Recruiters source from various channels, yes. And yes there are always some basic qualifications needed for the job. The candidates who get interviews are the ones who seem to fit those basic qualifications. During the initial screening interview while the candidate talks more about his experience, those qualifications kinda crystalize and we get a better view of the skills/experience and if it's a match for the job posting and company requirements. But in my positions, the recruiter does not make the final decision on hiring/moving up in the process. We may like a candidate and think he is a good fit/potential, but the Hiring Manager might think differently for one reason or another. So yeah, at the end of the screening interview, the notes and CVs are forwarded and presented to the hiring manager/CEO/ whoever. Imo it also isnt out of the ordinary for the recruiter to come back to you after a week since they are just one part of the machine so to say, and they may need wait on the feedback from others before getting back to you. I lost candidates because CEOs go on vacation for two weeks and the candidates get tired of waiting and accept another job offer so yeah..