> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ribbon.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Sourcing

> Use Ribbon's AI-powered sourcing to find candidates

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  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/ribbon-198dd1e6/Labl0PEPZ0pdmWXR/images/knowledge-base/sourcing.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Labl0PEPZ0pdmWXR&q=85&s=641cb6b51d0139d8c3ac60487dcf2b0c" alt="Ribbon Sourcing" width="1400" height="900" data-path="images/knowledge-base/sourcing.png" />
</Frame>

Ribbon's Sourcing feature helps you find qualified candidates using AI-powered search and outreach.

## AI-Powered Candidate Search

The Sourcing chat interface lets you describe who you're looking for in natural language:

* "Find software engineers with React experience in San Francisco"
* "Show me product managers who have worked at startups"
* "Search for sales reps with SaaS experience"

The AI searches across available candidate pools and returns matching profiles.

### Search Progress

When you submit a search, you'll see a real-time progress indicator as the AI:

1. Interprets your requirements
2. Searches candidate databases
3. Ranks and filters results
4. Returns the best matches

### Chat History

Your searches are saved, so you can:

* Return to previous searches
* Refine earlier queries
* Build on past results

## Candidate Outreach

Once you've found candidates, send them interview invitations directly from Ribbon.

### Outreach Workflow

1. **Select Interview** - Choose which interview flow to invite them to
2. **Confirm Candidates** - Review the candidate list and emails
3. **Draft Message** - Write your invitation (or use a template)
4. **Preview & Send** - Review the email before sending

### Customizing Outreach

For each outreach campaign, you can customize:

* **Subject Line** - The email subject candidates will see
* **Message Body** - Your personalized invitation
* **Interview Link** - Automatically included

### Batch Sending

Send invitations to multiple candidates at once:

1. Select all candidates you want to reach
2. Compose a single message
3. Each candidate receives a personalized email with their unique interview link

## Tips for Effective Sourcing

### Writing Good Search Queries

Be specific about what you're looking for:

| Less Effective | More Effective                                     |
| -------------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| "engineers"    | "backend engineers with Python and AWS experience" |
| "salespeople"  | "enterprise sales reps with 5+ years B2B SaaS"     |
| "designers"    | "product designers who have worked on mobile apps" |

### Outreach Best Practices

* **Personalize when possible** - Reference something specific about the role or company
* **Keep it concise** - Candidates are busy; get to the point
* **Explain the AI interview** - Some candidates may be unfamiliar with the format
* **Set expectations** - Let them know how long the interview takes

## Sourcing Context

You can optionally connect sourcing to:

* **Interview Flow** - Search for candidates who match a specific role
* **Previous Interviews** - Find similar candidates to your best performers

This helps the AI understand exactly what you're looking for.