Candidate Sourcing Glossary
Recruiting has its own language, and keeping up with all the terminology can be tricky. That’s why we’ve created this easy-to-navigate glossary.
Master Recruiting Terminology
Recruiting has its own language, and keeping up with all the terminology can be tricky. That’s why we’ve created this easy-to-navigate glossary.
From traditional recruiting fundamentals to the latest in AI-powered sourcing, we’ve got you covered. Each term is explained in clear, practical language that you can actually use in your day-to-day work. No unnecessarily complex definitions here – just straightforward explanations that make sense in the real world of recruiting.
Need a quick reference? Use the alphabetical navigation below to jump right to specific terms. Or, if you’re looking to expand your recruiting vocabulary, take some time to browse through the full guide by downloading the PDF.
Want to dive deeper into recruitment strategies? Check out our complete guide to mastering talent sourcing.
A
Active Candidate
A job seeker who is actively searching for new employment opportunities, typically through job boards, company websites, and direct applications.
AI Matching
The use of artificial intelligence to align candidate profiles with job requirements and company culture.
AI-Powered Sourcing
The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to identify, evaluate, and engage potential candidates for job opportunities. Learn more about AI talent acquisition trends and measuring AI recruitment ROI.
Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
Software used by recruiters and employers to collect, sort, scan, and rank job applications and resumes.
Automated Outreach
AI-driven communication tools that help engage candidates through personalized messaging at scale.
B
Behavioral Interview
An interview technique that asks candidates to describe past experiences to predict future performance.
Bias Reduction
Techniques and technologies used to minimize unconscious bias in the recruitment process.
Blind Screening
The practice of removing identifying information from candidate profiles to reduce bias.
Boolean Search
A type of search that uses logical operators (AND, OR, NOT) to create more precise candidate searches across databases and social platforms.
Building Talent Pools
The strategic process of creating and maintaining databases of qualified candidates for future positions.
C
Candidate Conversion Rate
The percentage of sourced candidates who progress through various stages of the recruitment process.
Candidate Experience
The overall perception and feelings a job seeker has about an organization’s recruitment process.
Candidate Persona
A semi-fictional representation of your ideal candidate, including their skills, experiences, and characteristics.
Candidate Pipeline
A pool of qualified candidates who can be considered for current or future job openings.
Cost Per Hire
The total expense associated with filling a job position, including advertising, technology, and recruiter time.
Cultural Add
A hiring approach that focuses on how a candidate’s unique perspectives, experiences, and qualities can enhance and diversify an organization’s existing culture, rather than simply matching it. Explore our guides on cultural fit vs. cultural add and strategies for balancing cultural alignment with diversity.
Cultural Fit
The alignment between a candidate’s values, behaviors, and work style with an organization’s culture.
Customizable Outreach Campaigns
Personalized communication strategies designed to engage specific candidate segments.
D
Data-Driven Recruiting
Using metrics and analytics to inform and optimize recruitment strategies and decisions.
Diversity Sourcing
Strategies and techniques used to identify and attract candidates from underrepresented groups.
Dynamic Screening
Real-time evaluation of candidates using AI-powered tools that adapt to changing job requirements.
E
Employee Referral
A recruitment method where current employees recommend candidates from their professional networks.
Employer Branding
The reputation and image of an organization as an employer, including its values, culture, and work environment.
Executive Search
A specialized recruitment service focused on identifying and attracting senior-level executives and specialists.
H
High-Quality Candidate Sourcing
The process of identifying and engaging top-tier talent through advanced screening methods.
Hiring Funnel
The stages candidates move through during the recruitment process, from initial awareness to final hire.
Hiring Manager
The person responsible for making the final hiring decision and typically the future supervisor of the successful candidate.
HootRecruit Platform
A comprehensive talent-sourcing solution that combines AI precision with human expertise to connect recruiters with high-quality candidates.
HR Analytics
The practice of collecting and analyzing HR data to improve workforce-related decisions.
I
Integrated Sourcing Platform
A unified system that combines multiple sourcing tools and techniques in one solution.
Intelligent Candidate Matching
AI-driven algorithms that pair job requirements with candidate qualifications.
Intelligent Screening
AI-powered technology that automatically screens resumes and applications based on job requirements.
Internal Mobility
The movement of employees between different roles within the same organization.
Interview Scheduling Automation
AI-powered tools that streamline the process of coordinating interviews between candidates and hiring teams.
J
Job Description (JD)
A formal document outlining the responsibilities, qualifications, and requirements for a specific role. Learn how to perfect your job descriptions and optimize screening efforts.
K
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Measurable values used to evaluate the success of recruiting efforts and sourcing strategies.
Keyword Optimization
The practice of incorporating relevant industry and role-specific terms in job postings and recruiting materials to improve searchability.
Knowledge-Based Hiring
A recruitment approach that focuses on evaluating candidates based on their specific expertise and technical knowledge.
L
Lateral Hiring
Recruiting candidates for positions at the same level as their current role but in a different department or organization.
Lead Time
The time period between identifying a hiring need and the target date for having the position filled.
LinkedIn Recruiter
A premium tool used by recruiters to search for and connect with potential candidates on the LinkedIn platform.
M
Machine Learning Matching
The use of AI algorithms to match candidate profiles with job requirements based on various data points. Discover how AI matching algorithms are transforming recruitment.
Market Mapping
The process of researching and analyzing the available talent pool within a specific industry or geographic area.
Metrics-Based Recruiting
A data-driven approach to recruitment that relies on quantifiable measurements to make decisions.
N
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
AI technology that enables systems to understand and process human language in candidate searches and communications.
Network Recruiting
The practice of leveraging professional networks and connections to identify and attract potential candidates.
Next-Generation Recruiting
Modern recruiting practices that incorporate new technologies, social media, and innovative approaches to talent acquisition.
O
Offer Letter
A formal document presenting the terms and conditions of employment to a selected candidate.
On-Demand Recruiting
A flexible recruiting model where organizations scale their recruiting resources up or down based on current needs.
Onboarding
The process of integrating new hires into an organization. For small businesses, explore our onboarding and retention strategies guide.
Outbound Recruiting
Proactively identifying and reaching out to potential candidates rather than waiting for applications.
P
Passive Candidate
A professional who is currently employed and not actively seeking new opportunities but may be open to them.
Predictive Analytics
Using data, statistical algorithms, and machine learning techniques to identify the likelihood of future recruiting outcomes.
Q
Quality of Hire
Metrics used to evaluate the effectiveness of hiring decisions based on new employee performance and retention.
Quick Sourcing Solutions
Tools and methods designed to accelerate the candidate identification and engagement process. Explore our guides on quick effective sourcing in today’s job market and how sourcing tools transform recruitment.
R
Real-Time Analytics
Live data analysis of sourcing metrics and recruitment performance.
Recruitment Analytics
The collection and analysis of recruitment data to improve hiring processes and outcomes.
Recruitment Marketing
Strategies and tactics used to attract and engage potential candidates, similar to traditional marketing approaches.
Response Rate Optimization
Strategies to improve candidate engagement and reply rates.
S
Screening
The initial evaluation of candidates to determine if they meet basic job requirements.
Sourcing Channel
Any medium or platform used to find and attract potential candidates.
Sourcing Efficiency
Measures of how effectively recruiters identify and engage potential candidates.
Sourcing ROI: The measurable return on investment from various candidate sourcing methods and tools.
Succession Planning
The process of identifying and developing potential future leaders within an organization.
T
Talent Pool
A database of candidates who have expressed interest in working for an organization or have been identified as potential fits. Learn more about building effective talent pools in our Guide to Mastering Talent Sourcing.
Time to Fill
The number of days between when a job is posted and when an offer is accepted.
Time to Hire
The number of days between when a candidate enters the hiring process and when they accept an offer.
U
Unified Talent Management
An integrated approach to recruiting, onboarding, developing, and retaining employees using a single technology platform or system.
Upskilling
The process of teaching current employees new skills for different or more advanced roles, often used as part of internal recruiting strategies.
V
Video Interview
Remote interviewing conducted through video conferencing technology, either live or pre-recorded.
Virtual Career Fair
An online event where employers and job seekers can interact remotely through virtual booths, chat rooms, and video conferences.
W
White-Glove Recruiting
High-touch, personalized recruitment services typically used for executive or specialized positions.
Work Sample Test
An assessment method where candidates perform tasks that simulate actual job responsibilities.
Workforce Planning
The process of analyzing and forecasting workforce needs to ensure an organization has the right talent at the right time.
Y
Year-Over-Year (YOY) Hiring
A metric comparing hiring data and recruitment performance between corresponding periods in different years.
Yield Ratio
The percentage of candidates who progress from one stage of the recruitment process to the next.