5 Best Boolean operators to use in search strings
To begin using Boolean search strings to optimize your search for job candidates, read about these five commonly
used Boolean operators:
1. AND
The AND operator combines two or more search criteria into one string. When you use the AND operator, you narrow
your search results to include only results satisfying both requirements. For example, if you were looking for
a financial analyst with experience in accounting and sales, your Boolean search string would include "accounting
AND sales" so that all results have both criteria.
2. OR
The OR operator is similar to the AND operator but expands search results to include one criterion, another criterion,
or both. So, if you wanted a financial analyst with experience in either accounting, sales or both, your Boolean search
string would say "accounting OR sales."
3. NOT (minus symbol)
The NOT operator, indicated by the minus symbol (-), excludes search results you're not looking for. For example, if
you're searching for writing portfolios through a search engine, you may want to filter out results like articles on
creating portfolios, as these may clutter your search results. In this case, your Boolean search string could include
"NOT tips" or "-tips" to cut back on articles and keep your search focused on actual writing portfolios. Be mindful that
some search engines only recognize the minus sign, not the NOT operator.
4. Parentheses
Parentheses allow you to group multiple Boolean search strings into one complex candidate search. For example, you
could search "(accounting OR sales) AND analyst" to get results that must contain "analyst" plus either accounting,
sales or both.
5. Quotation marks
Finally, quotation marks allow you to get results containing an exact phrase. Place your specific phrase, such as
"graphic design," in quotation marks to narrow your search to only results containing this specific phrase.
How to find resumes with Boolean search strings
Because of their power to customize searches, Boolean search strings are helpful for recruiters and HR representatives
searching for specific resumes, portfolios and other information through search engines. Here are the steps you can
take to find candidate information with Boolean search strings:
1. Cover variances in search terms
A resume may also be referred to as a CV, so cover both search terms using the Boolean search string "resume OR
CV." The OR operator shows results containing "resume," "CV" or both. You may also want to include cover letters
or other documents in your search.
2. Search for words included in resumes
Aside from searching for a resume or CV, you may want to consider searching for words commonly included in
resumes, such as "professional experience," "skills" or "education."
3. Include different titles for the same profession
Often, one job may be referred to by multiple titles. To ensure you don't miss any great candidates, broaden your
search to cover different titles for the same profession. For example, you could use alternative titles like "developer"
and "programmer" for a web development role.
4. Exclude results you're not looking for
You can use the NOT operator to exclude criteria you don't want to clog your search results. For example, you could
exclude "templates" or "tips" to avoid resume-related articles in your search results. This narrows your search and
makes finding the resumes you're looking for easier.
5. Search for more information on specific candidates
To learn about specific candidates, search for your candidate's name in quotation marks and use Boolean operators to
find the exact information you're looking for, such as their email address or social media profiles.
