In this blog, we have compiled a list of 18 candidate sourcing tools for recruiters that will enhance your talent acquisition efforts. They enable the identification of the right talent and improve the hiring experience for everyone involved.
We have categorized these candidate sourcing tools in mainly 4 categories. We’ll break down each tool’s features, user ratings, pros and cons, and how they can boost your recruiting game. However, you will have all the critical information, including the pricing and whether the candidate sourcing tools you are considering have free trials.
In today’s world, recruiters utilize every available means to get the right talent. That’s why we’ve included a mix of the best candidate sourcing tools across different categories:
- Resume Databases for diving into vast collections of resumes.
- Portfolio Platforms like GitHub or Behance to check out work samples.
- Networking Platforms like LinkedIn for making valuable connections.
- Referral Platforms to tap into employee networks and get quality leads.
In this new recruiting world of work where AI and automation have penetrated virtually every aspect of the job market, recruiting sourcing tools today can provide automated talent search and communication, as well as candidate profile and behavior analysis. These sourcing tools for recruiters ensure that the process and activity of sourcing and selecting candidates, as well as communicating with perfect matches is easy.
Thus, regardless of its scale, be it a start-up you have recently founded or a large company, these active sourcing tools will be useful to make a talent pool in 2024 and further. Browse through each of them and decide how effective that specific recruitment sourcing tools in your hiring strategy.
What is a candidate sourcing tool?
If you’re a recruiter looking for an easy and effective way to find top talent, a candidate sourcing tool is a real game-changer. This software helps you find, identify, and connect with potential candidates across various platforms. You can use resume-sourcing tools to review many resumes or check out professional profiles and portfolios. These recruiting sourcing tools simplify automating your searches, keeping track of candidates, and quickly getting in touch with the best prospects. They save time and help you build a solid, diverse talent pool. Adding these sourcing tools to your recruitment process can significantly affect how efficiently you find and engage with suitable candidates.
How do candidate sourcing tools work?
Candidate sourcing tools make it easier for you to locate and get in touch with outstanding talent. They comb through enormous resume databases to find people who fit your requirements. You can also use recruiting sourcing tools to look at professional profiles and portfolios on various portfolio platforms. These tools often come with features that automate your searches, track candidates, and help you manage outreach all in one place. This means you spend less time hunting for talent and more time engaging with suitable candidates. It’s all about making your recruitment process smoother and more effective.
Top 10 Candidate Sourcing Tools Comparison Table
| Candidate Sourcing Tool Name | Best For | Pricing |
| HireEZ | AI-powered candidate sourcing with ATS integration |
Custom pricing, free trial available
|
| SeekOut | AI-driven candidate sourcing with diversity sourcing tools |
Custom pricing, free demo available
|
| Entelo | Diversity-focused candidate sourcing with predictive analytics |
Custom pricing, free trial available
|
| Hired | Matching engineers, designers, and product managers with employers |
Custom pricing, demo available
|
| LinkedIn Recruiter | Sourcing through LinkedIn’s vast professional network |
Custom pricing, demo available
|
| Behance | Sourcing creative professionals like designers and illustrators | Free |
| Dribbble | Sourcing graphic designers and creative positions |
Free, paid options for job posting
|
| Carbonmade | Sourcing design, illustration, and multimedia talent |
Free trial, paid plans available
|
| GitHub | Sourcing developers and engineers through code repositories |
Free, paid options for additional features
|
| EmployeeReferrals.com | Automating and managing employee referral programs |
Custom pricing, demo available
|
According to TestGorilla the global recruitment software market is projected to grow from $2.76 billion in 2021 to $3.95 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 6.5% This growth is largely driven by the adoption of AI-powered tools, applicant tracking systems (ATS), and automated sourcing platforms that streamline the recruitment process.
List of 18 Candidate Sourcing Tools for Recruiters in 2024
Here’s a list of the 18 best candidate sourcing tools for recruiters in 2024, categorized into four key areas: Resume Databases, Portfolio Platforms, Networking Platforms, and Referral Platforms.
1. HireEZ
HireEZ guides you in locating the top candidates for your business. It searches millions of profiles using AI to identify the best prospects. It functions similarly to a personal recruiting assistant. HireEZ creates a robust talent pipeline and facilitates the identification of exceptional applicants with its AI-powered sourcing and sophisticated search features.
Notable elements:
- AI-driven candidate sourcing
- Sophisticated search parameters
- Easy sourcing through integration with the widely used ATS
- Chrome extension for easy sourcing
Pricing:
- Free Trial: Yes, HireEz offers a free trial. You can sign up on their website to get started.
- Pricing: Their website does not provide pricing information to the general public. For further information, get in touch with HireEz directly. Usually, they provide personalized prices based on your requirements.
Pros:
- Precise AI-powered search
- Interface that is easy to use
- Large candidate database
Cons:
- It may be costly for startups or smaller businesses.
- A learning curve can be necessary to fully utilize
G2 Score: 4.6/5 stars
2. SeekOut
SeekOut is an excellent candidate sourcing tool that works as a search engine for the right talent, sorting and scouring through people’s profiles or resume bases to identify like-minded individuals fit for your organization. It is a perfect recruiting sourcing model suitable for discovering the best talents in the market and improving the talent sourcing approach.
Notable element:
- AI-driven candidate sourcing
- Sophisticated search parameters
- Easy sourcing through integration with the widely used ATS
- Diversity sourcing tools
Pricing:
- Free Trial: SeekOut offers a free demo but no free trial. You can request a demo through their website.
- Pricing: The public cannot access pricing information on their website. SeekOut offers personalized pricing according to the number of users and features needed. Please get in touch with them directly to find out the exact prices.
Pros:
- Comprehensive candidate database
- Strong diversity sourcing capabilities
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- It can be expensive for smaller companies
- It may require a learning curve for full utilization
G2 Score: 4.5/5 stars
3. Entelo
Entelo is comparable to a diversity advocate in applicant sourcing technologies as it makes it more straightforward to assemble a more diverse team by assisting you in locating talented people from all backgrounds. Entelo is a terrific way to improve your hiring process and guarantee a more comprehensive range of candidates in your talent pool with its diverse hiring features and sophisticated recruiting sourcing tools.
Notable Features:
- AI-Powered Candidate Search
- Diversity Recruiting
- Predictive Analytics
- Talent Pool Insights
- Candidate Engagement
- ATS Integration
Pricing:
- Free Trial: Entelo does offer a free trial. You can start with a free trial by signing up on their website.
- Pricing: Entelo does not list pricing publicly. Pricing is generally available upon request. Contact Entelo for details on pricing based on your requirements.
Pros:
- Strong diversity sourcing capabilities
- User-friendly interface
- Integration with popular ATS
Cons:
- It can be expensive for smaller companies
- It may require a learning curve for full utilization
G2 Score: 4.2/5 stars
4. Hired
For companies looking for engineers, designers, and product managers, the Hired Marketplace is the right place to go. It is a simple, fast, and efficient way for employers and potential employees to meet to simplify the candidate acquisition process. Resume-sourcing tools help minimize employers’ time and effort to develop effective and competent talent pools with quality candidates from Hired.
Notable Features
- Candidate Matching
- Employer Insights
- Interview Scheduling
- Negotiation Support
Price
- Free Trial: Hired does not offer a free trial. Instead, they typically provide custom pricing and a demo or consultation to showcase their platform’s features and fit for your needs.
- Pricing: Hired’s pricing is not publicly listed. Typically, they offer custom pricing based on the needs of the company. You will need to contact them directly through their website for specific pricing details.
Pros
- Streamlined Matching
- User-Friendly Interface
- Support
Cons
- Limited to Tech Roles
- Pricing can be high for smaller companies or startups.
G2 Score: 4.3/5 stars
5. LinkedIn Recruiter
LinkedIn Recruiter is the most effective Sourcing Tool that comes with additional features to enable you to find talent for specific positions. LinkedIn Recruiter is one of the valuable recruiting sourcing tools available for recruiters because of its high overall search functionality and a range of features to connect with professionals.
Notable Features:
- Large professional network
- Advanced search filters
- Integration with LinkedIn Sales Navigator
- InMail messaging
Pricing:
- Free Trial: LinkedIn Recruiter does not offer a free trial. Instead, you can request a demo or consultation.
- Pricing: Pricing information is not publicly available on the LinkedIn site. You need to contact LinkedIn Sales for detailed pricing information. Their LinkedIn Recruiter page provides a way to request a demo.
Pros:
- Large professional network
- Easy-to-use interface
- Integration with other LinkedIn tools
Cons:
- It can be expensive for smaller companies
- It may require a premium plan for advanced features
G2 Score: 4.4/5 stars
Portfolio Platforms
Portfolio platforms are essential for sourcing the creativity needed in any project. Primarily, they allow the showcase of the work of designers, artists, and others as possible candidates are being searched for. Applying these functions makes it easy to find the candidates that will be suitable for your project in terms of abilities, working style, etc.
6. Behance
Behance is an established web based platform that provides projects for professionals to display their work. It’s one of the best candidate sourcing platforms to search for designers, illustrators, and creativity. Behance offers a wide selection of portfolios, and powerful, relevant search assistance to help you find and connect with appropriate talents.
Notable Features:
- Extensive range of creative portfolios
- Advanced search filters for specific skills and styles
- Option to follow and engage with creatives
- Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud
Pricing:
- Free Trial: Behance offers free access to browse and search for portfolios.
- Pricing: There is no paid tier for Behance itself; it’s free. Additional features are available through Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions.
Pros:
- A rich selection of high-quality creative work
- User-friendly interface
- Great for sourcing niche creative talent
Cons:
- Limited to creative professions
- Portfolios may lack detailed candidate information compared to specialized AI recruiting tools.
G2 Score: 4.5/5 stars
7. Dribbble
Dribbble is a site where designers post to get attention and to share their work with the world. As a candidate sourcing tool, it’s convincing to source the right talent of graphic designers, UI/UX specialists, and creative positions. There is an active community, and the search allows finding the best designers with whom you can collaborate on projects.
Notable Features:
- A wide array of design portfolios
- Advanced search filters for skills and expertise
- Option to follow and interact with designers
- Job board for posting design-related job openings
Pricing:
- Free Trial: Dribbble offers free access to browse portfolios and search for designers.
- Pricing: There is no paid tier for primary usage. Premium features and job postings may require a subscription.
Pros:
- An extensive network of design professionals
- Easy to navigate and explore portfolios
- Great for finding specific design skills
Cons:
- Focuses mainly on design and creative roles
- Some users may find the job board less active compared to other platforms
G2 Score: 4.1/5 stars
8. Carbonmade
Carbonmade is a portfolio site for creatives to build and display their work. As a candidate sourcing tool, it is ideal for finding design, illustration, and multimedia talent. Carbonmade offers a straightforward way to view and evaluate creative professionals.
Notable Features:
- Easy-to-use portfolio builder
- Customizable portfolio templates
- Search functionality for finding creative talent
- Option to view detailed project work
Pricing:
- Free Trial: Carbonmade offers a free trial with basic features.
- Pricing: Pricing starts with a free plan, with additional features available through paid plans.
Pros:
- Simple and user-friendly portfolio setup
- Great for viewing detailed creative projects
- Affordable pricing with a free option
Cons:
- Limited to creative professions
- It may not have as extensive a user base as larger platforms
G2 Score: 4.2/5 stars
9. GitHub
GitHub is a platform where developers and tech professionals share their code and collaborate on projects. It is a valuable candidate sourcing tool for finding skilled developers and engineers. GitHub’s extensive repository and profile features make it easy to evaluate technical talent.
Notable Features:
- Access to a vast repository of code and projects
- Advanced search filters for specific skills and technologies
- Collaboration and project management tools
- Profiles showcasing code contributions and project work
Pricing:
- Free Trial: GitHub offers free access to browse repositories and profiles.
- Pricing: GitHub has a free basic-use tier, with additional features and private repositories available through paid plans.
Pros:
- Comprehensive view of developers’ code and projects
- An extensive network of tech professionals
- Free tier available for essential use
Cons:
- Focuses primarily on coding and technical skills
- The free tier may have limitations compared to paid plans
G2 Score: 4.7/5
Networking Platforms
Networking platforms are essential candidate sourcing tools for recruiters seeking top talent through professional connections. These sourcing tools allow recruiters to tap into vast networks to discover potential candidates. Using networking platform sourcing tools, you can build relationships, join industry-specific groups, and engage with passive talent. Networking platforms are ideal for those who want to combine personal outreach with modern candidate sourcing techniques. With the right recruiter sourcing tools, you can connect with a diverse pool of professionals, making them one of the best talent sourcing tools for recruiters today. Whether using resume-sourcing tools or advanced sourcing platforms, these networks can help you build robust candidate pipelines quickly and efficiently.
10. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a top networking platform for candidate sourcing, giving you powerful tools to connect with professionals in various fields. With LinkedIn, you can use advanced search options and InMail to reach out to the best talent directly. It is one of the best candidate-sourcing tools for expanding your network and engaging with active and passive candidates. LinkedIn is essential for recruiters, whether you are looking to source resumes or just grow your talent pool.
Notable Features:
- Large professional network
- Advanced search filters for targeted candidate sourcing
- InMail messaging for direct outreach
- Integration with LinkedIn Recruiter for enhanced recruiting capabilities
Pricing:
- Free Trial: LinkedIn offers free access to basic features; LinkedIn Recruiter requires contacting LinkedIn Sales for a demo.
- Pricing: LinkedIn Recruiter pricing is not publicly listed. For detailed pricing information, contact LinkedIn Sales.
Pros:
- Extensive professional network for sourcing candidates
- Powerful search and filtering options
- Integration with other LinkedIn tools
Cons:
- Can be expensive, especially for small businesses
- Advanced features require a premium subscription
G2 Score: 4.4/5 stars
11. Meetup Pro
Meetup Pro is a platform for organizing and attending events, including professional networking and industry-specific meetups. It’s a useful tool for candidate sourcing by connecting with professionals more informally.
Notable Features:
- Event discovery and RSVP management
- Group creation and management
- Networking opportunities through events
- Option to host or attend industry-specific meetups
Pricing:
- Free Trial: Meetup offers free access to browse events and groups.
- Pricing: Free for basic use; additional features and group management may require a subscription.
Pros:
- Connects with potential candidates through events
- Facilitates face-to-face networking opportunities
- Easy to find and join industry-related groups
Cons:
- Limited to event-based networking
- Less structured for detailed candidate evaluation
G2 Score: 4.0/5 stars
12. Facebook
Facebook offers professional and community groups where you can find job postings and connect with potential candidates. It’s useful for candidate sourcing through targeted groups and job boards.
Notable Features:
- Groups and communities for industry-specific networking
- Job postings and candidate profiles
- Direct messaging for outreach
- Networking through community engagement
Pricing:
- Free Trial: Facebook offers free access to browse groups and job postings.
- Pricing: Free to use; optional paid advertising for job posts and increased reach.
Pros:
- Large user base with diverse professional groups
- Easy to find and interact with candidates
- Cost-effective for job postings
Cons:
- Less formal than dedicated recruiting platforms
- May have limited information compared to other sources
G2 Score: 4.3/5 stars
13. Reddit
Reddit features a variety of industry-specific subreddits where you can find discussions, job postings, and potential candidates. It’s a unique platform for candidate sourcing through niche communities.
Notable Features:
- Subreddits for industry-specific discussions and job postings
- Community engagement and networking
- Upvoting and downvoting for post visibility
- Direct messaging through private chats
Pricing:
- Free Trial: Reddit offers free access to browse subreddits and interact with users.
- Pricing: Free to use; optional paid promotions and advertising.
Pros:
- Access to niche and specialized communities
- Informal environment for candidate discovery
- Free to use with extensive community engagement
Cons:
- Less structured for formal recruiting
- The quality and reliability of candidates can vary
G2 Score: 4.2/5 stars
14. AngelList
AngelList is a platform that connects startups with job seekers and investors. It’s particularly useful for candidate sourcing in tech and startup roles.
Notable Features:
- Startup job postings and candidate profiles
- Networking with founders and investors
- Search filters for tech and startup roles
- Access to a community of startup professionals
Pricing:
- Free Trial: AngelList offers free access to job postings and candidate profiles.
- Pricing: Free for basic use; optional paid features for job postings and increased visibility.
Pros:
- Focused on startup and tech talent
- Direct access to startup job seekers
- Free basic access with additional paid features
Cons:
- Less suitable for non-tech roles
- Limited compared to more extensive professional networks
G2 Score: 4.5/5 stars
15. Eventbrite
Eventbrite is a platform for creating, promoting, and managing events, including professional and industry-specific meetups. It’s a useful tool for candidate sourcing, allowing you to attend or host events to network and discover potential candidates.
Notable Features:
- Event creation and management
- Ticketing and registration tools
- Promotion and marketing options
- Analytics and reporting for event performance
Pricing:
- Free Trial: Eventbrite offers free access to basic event creation and promotion features.
- Pricing: Pricing varies based on event size and features. There are no fees for free events, but paid events incur fees based on ticket sales and features used.
Pros:
- Easy to create and manage professional events
- Helpful for networking and sourcing candidates in person
- Comprehensive event promotion and analytics
Cons:
- Fees associated with paid events
- Limited to event-based candidate sourcing
G2 Score: 4.3/5 stars
Referrals
Referrals are a powerful component of candidate sourcing and play a crucial role in building a robust talent pipeline. Using referral tools for candidate sourcing helps streamline finding and engaging with top talent through your current employees’ networks. These referring tools facilitate the creation of effective employee referral programs, which can significantly enhance your recruiting efforts. By leveraging referral platforms, companies can automate the tracking of referrals, offer incentives to employees, and integrate these tools with their existing applicant tracking systems (ATS). Referral software helps identify high-quality candidates and improves overall recruitment efficiency. Investing in the best referral tools ensures that your organization can tap into a pool of pre-vetted talent, making the candidate sourcing process more effective and less time-consuming.
16. EmployeeReferrals.com
EmployeeReferrals.com is a platform designed to streamline and enhance employee referral programs. It helps companies leverage their employees’ networks to find and refer top talent more effectively.
Notable Features:
- Automated referral tracking and management
- Customizable referral programs and incentive structures
- Integration with applicant tracking systems (ATS)
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics
Pricing:
- Free Trial: EmployeeReferrals.com offers a demo upon request.
- Pricing: Pricing information is not publicly available. Contact EmployeeReferrals.com for detailed pricing information.
Pros:
- Streamlines the referral process
- Customizable programs to fit different company needs
- Integrates well with existing ATS systems
Cons:
- Pricing details are not readily available
- May require a setup period to fully integrate with existing systems
17. Zalp
Zalp is a referral management platform that encourages and manages employee referrals by offering rewards and incentives. It aims to boost engagement and streamline the referral process.
Key Features:
- Referral tracking and management
- Incentive and reward program integration
- Compatibility with existing HR systems
- Real-time reporting and analytics
Pricing:
- Free Trial: Zalp offers a demo upon request.
- Pricing: Pricing information is available on request. Contact Zalp for detailed pricing.
Pros:
- Motivates employees with rewards and incentives
- Easy integration with existing HR systems
- Provides detailed reporting
Cons:
- Pricing information is not publicly available
- Limited to referral management, which may need to be integrated with other systems
18. Jobvite Refer
Jobvite Refer is part of Jobvite’s comprehensive recruiting suite, focusing on streamlining and enhancing employee referrals. It integrates seamlessly with Jobvite’s ATS.
Key Features:
- Simple referral submission interface
- Integration with Jobvite’s ATS
- Customizable referral programs
- Detailed reporting and analytics
Pricing:
- Free Trial: Jobvite offers a demo upon request.
- Pricing: Pricing information is not publicly listed. Contact Jobvite for detailed pricing.
Pros:
- Seamlessly integrates with Jobvite’s recruiting tools
- User-friendly interface for referrals
- Provides robust reporting capabilities
Cons:
- Pricing information is not openly available
- Best suited for organizations already using Jobvite’s ATS
G2 Score: 4.3/5
