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Sourcing Case Study

Recruiting

What it tests

Whether the candidate can independently source qualified candidates for a real open role and articulate why each profile fits.

Format

  1. 1Candidate receives a real or anonymized job description for a hard-to-fill technical role
  2. 2Independently sources 5–8 candidate profiles using LinkedIn, GitHub, or other channels
  3. 3Presents profiles to the hiring panel, explaining selection rationale and outreach approach
  4. 4Q&A on sourcing methodology, channel mix, and how they'd prioritize follow-up

What to look for

  • Quality of profiles: do they match the actual role requirements, not just keywords?
  • Boolean search sophistication and creative sourcing beyond LinkedIn Recruiter
  • Ability to articulate why each profile was chosen and how they'd personalize outreach
  • Awareness of passive vs. active candidates and how to engage each differently

Adaptation guide

Swap in a role from your own open reqs — ideally one that is genuinely hard to fill. Evaluate whether candidates find the same narrow talent pool you're already working with, or surface angles you haven't tried.

Full description

Format:

  1. Candidate receives a real or anonymized job description for a hard-to-fill technical role
  2. Independently sources 5–8 candidate profiles using LinkedIn, GitHub, or other channels
  3. Presents profiles to the hiring panel, explaining selection rationale and outreach approach
  4. Q&A on sourcing methodology, channel mix, and how they'd prioritize follow-up

Time: 45 minutes

What to look for:

  • Quality of profiles: do they match the actual role requirements, not just keywords?
  • Boolean search sophistication and creative sourcing beyond LinkedIn Recruiter
  • Ability to articulate why each profile was chosen and how they'd personalize outreach
  • Awareness of passive vs. active candidates and how to engage each differently

Adaptation: Swap in a role from your own open reqs — ideally one that is genuinely hard to fill. Evaluate whether candidates find the same narrow talent pool you're already working with, or surface angles you haven't tried.

Use this template in NouSpark

Start with this assessment template and customize it for your hiring process.

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