Great Sourcers do not need industry experience!

Over the last few weeks I have noticed an increase in the number of companies looking for sorucers. However they are not just looking for sourcers but sourcers who have industry experience with in their respective industries. They even go so far as to make industry experience a “have to have” in the job description. This got me thinking that while I agree industry experience is a good thing, but it is no were near as important as great sourcing and research skills. I myself have sourced within numerous industries without having prior experience and have never had a big problem learning what I needed to know, and with the advent of social media connecting to people within that industry and finding candidates. I have also been able to help numerous fellow sourcers with regards to their sourcing needs within industries I have had little no know experience with. So the point is while I can understand the desire for industry experience, let’s not forget a good Sr. Sourcer will have skills and knowledge that more than make up for a lack of industry experience. So for me industry experience is a “nice to have” and top notch sourcing skills is the “have to have” for a sourcer.