Quick Guide: Boolean Searches for Sourcing

We are in a very fast-moving industry called talent acquisition, and efficiently locating the right candidates is extremely important. The famous Boolean search uses specific operators that will greatly improve how you find potential candidates across many platforms like LinkedIn, Google, and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Now, let's learn more about Boolean.

What is Boolean Search?

Boolean search involves using particular operators to narrow down search results. This method, named after mathematician George Boole, enables the combination of keywords with operators such as AND, OR, NOT, and quotation marks for more accurate outcomes. When looking for candidates, using this method can help you filter through many profiles to find the most suitable ones for your requirements.

Most Important Boolean Operators

• AND: This operator narrows your search by combining terms and will require for all keywords to be present in the results.

Example: Java AND Python AND "Project Manager"

Use Case: Find candidates with Java and Python experience and have worked as a Project Manager.

• OR: This operator broadens your search by including results that contain at least one of the specified keywords.

Example: "Marketing Manager" OR "Digital Marketing Lead"

Use Case: Source candidates who have either a Marketing Manager or Digital Marketing Lead title.

• NOT: This operator excludes specific terms from your search, helping to filter out irrelevant results.

Example: Developer NOT "Junior Developer"

Use Case: Filter out junior-level candidates

• Quotation Marks (""): Use quotation marks to search for an exact phrase. This is extremely useful and recommended when searching for titles or specific skills.

Example: "Machine Learning Engineer"

Use Case: Make sure that search results only include candidates with this exact job title.

• Parentheses (): Parentheses group terms or operators together, allowing you to create more complex searches.

Example: (Java OR Python) AND ("Software Engineer" OR Developer)

Use Case: Find candidates who know either Java or Python and have a job title of Software Engineer or Developer.

• Asterisk (*): The asterisk is a wildcard operator that represents any number of characters. It’s useful for searching variations of a word.

Example: Develop*

Use Case: Capture profiles with terms like Developer, Development, or Developing.

How to Build Effective Boolean Strings

Creating effective Boolean strings requires a clear understanding of the role and the skills required. You can start by doing a wide search using the operator OR to find a range of job titles and skills. Then, you can refine the search results by using the operators AND and NOT to avoid unsuitable candidates.

Here’s a suggested step-by-step approach:

1. Identify Key Skills and Titles: List all relevant skills, qualifications, and job titles for the role.
2. Use OR: To include different ways candidates might list these skills or titles on their profiles.
3. Use AND: To combine your OR groups with AND to ensure that all essential skills and titles are included in the profiles.
4. Use NOT: Exclude any terms that are irrelevant to the role to improve your results.

Test and Perfect: Try out your search, check the outcome, and adjust your Boolean string as needed to get better results.

AI tools for Boolean Search

Making a Boolean search can be challenging at times, particularly when ensuring all relevant combinations and keywords are included, which is why AI tools such as ChatGPT or Gemini can be incredibly beneficial! Providing the platform with precise instructions lets it quickly create a customized Boolean search string that meets your needs.

To create an effective prompt for AI platforms, just keep these items in mind:

• Goal: Communicate what you want to achieve.
• Role: Define how the AI tool will help you.
• Context: Give all the essential details for the task.
• Task: Describe the job in detail.
• Constraints: Mention any limitations or specific considerations.
• Format: Specify how the response should be formatted.

Example Prompt:

• Goal: Find software engineers with specific skills.
• Role: AI tool as a recruitment expert.
• Context: Searching for candidates proficient in Python and Java, while excluding junior-level roles.
• Task: Generate a Boolean search query.
• Constraints: Use Boolean operators AND, OR, NOT, Parentheses, and Quotes
• Format: Create the Boolean string to be used in LinkedIn Recruiter.

Prompt: "You are a recruitment expert. You need to craft the best Boolean search to find software engineers with Python and Java skills, excluding junior professionals. Use all Boolean operators such as AND, OR, NOT, parentheses, and quotes."

Result: ("software engineer" OR "developer") AND (Python AND Java) NOT ("junior" OR "entry level" OR "associate")

Keep in mind that you can utilize this Boolean string on different sourcing platforms or search engines as well.

Some Final Thoughts

Mastering Boolean search can completely transform the recruiting process for both experienced and new talent acquisition professionals. Take the time to experiment with these operators and familiarize yourself with various AI tools to quickly become very proficient in this advanced search technique.

Joty.