What is Boolean Search?
The great English Mathematician George Boole stated that Boolean Search is a method of symbolic logic. Users use this method to combine phrases or words using AND, OR, NOT, BRACKETS ().
Across the internet, there are many search engines, and Boolean searches can be done on any search engine using boolean operators without any restriction on how many operators you use in a single search string.
How is boolean search used in recruitment?
Whether it is LinkedIn, Indeed, Google, Dice, and Monster, etc., a boolean search can quickly source filtered suitable and potential candidates from large databases instead of wasting time sifting through tons of resumes. As mentioned in our previous blogs, the Applicant Tracking System is the gateway to merge your social media, job portals, and other platforms to reach the right talent.
Using boolean search, recruiters can refine their search results in various ways that can be especially effective for finding a fine-tuned number of active and passive candidates for your job requirements.
It is also known as the best alternative when compared to other commonly used search functions. Using Boolean search enables HR and recruiting teams to find an exact match of what they are looking for in their requirements. The Boolean search string can be simple or complex based on the filtering criteria.
How or Why to Use Boolean Search?
In simple words, it is a writing skill to get meaningful search results from a large volume of applicants. Many experienced recruiters develop this skill to perform complex search strings to meet every job requirement.
- AND – To include two keywords in the search criteria and to display search results that have both keywords.
- OR- To include two keywords in the search criteria and to display search results that have either of the two keywords or both simultaneously.
- NOT – To include two keywords in the search criteria and to display search results that contain the first keyword but not the second one.
- BRACKET () – The search criteria inside the brackets will take priority over the keywords given outside.
- QUOTATION MARKS “ “– To search for an exact phrase and be considered as one keyword. When the user is 100% sure of the specific combination of keywords, the user will use the Quotation symbol.
- ASTERISK* – To widen your search, or in other words, the search results will include all the keywords related to that stem.
How Boolean Search Work with ATS?
All Applicant Tracking Systems are featuring this functionality to simplify the recruiter’s tasks. In the ATS, a boolean search helps to filter suitable resumes of potential candidates from its large repository of applicants. The ATS has become a preferred tool for recruiting teams, empowering them to source the best applicant profiles in a short duration. Also, we can parse resume content to identify potential candidates based on given keywords.
