The world of talent acquisition is always changing, but every once in a while, someone comes along who doesn't just keep up. They set the pace.
Erin Mathew, a sourcing powerhouse and talent intelligence professional, is one of those people. Through her writing, speaking engagements, and relentless curiosity, Erin has become a go-to resource for recruiters and sourcers worldwide.
Her knack for demystifying sourcing strategies, uncovering unconventional talent pools, and sharing her insights has made her an indispensable figure in the industry.
A journey of grit and growth
Like many in the industry, Erin's start in talent acquisition was a trial by fire. "Pretty much everybody at the beginning of their career has what I call a hell job, and that was mine," she says. Working in experiential marketing, she handled high-pressure, last-minute staffing for massive events like the Super Bowl and Lollapalooza. Finding ten promo models overnight? Just another day at the office.
Her ability to stay calm under pressure and pivot quickly was invaluable, but after transitioning into healthcare recruiting, she hit a wall. "Oh, my gosh! Is this the career path I've chosen for myself? Is there no way out of this now?" That's when she discovered sourcing, a discipline that allowed her to merge creativity with strategy.
But breaking into the sourcing community wasn't easy. She had her sights set on attending SourceCon, but her company repeatedly denied her requests. So she took matters into her own hands.
"I got on the SourceCon Facebook group and said, 'Hey, I'm ready to drop my own money on this. Is it worth it?'" The community immediately rallied around her, urging her to go.
Then, SourceCon's editor at the time, Shannon Pritchett, stepped in with an offer: if Erin wrote six blog posts, she could earn a ticket. And so she did.
That moment of persistence would prove to be a turning point, launching her into a world where she could connect, learn, and ultimately, give back.
A champion for the recruiting community
What sets Erin apart isn't just her expertise in sourcing, it's her relentless commitment to sharing what she knows. She has contributed extensively to industry platforms like SourceCon, RecruitingDaily, and Recruiting Brainfood, crafting content that's both practical and inspiring.
Whether she's diving into unconventional platforms like Reddit and Discord for sourcing talent or testing AI-driven recruiting strategies, Erin is constantly pushing boundaries. She's spoken at some of the industry's top conferences, like the Talent Sourcing Strategies Conference and Sourcing Summit Tech, where she delivers no-fluff, actionable insights recruiters can put to work immediately.
"I walked into SourceCon thinking I knew everything about sourcing. I walked out saying, 'Holy crap! I don't know anything about sourcing,'" she admits. That humility and hunger to keep learning make her an even better teacher.
Democratizing knowledge and building tools
One of Erin's biggest contributions to the recruiting community is her dedication to making learning accessible. She knows that not everyone can attend expensive conferences or formal training, so she maintains a vast collection of free resources, including webinars, toolboxes, and sourcing guides.
From her Text Sourcing for Reddit toolbox to her Executive Talent Search framework, Erin curates tools that help recruiters level up their game. She's also known for exploring new frontiers, like using AI-powered search engines such as Perplexity to generate talent intelligence reports. "There's never a time when I'm not creating some sort of weirdly specific toolbox for some function within TA," she says.
Her ability to simplify complex topics into practical, real-world applications makes her an invaluable leader in the field.
Inspiring the next generation of recruiters
Perhaps Erin's most lasting impact is on the individuals she's mentored and inspired. She gets messages every week from recruiters seeking guidance, and while she can't meet with everyone one-on-one, she always directs them to her extensive library of recorded webinars and resources.
"Even if I don't know something, chances are I can figure it out. Chances are I can find it," she says. That mindset has not only propelled her career but has inspired countless others to embrace the research-driven side of sourcing. Many in the community have credited her with helping them gain confidence, develop new skills, and even land new opportunities.
Her philosophy is simple: sourcing isn't dying, it's evolving. "As long as sourcers continue to build upon that natural curiosity and research part of their role, they'll be able to adapt accordingly." Erin is living proof that persistence, passion, and a commitment to continuous learning can carve out a fulfilling career in talent acquisition.
A lasting legacy in recruiting
In an industry where technology and trends shift rapidly, Erin remains a steady force of knowledge and generosity. She doesn't just keep up with change. She anticipates it, adapts, and then turns around to teach others how to navigate it. Through her articles, keynotes, and mentorship, she has created a ripple effect, empowering recruiters worldwide to be sharper, more strategic, and better equipped for the future of hiring.
Her journey is a testament to what's possible when you refuse to accept limitations. Expertise isn't just about knowing how to do something. It's about sharing that knowledge, lifting others, and leaving the industry better than you found it. And that's exactly what Erin continues to do every day.
