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

Boolean search method is a search technique used to achieve more accurate results on digital platforms. Named after the English mathematician George Boole, who lived in the 19th century, this method is frequently preferred in recruitment processes. The Boolean search method allows recruitment specialists to reach ideal candidates faster when used with correctly written commands. It is also known as X-Ray search.

Boolean Search Operators and Usage Examples

Boolean search broadens or narrows the scope of the search by combining specific keywords with special commands in search engines. Here are commonly used Boolean commands:

🔹 AND

Used to get results that include two or more keywords at the same time. Ideal for narrowing down your search.

Example:
"Machine AND Engineer"
→ This command retrieves pages that contain both the word “machine” and “engineer.”

🔹 OR

Used to search for alternative keywords. It broadens your search. It is also used to encompass different spellings of the same concept.

Example:
"PowerPoint OR Power Point"
→ This command finds content that appears in both different spellings.

🔹 NOT / -

Used to exclude unwanted words from your search.

The minus sign - can be used instead of