for the purpose of interview.
(b) Secondary Sourcing or Internet Sourcing is the sourcing method which utilizes the Internet and Internet Services to identify and select the right candidates.

Sourcing is performed either within the country, or can be confined to a particular area/location or it can be done globally. The main aim of the Sourcing process is to select the best candidate out of many candidates and sometimes in combination of low-cost labor (especially in Outsourcing). Sourcing can sometimes take the services of the different sourcing agencies.

In the process of Sourcing it is the responsibility of the Manager or Officer of the Human Resource Department to place job advertisements in various types of print, audio and visual media to attract more and more candidates to apply for the post and than selecting the best candidates through various methods of screening, taking interview and than finally offering the job offer letter to the right candidates.