Active sourcing is one of the most effective methods of increasing recruitment rates and reducing time-to-fill. In contrast to the passive recruiting approach, where job vacancies are published and potential candidates are waited for, active sourcing takes a proactive approach. Suitable candidates are approached directly and recruited for an open position. The following article explains why this method is so valuable for companies and what advantages it offers.
How does active sourcing work?
Active sourcing goes beyond traditional recruiting and focusses on a targeted approach to candidates. The focus here is on actively searching for suitable candidates and making direct contact with them. Companies use various channels to identify and approach potential candidates. These include social networks such as LinkedIn or Xing, career fairs and personal contacts.
What are the advantages of active sourcing?
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Increase in the recruitment rate
One of the biggest challenges in recruiting is finding suitable candidates and attracting them to a position. Passive recruiting approaches are often unable to generate enough potential candidates. Active sourcing, on the other hand, expands the circle of potential candidates and enables a more targeted approach. This increases the likelihood of finding qualified applicants and hiring them successfully.
One example of this is the company SAP. The company has been using active sourcing for years and has significantly increased its recruitment rate as a result. According to a study by market research company IDC, the company has a 75 per cent higher recruitment rate than the industry average thanks to this method.
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Reduction of time-to-fill
The time-to-fill, i.e. the time it takes to fill a vacancy, can be a decisive factor in the recruitment process. The longer it takes to find suitable candidates, the higher the costs and effort for the company. Active sourcing can help to reduce the time-to-fill. The process can be accelerated through a more targeted approach and faster contact with potential candidates.
One example of this is IBM. IBM has intensified its active sourcing activities in recent years, reducing the time-to-fill by up to 40 per cent. By filling vacancies more quickly, the costs and effort involved in the recruitment process have been significantly reduced.
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Better quality of candidates
Active sourcing enables a more targeted approach to potential candidates. This allows companies to ensure that they only approach applicants who have the necessary skills and experience for the vacancy. In contrast, passive recruiting approaches can often result in a large number of applications that do not meet the requirements. By targeting their approach, companies can ensure that they find applicants who are not only technically suitable, but also fit in with the corporate culture.
One example of this is Siemens. The company has been using active sourcing for years and has been able to significantly improve the quality of candidates as a result. According to a study by market research company Aberdeen Group, Siemens has a 38 per cent higher quality of applicants than the industry average thanks to this method.
Active sourcing is an effective method of increasing recruitment rates, reducing time-to-fill and improving the quality of candidates. It enables companies to optimise their recruiting processes and successfully attract new employees. To benefit from this method, companies should specifically search for potential candidates and approach them directly. In doing so, they should pay attention to a personalised approach and a good candidate experience in order to arouse the interest of candidates and win them over to the company.
