Boolean search in recruiting: operators, query examples, and rules for creating search strings

Boolean Search is a technique for finding candidates in open sources (LinkedIn, GitHub, Google, ATS databases) using a combination of keywords and special logical operators.

This method allows you to narrow or broaden search results, filter out irrelevant resumes, and find passive candidates who cannot be discovered through standard search.

How Boolean Search Works: 3 Main Operators

The method is based on the algebra of logic developed by George Boole. Operators are always written in uppercase English letters (AND, OR, NOT).

1. AND Operator (Logical “AND”)

Used to combine several mandatory conditions. The search engine will find only those profiles that contain all the specified words simultaneously.

Example: Java AND Spring AND Angular
Result: Only candidates whose resumes contain all three technologies.

2. OR Operator (Logical “OR”)

Expands the search by using synonyms, alternative job titles, or related technologies. The search engine will find profiles where at least one of the specified words appears.

Example: Recruiter OR “Talent Acquisition” OR Sourcer
Result: Candidates who have at least one of these three roles listed.

3. NOT Operator (Logical “NOT”)

Excludes words you do not need from the search results (for example, related roles or higher qualification levels).

Example: Developer NOT Lead NOT Director
Result: Developers, but without team leads and technical directors.

Additional Symbols and Syntax

In addition to the three basic operators, Boolean Search uses additional symbols for precise query formulation:

• Quotation marks “” (Exact phrase): search for a phrase exactly in the order in which it is written. Example: “Project Manager” (without quotation marks, the search engine will search for the words Project and Manager separately).
• Parentheses () (Grouping): allow you to combine different operators in one query according to mathematical rules. Example: (Python OR Django) AND (Junior OR Middle)
• Asterisk * (Truncation / Wildcard): searches for all possible word endings (works in most internal databases and some search engines). Example: recruit* will find recruiter, recruiting, recruitment.

Ready-to-Use Boolean Search Queries for Recruiters

Example 1: Searching for a Middle Fullstack Developer (Node.js + React)

(“Fullstack Developer” OR “Full Stack Developer”) AND “Node.js” AND React NOT Junior

Example 2: Searching for a B2B Sales Manager in Kyiv

(“Sales Manager” OR “Account Executive” OR “Business Development”) AND B2B AND Kyiv

Example 3: Searching for an IT Recruiter with Sourcing Experience

(Recruiter OR “Talent Acquisition”) AND IT AND Sourcing

4 Common Boolean Search Mistakes Made by Beginners

• Operator capitalization: if you write and or or in lowercase, the search system will interpret them as ordinary words rather than logical commands.
• Forgotten quotation marks: without quotation marks, the query HR Business Partner will be treated by the system as HR AND Business AND Partner, which will produce a lot of “noise”.
• Missing parentheses: the query Java OR C++ AND Developer will be executed incorrectly. You need to group the terms: (Java OR C++) AND Developer.
• Overly complex first query: start with a short query and gradually add AND/NOT operators if the results are too broad.

Save Candidates from Boolean Search Directly to PersiaHR

Found an ideal profile on LinkedIn or a file-based resource using a Boolean query? With the PersiaHR browser extension, you can save resumes, contact details, and communication history to your unified ATS database in one click — without manual copying.

Learn more about PersiaHR features

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