How to Source Candidates on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the top place to source passive candidates. Here is a repeatable process to find and reach the right people.
Tools you'll need
Step by step
- 01
Define the ideal candidate
Write down the must-have skills, seniority, location, and titles. Precise criteria make search and outreach far more effective.
- 02
Search with Boolean filters
Use LinkedIn search or Recruiter with Boolean strings and filters to build a targeted list of profiles that fit.
- 03
Enrich contact details
Use a data tool like Apollo.io to find verified emails and phone numbers so you can reach candidates off-platform.
- 04
Personalize your outreach
Write short, specific messages that reference the candidate's work. Tools like lemlist help personalize at scale.
- 05
Follow up a few times
Most replies come from follow-ups. Send two or three spaced, polite follow-ups across email and LinkedIn.
- 06
Track responses in your ATS
Log every candidate and their status in your ATS so nothing slips and you can measure what works.
Frequently asked
How do recruiters find candidates on LinkedIn?
With targeted Boolean searches, then personalized outreach, often enriched with a contact-data tool to reach people off-platform.
Do I need LinkedIn Recruiter?
It helps at scale, but you can source effectively with regular search plus a data and outreach tool.
How do I get more replies?
Personalize the first line, keep messages short, and follow up a few times across channels.
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