Passive Candidate Sourcing & Research

Specialize in sourcing and identifying passive candidates not actively looking

Startup Cost
$5,000-$25,000
Difficulty
Intermediate
Time to Profit
4-10 months
Profit Potential
$10,000-$67,000/month

Overview

Sourcing specialists charge $50-$150 hourly or $2,500-$15,000 per search/project.

Sourcing for 40-100 searches annually generates $120,000-$800,000 with 80-95% margins.

In 2025, top talent is employed and passive.

Revenue from candidate sourcing projects ($2,500-$15,000 per search), research and pipeline building for recruiters, Boolean and LinkedIn sourcing training ($2,000-$8,000 per training), sourcing tools and technology consulting, and database and talent community development.

Successful sourcers use advanced Boolean and X-ray search, leverage LinkedIn Recruiter and sourcing tools, identify passive candidates through research, engage candidates to generate interest, and build talent pipelines and databases.

Recruiting firms and corporate talent acquisition as clients.

Marketing through recruiting networks, sourcing expertise and certifications, LinkedIn sourcing reputation, sourcing training programs, and recruiter partnerships.

Required Skills

  • Boolean Search
  • LinkedIn Sourcing
  • Research & Investigation
  • Passive Candidate Engagement
  • Sourcing Tools & Technology
  • Pipeline Development

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • High demand for specialized sourcing skills
  • Lower overhead than full recruiting
  • Can support multiple recruiters/clients
  • Sourcing increasingly critical differentiator
  • Remote work-friendly sourcing business

Cons

  • Lower fees than full recruiting placements
  • Need advanced sourcing skills and tools
  • LinkedIn and sourcing tool subscription costs
  • May be seen as commodity service
  • Passive candidates difficult to engage

How to Get Started

  1. Build advanced sourcing skills (Boolean, LinkedIn)
  2. Invest in sourcing tools and technology
  3. Get sourcing certifications if available
  4. Market to recruiting firms and talent acquisition
  5. Conduct candidate research and sourcing projects
  6. Build talent pipelines and databases
  7. Provide sourcing training and consulting

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