What is the Boolean/X-Ray Search Method and How is it Used for Recruitment?

Also known as the X-Ray search method, the Boolean search method takes its name from Boolean logic, developed by the 19th-century British mathematician George Boole. Today, the Boolean search method can easily be performed by typing specific keywords with relevant commands into the search bar to achieve clearer and more relevant results. The most commonly used Boolean search commands are AND, OR, and NOT. By using these commands, you can expand or narrow your search according to your needs. Many people unknowingly use the Boolean search method, which is an easy technique to learn.

Recruitment specialists use X-Ray search operators to find the most suitable candidates. With this search method, you can more easily find candidates who meet your criteria. For example, you can quickly access candidates who have worked at a specific company, live in a certain location, and have the desired level of education. You can use the Boolean search method on many search engines such as Google, LinkedIn, and even Facebook.

AND

When you want to access results that contain two or more keywords, you can apply the AND command to narrow your search and reach relevant results. For example, if you search for "machine AND engineer," you will see results that contain both the words "machine" and "engineer.

OR

The OR command allows you to expand your search by typing alternative keywords into the search bar. Additionally, recruitment specialists use it to access all candidates who may spell a term differently. For example, by typing "PowerPoint OR Power Point" into the search bar, you can find candidates who have written this term in either way.

NOT

With the NOT command, you can exclude specific words from your search. Instead of NOT, you can also narrow your results by writing the word you do not want to include in your search after a minus sign. For example, when looking for candidates for a position and you want to exclude job postings from your results, you can type "NOT job" or "-job" into the search bar to add these commands to your search.

Boolean commands may vary across search engines, so we recommend reviewing the commands for the website you are searching on.

As a recruitment specialist, learning the Boolean search method can help you reach the right candidates faster. For job seekers, preparing your resume according to this technique can help you appear higher in search results and catch the attention of HR specialists. If you want to get noticed by recruitment specialists, please contact us for CV and interview consultancy services.

References

What is Boolean Search? - New York Public Library (https://www.nypl.org/blog/2011/02/22/what-boolean-search )

Sourcing on Google: Boolean search for recruiters - https://resources.workable.com/tutorial/source-google-boolean#

Boolean Operators: Parentheses - University of Hawai?i at Mānoa Library https://guides.library.manoa.hawaii.edu/c.php?g=105358&p=684347

What Is Boolean Search in Recruiting? Process, With Examples for Google and LinkedIn - https://www.spiceworks.com/hr/recruitment-onboarding/articles/what-is-boolean-search-in-recruiting-process-with-examples-for-google-and-linkedin/