Candidate sources are the various channels that employers use to attract potential job applicants. These sources can range from career sites and job boards to employee referral programs, social media platforms, and even search engines. Each channel offers unique advantages and can reach different segments of the talent pool, making it important for companies to utilize a diverse mix of candidate sourcing in their recruitment efforts.

Job boards can be either sponsored or organic, with sponsored listings often receiving higher visibility and attracting more candidates. Employee referrals are another valuable source, as current employees tend to recommend qualified individuals who fit the company culture. Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter also play a significant role in reaching passive candidates who may not be actively job searching but are open to new opportunities.

Tracking the performance of each candidate source is essential to optimizing recruitment strategies. By analyzing recruitment metrics such as application volume, quality of candidates, and cost per hire from each channel, organizations can identify the most effective sources. This data-driven hiring approach helps improve outcomes and ensures that recruitment efforts are both efficient and impactful.