Recruiting

What is Boolean Search?

Definition: Boolean search is a candidate sourcing technique that uses logical operators (AND, OR, NOT) and modifiers (quotes, parentheses, wildcards) to create precise search queries that find specific candidate profiles across databases and platforms.

Also known as: Boolean Logic, Boolean Operators, X-Ray Search

Quick Summary

TL;DR

Boolean search uses logical operators (AND, OR, NOT) and modifiers (quotes, parentheses) to create precise search queries for finding candidates. It's essential for LinkedIn, job boards, ATS databases, and Google X-ray searches. Strong boolean skills separate average sourcers from great ones.

10x more effective
than basic keyword searches

Key Facts

Core Operators

AND, OR, NOT

Boolean logic

Used On

LinkedIn, ATS, Google

Platforms

Impact

10x search effectiveness

Industry data

Learning Curve

Moderate

Skill development

Why Boolean Search Matters

Basic keyword searches return too many irrelevant results or miss qualified candidates with different terminology. Without boolean skills, recruiters waste hours sifting through poor matches or miss perfect candidates entirely. In competitive talent markets, the ability to find candidates others can't is a major differentiator. Boolean search is foundational for any serious sourcing professional.

Common Pain Points

  • 1Basic searches return hundreds of irrelevant results
  • 2Missing candidates who use different job titles or terminology
  • 3Spending hours reviewing poor-fit candidate profiles
  • 4Can't find passive candidates competitors are missing

Boolean Search Fundamentals

Master these core concepts to improve your sourcing.

  1. 1

    Learn the Operators

    AND narrows results (must have both terms). OR expands results (either term). NOT excludes results (remove unwanted terms).

  2. 2

    Use Quotes and Parentheses

    Quotes find exact phrases: "project manager". Parentheses group terms: (developer OR engineer) AND python.

  3. 3

    Build Layered Queries

    Start with job titles (OR together variants), add required skills (AND), exclude unwanted (NOT), refine based on results.

  4. 4

    Adapt to Platforms

    LinkedIn, Google, Indeed, ATS databases have different syntax and limitations. Learn each platform's specific boolean support.

Result

Boolean proficiency is a skill that improves with practice and experimentation.

Boolean Search Deep Dive

Operator Quick Reference

AND requires both terms: java AND python returns results with both. OR allows either term: developer OR engineer returns results with either. NOT excludes: manager NOT project excludes project managers. Quotes find exact phrases: "machine learning" finds that exact phrase. Parentheses group logic: (developer OR engineer) AND (java OR python).

AND
Both terms requiredNarrows results
OR
Either term acceptedExpands results
NOT
Excludes termFilters out unwanted

Google X-Ray Searching

X-ray search uses Google to find profiles on sites where internal search is limited. Basic structure: site:linkedin.com/in (job title) AND (skill). Add location, company, or other filters. Example: site:linkedin.com/in "software engineer" AND python AND (San Francisco OR "SF Bay") finds LinkedIn profiles of Python engineers in SF.

Common Boolean Mistakes

Over-complicating queries: start simple, add complexity as needed. Forgetting synonyms: developers OR engineers OR programmers. Not using quotes for phrases: project manager (two words) vs "project manager" (exact phrase). Mixing up AND/OR logic: understand precedence (AND before OR unless parentheses). Not testing queries: always verify results match intent.

Common Misconceptions

  • Boolean search is only for LinkedIn
  • Complex queries always get better results
  • AND and OR work the same way
  • Boolean search is outdated with AI tools

Boolean Search Examples

Common recruiting search patterns
Search GoalBoolean Query Example
Find Java developers"java developer" OR "java engineer" OR "java programmer"
Python + data skills(python) AND ("data scientist" OR "data analyst" OR "machine learning")
Exclude recruiters(recruiter OR sourcer) NOT (agency OR staffing)
Specific company alumnisite:linkedin.com/in "former" AND (Google OR Amazon) AND "software engineer"
Location filtering(developer) AND ("New York" OR NYC OR "New York City")

Common recruiting search patterns

Related Terms

Passive CandidatesAts Resume Formatting

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

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