Boolean search
It is a method through which we can define the appropriate candidates as per the skills set demanded by the client. Boolean search is applied in all the job boards like: LinkedIN, Naukari, Moster, Efin, My career future etc. even you can use it in the google search also.
It includes Boolean operators such as AND, OR, and NOT to be used in an orderly manner to refine a search query that will recover the best candidates for a given client‘s needs.
Boolean Search Operators
- AND
- OR
- NOT
AND Operator in Boolean search
The “AND” operator is helpful in expanding searches by combining multiple keywords in a search, like for example, looking for “content writer AND creator.
This operator links terms in order to show results which contain both keywords. However, it is often unnecessary in platforms such as Google, LinkedIn, and job boards, as these automatically function with a space acting like the “AND” operator.
For example, if you type “content writer creator” in the search bar, you will get results where both words are included in the profile or job listings. You can also obtain similar results by using the hyphen, like “content writer-creator.” But searching for relevant profiles or job listings is easier and more convenient without using the word “AND” itself.
Some examples for AND Operator in Boolean search
1- (Sales AND Marketing)
2-(Java AND SQL)
2-(Operations AND Banking)
OR Operator in Boolean search
The “OR” operator is helpful in limiting a search by offering other terms-when searching for more than one related role or set of skills. To find candidates who are “content writers OR creators OR developers, use “OR” between those terms.
It’s also effective for spelling variations, like using “Photoshop OR Photo shop” or “Lightroom OR Light Room.” In this way, it tends to expand the search a bit to cover various preferences, or typos in candidates’ profiles.
This way, on Google, LinkedIn, Monster, and Bing, the pipe character may result in better answers since it excludes the word “OR,” which, therefore, increases the effectiveness of getting the desired candidates.
Some examples for OR Operator in Boolean search
1- (Banking OR “Banking Operations”)
2-( Java OR JavaScript)
3-( “Business Analyst” OR “Project Manager”
NOT Operator in Boolean search
The “NOT” operator narrows your search results by excluding a specified term so that the relevance of your results improves. For example, if you are looking for a “content writer OR creator,” but you want to avoid profiles with “editor,” you will include in your search string “NOT editor.
The use of this operator allows avoided terms to be excluded from your results. On Google and LinkedIn, NOT should be replaced with the hyphen, -, for the same effect; an example would be “content writer OR creator -editor,” for instance, to exclude pages with “editor,” for a more focused search.
Some examples for NOT Operator in Boolean search
1- ( “Java Developer” NOT Support)
2-( Banking NOT Sales)
3-(“.NET Developer” NOT SQL)
Boolean Search Modifiers
Boolean search modifiers like “AND,” “OR,” and “NOT” help narrow down the search results quite effectively. “AND” combines keywords, ensuring that all terms appear in results. “OR” expands searches by including alternative terms, while “NOT” excludes unwanted terms.
These modifiers make searches easier to locate the exact information or candidate profiles. Replace “NOT” with a hyphen (-) on platforms like Google and LinkedIn.
Key Takeaways for Recruiters
- Use Upper Case for Operators. Write all Boolean operators in uppercase so that they can be recognized to function;
- Save Successful Search Strings. The complexity in Boolean search strings necessitates saving the different search string for future references upon each result acquired; alterations incorporated are suitable as templates to aid subsequent searching.
- Store Search Strings in Simple Text: Save search strings to a notepad file or Excel sheet. Avoid using Microsoft Word because some of its formatting (such as curly quotes) may interfere with Boolean functions.
- Build a List of Keywords: A word list of appropriate keywords useful for your search strings allows you to adapt quickly with different roles or skills you are searching for.
- Consider Spelling Variations: Include common spelling variations, such as “DevOps” vs. “dev ops” or “PowerPoint” vs. “Power Point,” to increase the scope of your search and bring in more candidate profiles.
- Developing Boolean search skills will improve the accuracy of your search and get you the specific talent you are looking for.