What is "direct sourcing" in the context of recruiting?

Direct sourcing refers to the practice of actively identifying potential candidates and reaching out to them directly, rather than relying solely on passive methods such as job postings or referrals. This approach is proactive, as it involves the recruiter seeking out individuals who may not be actively looking for a job but possess the skills and qualifications that match the organization's needs.

By engaging with potential candidates directly, recruiters can build relationships, communicate the benefits of the position, and gauge interest more effectively. This method also allows for a broader reach beyond those who might be actively applying for openings, thus increasing the talent pool available for consideration.

The other choices reflect different recruitment strategies. A passive approach to recruitment would imply waiting for candidates to apply on their own, which is not the defining feature of direct sourcing. Sourcing solely from online job boards limits the outreach and potential candidate engagement, while using referrals exclusively restricts the recruitment process to existing networks, which may not uncover all qualified candidates.