Candidate Sourcing
Finding the right talent across all channels
The Sourcing Philosophy
Effective sourcing isn't about finding some candidatesβit's about mapping the entire talent pool. For retained searches, you should identify 100-150 potential candidates before starting outreach.
US Citizens and Green Card holders ONLY. No H1B, EAD, OPT, or candidates requiring sponsorship. Ever. Filter this first on every search.
Boolean Search Fundamentals
Boolean search is the foundation of effective sourcing. Master these operators:
| Operator | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| AND | Both terms must appear | Java AND Python |
| OR | Either term can appear | Developer OR Engineer |
| NOT / - | Exclude term | Engineer NOT junior |
| " " | Exact phrase | "Machine Learning" |
| ( ) | Group terms | (Java OR Python) AND Senior |
| * | Wildcard | Develop* (developer, development) |
Boolean String Templates
Software Engineer Search
("Software Engineer" OR "Software Developer" OR "Full Stack" OR "Backend Engineer") AND (Java OR Python OR "Node.js") AND (Senior OR Lead OR Principal) -intern -junior -associate
Data Science Search
("Data Scientist" OR "Machine Learning Engineer" OR "ML Engineer" OR "AI Engineer") AND (Python OR TensorFlow OR PyTorch) AND (Senior OR Lead OR Staff) -intern -junior
DevOps/Cloud Search
("DevOps Engineer" OR "Site Reliability" OR SRE OR "Cloud Engineer" OR "Platform Engineer") AND (AWS OR Azure OR GCP OR Kubernetes) AND (Senior OR Lead) -intern -junior
Executive/Leadership Search
("VP Engineering" OR "Vice President" OR "Director of Engineering" OR CTO OR "Chief Technology") AND (startup OR "Series A" OR "Series B" OR SaaS OR fintech)
LinkedIn Sourcing
Free LinkedIn Search Tips
- Use Google site search:
site:linkedin.com/in "job title" "company" "location" - Leverage 2nd-degree connections for warm intros
- Check "People Also Viewed" sidebar for similar profiles
- Join industry groups to expand your network
- Follow target companies for employee announcements
LinkedIn Recruiter/Sales Navigator
Key filters to use:
- Current Title - Be specific, use OR for variations
- Past Company - Target competitor talent
- Years in Current Position - 2-4 years = likely to move
- Years of Experience - Match seniority requirements
- Location - Remember to include "Open to relocation" filter
- Keywords - Technical skills, certifications
- Industry - Narrow or expand based on role
Saved Search Strategy
Create saved searches for:
- Each active job requisition
- Evergreen roles you frequently fill
- Target company alumni (departures = opportunities)
- Key skill sets for pipeline building
Dice Search Strategies
IntelliSearch (AI-Powered)
Best for: When you have a job description or ideal candidate resume
- Go to TalentSearch > IntelliSearch
- Paste job description OR sample resume
- AI returns ranked candidate matches
- Refine with left-side filters
Boolean Search on Dice
Search Tips for Dice: β’ Default radius is 50 miles - adjust for remote roles β’ Use "Time Zone" filter for distributed teams β’ Check "Updated Resume" date - recent = active β’ Filter "Work Authorization" first (US Citizen/Green Card) β’ Use Tags to group candidates by project/search
Dice Profile Optimization
Things to note when reviewing Dice profiles:
- Last Active Date - How recently they logged in
- Resume Update Date - Recent update = likely looking
- Availability - Immediate vs. notice period
- Desired Salary - If listed, use as benchmark
- Work Authorization - VERIFY before proceeding
Alternative Sourcing Channels
GitHub
- Search by language, location, followers
- Check contribution history for activity level
- Review starred repos for tech stack insights
- Profile README often has contact info
GitHub Search: location:Texas language:Python followers:>50
Stack Overflow
- Check reputation scores and badges
- Review questions/answers for expertise areas
- Developer Story shows career timeline
- Job seeking status visible in profile
Industry Events & Conferences
- Speaker lists = subject matter experts
- Attendee lists (sometimes available)
- Conference sponsors' engineering teams
- Post-conference LinkedIn outreach
Professional Associations
- IEEE, ACM for tech professionals
- Industry-specific certifications (AWS, GCP, etc.)
- Local tech meetup groups
- Slack communities (e.g., DevOps, Data Science)
Sourcing Metrics to Track
Daily Sourcing Workflow
Candidate Screening Framework
Qualifying candidates efficiently and effectively
The QIA Framework
Every candidate presented to a client must be QIA:
Phone Screen Structure (20-30 minutes)
Part 1: Rapport & Context (3 minutes)
- Thank them for their time
- Confirm they have 20-30 minutes
- Brief overview of call structure
- Confirm basic details (current role, location)
Part 2: Work Authorization (1 minute)
"Before we go further, I need to confirm your work authorization status. Are you a US Citizen or Permanent Resident (Green Card holder)?"
If no, politely end the call: "Unfortunately, this role requires US Citizenship or Green Card status. I appreciate your time and will keep you in mind for future opportunities that may fit."
Part 3: Qualification (10 minutes)
Technical Qualification Questions
Background Verification: β’ "Walk me through your current role and responsibilities." β’ "How large is the team you work with?" β’ "What technologies/tools do you use daily?" Experience Depth: β’ "What's the most complex project you've worked on?" β’ "How did you approach [specific challenge]?" β’ "What was your specific contribution vs. the team's?" Skills Verification: β’ "Rate your proficiency in [key skill] from 1-10 and give me an example of when you used it." β’ "Describe a time you had to learn a new technology quickly."
Must-Have Checklist
Create a checklist based on the job requirements:
| Requirement | Met? | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| [Technical skill 1] | β Yes / β No | _______________ |
| [Technical skill 2] | β Yes / β No | _______________ |
| [Years of experience] | β Yes / β No | _______________ |
| [Industry background] | β Yes / β No | _______________ |
| [Education/Certs] | β Yes / β No | _______________ |
Part 4: Interest & Motivation (5 minutes)
Motivation Questions: β’ "What's prompting you to consider new opportunities right now?" β’ "What would need to be true about your next role for you to make a move?" β’ "What's most important to you in an employer?" Interest Validation: β’ "Based on what I've shared, what aspects of this role interest you most?" β’ "What questions or concerns do you have?" β’ "On a scale of 1-10, how interested are you in exploring this further?"
Part 5: Logistics (5 minutes)
Compensation: β’ "What are your salary expectations for your next role?" β’ "What's your current total compensation (base + bonus)?" β’ "Would [range] be in the right ballpark?" Timeline: β’ "What's your notice period?" β’ "Do you have any other active interview processes?" β’ "Are there any constraints on your availability for interviews?" Location: β’ "Are you open to [on-site/hybrid/relocation]?" β’ "What's your commute tolerance?"
Part 6: Close (2 minutes)
- Summarize next steps
- Set expectations on timeline
- Ask for best contact method
- Request updated resume if needed
Competency-Based Assessment
For retained searches, go deeper with competency-based questions:
The STAR Framework
Ask candidates to structure answers using:
- Situation - What was the context?
- Task - What was your responsibility?
- Action - What did you specifically do?
- Result - What was the outcome?
Sample Competency Questions
Leadership
β’ "Tell me about a time you had to influence without authority." β’ "Describe a situation where you had to make an unpopular decision." β’ "Give me an example of how you developed someone on your team."
Problem-Solving
β’ "Describe the most complex technical problem you've solved." β’ "Tell me about a time when you had to make a decision with incomplete information." β’ "Give me an example of when you identified a problem before others did."
Collaboration
β’ "Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult stakeholder." β’ "Describe a situation where you had to align multiple teams." β’ "Give me an example of giving/receiving critical feedback."
Red Flags to Watch For
- Vague answers - Can't give specific examples
- Blame-focused - Always someone else's fault
- Over-selling - Claims don't match resume
- Money-only focus - No genuine interest in the role
- Unprepared - Hasn't researched the opportunity
- Inconsistencies - Story changes between questions
- Bad-mouthing - Negative about current/past employers
- Poor communication - Difficult to follow, rambling
Phone Screen Notes Template
CANDIDATE SCREEN NOTES ====================== Candidate: [Name] Date: [Date] Position: [Role] Screener: [Your Name] WORK AUTHORIZATION: β US Citizen β Green Card β Other: ___ QUALIFICATIONS [Skill 1]: β Met β Partial β Not Met [Skill 2]: β Met β Partial β Not Met [Experience]: β Met β Partial β Not Met COMPENSATION Current: $___K base + $___K bonus = $___K total Desired: $___K - $___K Our Range: β Aligned β Close β Gap TIMELINE Notice Period: ___ Availability: ___ Other Processes: ___ INTEREST LEVEL: ___/10 NOTES: ___________________________________ RECOMMENDATION: β Advance β Hold β Reject REASON: ___________________________________
Interview Coordination
Managing the interview process seamlessly
Pre-Interview Checklist
Before Scheduling
Interview Scheduling Communication
To Client: Interview Request
Subject: Interview Request: [Candidate Name] for [Position] Hi [Hiring Manager], I'd like to schedule an interview with [Candidate Name] for the [Position] role. Summary below: CANDIDATE OVERVIEW β’ Current: [Title] at [Company] ([X] years) β’ Key Strengths: [2-3 bullets] β’ Compensation: [Range] - aligned with budgeted range β’ Availability: [Date/Time options] The candidate is [highlight 1-2 standout qualities]. Please let me know which time works best, and I'll send the confirmation. Best, [Your Name]
To Candidate: Interview Confirmation
Subject: Interview Confirmed: [Company] - [Position] - [Date/Time] Hi [Candidate], Great news! Your interview with [Company] for the [Position] role is confirmed: π Date: [Day, Date] β° Time: [Time] [Timezone] π Format: [Video call via Zoom/Teams/On-site at address] π€ Interviewer(s): [Name(s)], [Title(s)] PREPARATION TIPS: β’ Review the job description (attached) β’ Research [Company] - especially [recent news/focus areas] β’ Prepare 2-3 questions for the interviewer(s) β’ Test your video/audio beforehand (if virtual) β’ Have examples ready using the STAR format I'll send you a prep call reminder tomorrow. In the meantime, let me know if you have any questions. Good luck! [Your Name]
Candidate Prep Call
Schedule a 15-minute prep call the day before or morning of the interview.
Prep Call Agenda
1. LOGISTICS CONFIRMATION (2 min) β’ Confirm date, time, format, interviewers β’ Any last-minute changes? 2. COMPANY BRIEF (5 min) β’ Company overview and culture β’ Recent news or developments β’ What they're looking for in this hire β’ Interviewer backgrounds and styles 3. INTERVIEW TIPS (5 min) β’ Questions they're likely to ask β’ Topics to emphasize from your background β’ Questions to ask them β’ Things to avoid 4. NEXT STEPS (3 min) β’ What happens after the interview β’ When you'll call for feedback β’ Remind them to reach out with questions CLOSE: "Call me right after the interview to debrief. Good luck!"
Post-Interview Debrief
Candidate Debrief (Call within 2 hours)
Questions to Ask: OVERALL IMPRESSION β’ "How do you feel it went?" β’ "What was your overall impression of the team/company?" SPECIFIC FEEDBACK β’ "What questions did they ask?" β’ "Were there any tough questions?" β’ "What did you learn about the role that you didn't know before?" INTEREST CHECK β’ "On a scale of 1-10, how interested are you now?" β’ "What increased or decreased your interest?" β’ "Any concerns?" LOGISTICS β’ "Did they mention next steps or timeline?" β’ "Are you still available for the timeframe we discussed?" COMPETITIVE INTEL β’ "Where does this rank among your opportunities?" β’ "Any other updates on your search?"
Client Feedback Request
Subject: Feedback Request: [Candidate Name] - [Position] Hi [Hiring Manager], Thank you for meeting with [Candidate Name] today. I'd love to get your feedback to keep the process moving. Quick questions: 1. What was your overall impression? 2. What stood out positively? 3. Any concerns or areas to explore further? 4. Recommendation: Advance / Hold / Pass? [Candidate] was very positive about the conversation and remains highly interested in the opportunity. [Add any relevant feedback from candidate]. Would you like to schedule a next round, or should we discuss first? Best, [Your Name]
Managing Multiple Interview Rounds
Typical Interview Process
| Round | Format | Duration | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1: Phone Screen | Phone/Video | 20-30 min | Basic qualification, interest |
| 2: Hiring Manager | Video/On-site | 45-60 min | Technical depth, fit |
| 3: Team/Panel | On-site/Video | 2-4 hours | Technical, cultural, stakeholders |
| 4: Final/Executive | On-site | 30-60 min | Culture, commitment, close |
Interview Tracking Spreadsheet
Track for each candidate:
- Interview dates and times
- Interviewers
- Feedback summary
- Next step/status
- Candidate interest level (updated after each round)
- Competing offers/timelines
Handling Interview Issues
Reschedules
- Reschedule ASAP - don't leave candidates hanging
- Always apologize for the inconvenience
- Offer multiple alternative times
- One reschedule is fine; two is a red flag to address
- If client keeps rescheduling, have a direct conversation about commitment
No-Shows
If a candidate no-shows:
- Wait 10 minutes, attempt to call/text
- If no response, email apology to client
- Follow up with candidate to understand what happened
- Genuine emergencies happen - use judgment
- Pattern of unreliability = withdraw candidate
Ghosting Prevention
Keep candidates engaged throughout:
- Regular check-ins between rounds
- Quick turnaround on feedback
- Keep them informed of timeline, even if no news
- Ask about competing processes and timelines
- Address concerns immediately when raised
Offer Management
Closing candidates successfully
Pre-Offer Checklist
The "Trial Close"
Before the client extends an offer, confirm the candidate will accept:
"[Candidate], the client is very excited about you and is preparing an offer. Before they do, I want to make sure we're aligned. If they come back with an offer of [base salary], plus [bonus], with a start date of [date], would you be in a position to accept?" [If yes]: "Great. Is there anything that could change between now and then?" [If hesitation]: "What would need to be different for you to feel confident accepting?"
Offer Presentation
Verbal Offer Call Script
"[Candidate], I have great news - [Company] would like to extend you an offer for the [Position] role! Here are the details: π BASE SALARY: $[X] π° BONUS: [X]% target (= $[Y] at target) π EQUITY: [If applicable - X shares, vesting schedule] π₯ BENEFITS: [Highlight key benefits] π START DATE: [Date] Total compensation: $[Total] This is a strong offer that reflects how much they want you on the team. What are your initial thoughts?" [Listen and address any concerns] "They'd like your response by [deadline]. What questions can I help answer?"
Written Offer Summary (Send After Call)
Subject: Offer Summary: [Position] at [Company] Hi [Candidate], Congratulations again! Here's a summary of your offer: COMPENSATION β’ Base Salary: $[X] β’ Annual Bonus: [X]% target ($[Y]) β’ Sign-On Bonus: $[X] (if applicable) β’ Total Year 1: $[Total] EQUITY (if applicable) β’ [X] shares β’ Vesting: [Schedule] β’ Current valuation: [If shareable] BENEFITS β’ Health Insurance: [Details] β’ PTO: [X] days β’ 401(k): [Match details] β’ [Other notable benefits] START DATE: [Date] RESPONSE DEADLINE: [Date] The formal offer letter will arrive from [Company] HR shortly. Let me know if you have any questions as you review. Best, [Your Name]
Handling Negotiations
Common Negotiation Points
| Request | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Higher base salary | Understand their number and rationale; advocate with client if reasonable |
| Sign-on bonus | Often easier to get than base increase; position as one-time cost |
| Earlier start date | Usually not negotiable; respect notice periods |
| More vacation | Often flexible, especially for senior roles |
| Remote work | Should be established before offer; hard to change now |
| Title change | Sometimes possible if doesn't impact reporting structure |
Negotiation Response Template
To Client: "[Candidate] is very excited about the offer and the opportunity. They had one request before accepting: [Specific request with rationale] Given their [competing offer / market rate / specific value they bring], I believe this is a reasonable ask. My recommendation is to [specific recommendation]. This would help us close quickly and avoid the risk of [losing them to competitor / extended negotiation]. Let me know how you'd like to proceed."
When to Push Back on Candidate
- Unreasonable asks: If far above market or discussed range
- Moving goalposts: New demands after previous ones met
- Using leverage poorly: Threatening to walk over small amounts
- Lack of commitment: Still "exploring" after offer extended
Your job is to advocate for the candidate, but also protect the client relationship. Don't burn bridges for unreasonable demands.
Counter-Offer Management
Preparing for Counter-Offers
Discuss counter-offers BEFORE the candidate resigns:
"When you resign, your current employer may make a counter-offer. I want you to think about this now, before it happens. Questions to consider: β’ If they could pay you more, why weren't they paying you more already? β’ Will the reasons you wanted to leave actually change? β’ How will your relationship with your manager change? β’ Statistics show 80% of people who accept counter-offers leave within 12 months anyway. What would you do if they counter-offered?"
If They Receive a Counter-Offer
"I understand they've made you a counter-offer. Let's think through this together: 1. What were your reasons for looking in the first place? [Listen and reflect back] 2. Does this counter-offer actually address those reasons? [Usually no - it's just money] 3. How do you think your manager will view you now? [They know you were looking to leave] 4. What happens next time you're unhappy? [Same situation, minus the trust] The new opportunity offers [specific things current role doesn't]. I want you to make the best decision for your career, not just the next few months."
Resignation Support
Resignation Call Script
"Let's talk through your resignation: TIMING β’ Best time: Early morning or late afternoon β’ Day: Tuesday-Thursday ideal (avoid Mondays and Fridays) THE CONVERSATION β’ Request a private meeting with your manager β’ Be direct: 'I've accepted a position at another company. My last day will be [date].' β’ Express gratitude for the opportunities β’ Don't over-explain or justify your decision β’ Don't be negative about the company RESIGNATION LETTER β’ Keep it simple and professional β’ State your last day clearly β’ Offer to help with transition β’ I'll send you a template COUNTER-OFFER PREP β’ If they counter, ask for time to think (buy a day) β’ Call me immediately β’ Remember our earlier conversation about counter-offers NOTICE PERIOD β’ Standard is 2 weeks; honor any contractual requirements β’ Offer to document/transition your work β’ Stay professional until your last day Call me right after you resign!"
Resignation Letter Template
Dear [Manager's Name], Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am resigning from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name], effective [Last Day of Work]. I appreciate the opportunities for professional growth that you have provided me during my time here. I have enjoyed working for the company and I am grateful for the support and guidance I have received. I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition. Please let me know how I can help during my remaining time. Thank you for your understanding. Sincerely, [Your Name]
Post-Acceptance Follow-Up
ATS Best Practices
Making the most of JobDiva and recruiting systems
JobDiva Fundamentals
Daily Workflow in JobDiva
Candidate Records
Required Fields for Every Candidate
| Field | What to Enter |
|---|---|
| Name | First and Last (as appears on resume) |
| Primary email address | |
| Phone | Best contact number |
| Location | City, State (current) |
| Work Authorization | US Citizen / Green Card / Other |
| Resume | Most recent version attached |
| Source | How you found them (LinkedIn, Dice, Referral, etc.) |
| Current Company | Where they work now |
| Current Title | Exact title |
| Salary | Current and desired |
Activity Logging Best Practices
Log EVERY interaction:
- Emails: BCC JobDiva or manually log
- Calls: Log outcome (connected, voicemail, no answer)
- LinkedIn: Note messages sent/received
- Interviews: Scheduled, completed, feedback
- Submissions: When sent to client
Use consistent note formats so you can quickly scan candidate history:
PHONE SCREEN - [Date] Position: [Role] Work Auth: US Citizen β Current: [Title] @ [Company], [X] years Skills: [Key skills verified] Salary: $[X]K current, seeking $[Y]K Interest: [X]/10 Notes: [Key points from conversation] Next: [Action item] --- INTERVIEW DEBRIEF - [Date] Interview: [Round] with [Interviewer] Candidate Feedback: [Summary] Interest Level: [X]/10 Concerns: [Any] Next Steps: [Action] --- SUBMISSION - [Date] Submitted to: [Client/HM Name] Position: [Role] Rate/Salary: $[X] Status: [Pending review / Scheduled / Rejected]
Job/Requisition Management
Creating a New Job
Essential fields:
- Job Title: Match client's terminology
- Client: Link to correct company record
- Hiring Manager: Primary contact
- Location: Work location or "Remote"
- Type: Retained / Contingent / Contract
- Salary Range: Min and max
- Job Description: Full JD text
- Requirements: Must-haves vs. nice-to-haves
- Deadline: Target fill date
Pipeline Stages
Standard pipeline for tracking candidates:
| Stage | Meaning |
|---|---|
| New/Sourced | Just identified, not contacted |
| Contacted | Outreach sent, awaiting response |
| Engaged | Responded, initial conversation |
| Screened | Phone screen completed |
| Submitted | Sent to client for review |
| Client Review | Client reviewing resume |
| Interview | Interview(s) in progress |
| Offer | Offer extended |
| Hired | Offer accepted, start date confirmed |
| Rejected | Declined by us, client, or candidate |
| On Hold | Paused but not rejected |
Search & Filter Tips
Boolean in JobDiva
Searching your database effectively: AND: Java AND Python (both required) OR: Developer OR Engineer (either) NOT: Senior NOT junior (exclude) "": "Machine Learning" (exact phrase) *: Develop* (wildcard) Example searches: β’ Find Python developers with AWS experience: Python AND AWS AND (Engineer OR Developer) β’ Find senior people excluding contractors: Senior AND (Lead OR Principal) NOT contract β’ Find recently updated profiles: Use date filters + skills
Saved Searches
Create saved searches for:
- Each active job requisition
- Evergreen skill combinations you frequently need
- Geographic regions you cover
- Candidates marked "revisit" or "future fit"
Reporting & Analytics
Key Reports to Run
| Report | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Pipeline by Stage | Daily | Where are candidates in process? |
| Activity Summary | Daily/Weekly | Calls, emails, submissions logged |
| Time to Fill | Monthly | How long jobs stay open |
| Source Effectiveness | Monthly | Which channels produce hires? |
| Client Submissions | Weekly | Candidates sent per client |
| Interview to Offer | Monthly | Conversion rates |
Metrics to Track
Data Hygiene
Weekly Cleanup Tasks
Tagging Strategy
Use consistent tags for easy filtering later:
- Skills: #Python #AWS #Kubernetes
- Level: #Senior #Lead #Executive
- Status: #HighPotential #Passive #ActivelyLooking
- Notes: #Referral #PastCandidate #AlumniOf[Company]
Your ATS is only as good as the data you put in. Garbage in, garbage out. Take 5 extra minutes per candidate to log properlyβfuture you will thank present you.