The Boolean search techniques are the best for locating candidates based on location. By conducting Boolean searches on local candidates, you can avoid relocating a new employee. In Google, you can run Boolean strings to hire professionals from diverse cities, countries, and states if you wish to expand your search.
You can have a significant impact on the quality of the results you receive regardless of where you look for candidates – on LinkedIn, Monster, etc.
You can often find more targeted results when utilizing Boolean search strategies – using the words AND, OR, and NOT in capital letters, and quotation marks or parenthesis – when searching for information. Perhaps you need to improve your Boolean search techniques.
Searching using Boolean operators
There is no restriction on how many symbols you can use in one search string on any search engine, so Boolean searches can be conducted across the Internet using any search engine.
The boolean search consists of five elements:
- When AND is placed between search keywords, the results will include both (or all) keywords.
- OR: When the user is looking for something that can include both sets of search terms, they write OR. A list of all possible combinations appears.
- The user should write NOT after the preferred search term when they do not want a specific search term to appear in the results. That way, it won’t appear in the results.
- Quotation marks:” “: users use quotation marks around a phrase that they want to search for specifically.
- By using parentheses, the terms can be separated and priority given to specified ones.
When should the Boolean search be used in recruitment?
Searching big databases, such as CRMs, LinkedIn, Indeed, Google, or your own ATS, with Boolean search techniques can help you find the right candidates quickly. Using it to search for exactly the type of candidate profile you want will save you a lot of time.
The “ideal” candidate typically possesses the following skills and qualifications. It can be difficult for organizations to find these candidates, especially if they are not actively seeking employment.
Find the right candidate in your ATS database
The database of profiles in your applicant tracking system will provide your company with a great source of candidates as it grows. You can archive a person’s profile if they are no longer considered for the role they applied for. To find past applicants who might be a match for new positions, you can use your database.
There are boolean search techniques in your applicant tracking system, which means you can filter your candidate profiles by using the “AND,” “NOT,” or “OR” qualifiers. For example:
Python coding proficiency is a requirement for the new hire, according to the lead developer. Finding a candidate who meets those qualifications by going through a folder of resumes would be like looking for a needle in a haystack.
It only takes a couple of searches to locate candidate profiles containing “Python” and “Denver” with your applicant tracking solution. For more software developers in that area who might know Python but have not listed it on their resumes, try searching for “Software Developer” AND “Denver”.
Now that we’ve discussed what this search technique is all about. Let’s start building out your Boolean search string cheat sheet by looking at the operators.
How to Improve Your Recruitment Process by Using Boolean Search
Employers can use social media, LinkedIn, Google, and more to find job candidates using Boolean search. This is a method in which you communicate directly with the candidates about openings in the company.
When you find a candidate who is a good fit, be prepared to give them your pitch. In the process of contacting many candidates, you will save time.
Your keywords and modifiers might need some tweaking before you get useful results.
You can make personal connections by using BOOLEAN search as a recruiter to expand your client base. As a result, your talent pool will greatly increase, enabling you to attract excellent new applicants to fill the upcoming openings.
Candidate and recruiter benefits
Your company will be able to attract great recruits and do a lot more with an ATS. Recruitment professionals benefit from a streamlined application process for candidates and a simplified recruitment process for recruiters.
