The difference between Sourcers and Resourcers

Andy Headworth featured Julia Stone’s prezi from Sourcecon on his blog Sirona Says today. In the UK, we often get confused by the term Sourcer and Resourcer. When I first started going to the states, it was something that confused me.
Whilst it’s changing, most European recruiters still employ resourcers rather than sourcers. Having spent quite a lot of time with a few exponents of the art of sourcing(and I think it is an art!), the difference is fundamental, but quite simple.

Sourcers search for “people” who could do a job.

Resourcers search for “C.V.’s/Resumes” that list job titles or experience that match a job spec.

To develop a sourcing approach (and Katharine Robinson leads the way in this in the UK), you need to understand the difference between searching for C.V.’s and searching for people. It is a very different approach and methodology.

What do you think?

Bill