A Boolean search string is a search tool that allows you to limit or require specific results. Recruiters can use it to find resumes and candidates that most closely match the required qualifications. If you're a recruiter, learning more about Boolean search strings can help you make your search process more efficient.
What is Boolean searching?
Boolean searching is a search process that uses mathematical operators to find the most relevant search results. Mathematical operators are symbols that calculate values, such as addition and subtraction signs. The name "Boolean" comes from a mathematician named George Boole, who developed the mathematical theory that all variables have a value of "true" or "false."
A Boolean search uses Boolean operators—such as AND, OR and NOT—to narrow or broaden a search depending on the searcher's intentions.
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:
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 "Developer AND Python" so that all results have both criteria.
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 Developer OR Programmer
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.
Parentheses ()
Parentheses allow you to group multiple Boolean search strings into one complex candidate search. For example, you could search (Python or Java) AND Developer to get results that must contain "analyst" plus either accounting, sales or both.
Quotation marks ""
Finally, quotation marks allow you to get results containing an exact phrase. Place your specific phrase, such as "Software Engineer" in quotation marks to narrow your search to only results containing this specific phrase.
Boolean search strings are combinations of Boolean operators and search keywords. They can benefit people who find candidates for open positions, including recruiters, human resources representatives and managers, because formulating a search string with Boolean operators can make it easy to source resumes for specific job candidates.
Tailoring search results to specific criteria and filtering out irrelevant results can make the search process faster and more precise.