Add real title alternatives
Include equivalent, regional and seniority-based titles that relevant candidates may use instead of relying on one exact job title.
Boolean Search String Generator for Recruiters
Create editable Boolean search strings for LinkedIn, Google X-Ray and CV databases from a job title or description. Free and ready to copy.
Build a better candidate search
Create Boolean search strings for LinkedIn, Google and CV databases
Use the free Boolean string builder to turn a job title or description into an editable broad, balanced or precise search. Check the title alternatives, skills, AND/OR logic and exclusions before using the generated string in a live candidate search.
Group skills with AND and OR
Use OR inside related skill groups and AND between essential requirements so the Boolean string stays broad enough without losing its intent.
Adapt it to the platform
LinkedIn, Google X-Ray and CV databases interpret search syntax differently. Use the generated result as a starting point, check the supported operators and refine one group at a time.
Generated with the tool
Three complete Boolean search examples
These strings were generated from the briefs shown below. Treat each result as an editable starting point: check every alternative and exclusion before running a live candidate search.
Senior Data Engineer — Amsterdam
Python, SQL, dbt, Airflow and AWS; include adjacent data-platform titles; exclude analyst and internship profiles.
("senior data engineer" OR "data platform engineer" OR "analytics engineer") AND ("python" OR "sql" OR "dbt" OR "airflow") AND "aws" AND NOT ("data analyst" OR "business intelligence analyst" OR "internship")Account Executive — London
B2B SaaS, new-business and full-cycle sales; include common UK title variants; exclude retail and account-management-only roles.
("Account Executive" OR "Sales Executive" OR "Business Development Executive") AND ("B2B" OR "SaaS") AND ("new business sales" OR "outbound prospecting" OR "full-cycle closing") AND "CRM" AND NOT ("retail sales" OR "account management")Construction Project Manager — Manchester
Contractor coordination, budgets, schedules, risk and reporting; exclude software and product-management profiles.
("Construction Project Manager" OR "Site Project Manager") AND ("contractor coordination" OR "budgets" OR "schedules" OR "risk management" OR "stakeholder reporting") AND "Manchester" AND NOT ("software project manager" OR "product manager")How to adapt one result by platform
Paste the generated string into the keyword field, then use LinkedIn filters for location, industry and seniority. Syntax and character limits can vary by account.
Google X-Ray
Add a site restriction such as site:linkedin.com/in and change NOT exclusions to minus terms when Google handles those more reliably.
Naukri Resdex
Translate the title and skill groups into the keyword controls available in your account, reserve mandatory and exclude fields for deliberate rules, then apply experience, location, salary and notice-period filters.
ATS or CV database
Start with the generated string, then check that the database supports quotation marks, parentheses and NOT before saving the search.
Related guides and recruiter tools
Boolean search guideLearn how to structure, test and improve candidate searches.Boolean search cheat sheetReview operators, syntax and practical recruiter examples.100 role-specific searchesStart from a reviewed Boolean string for a common vacancy.Naukri Resdex guideAdapt the generated string to Naukri keywords, exclusions and filters.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Boolean search string?
A Boolean search string combines titles, skills and exclusions with operators such as AND, OR, NOT, quotation marks and parentheses to control which candidate profiles appear.
How do I create a Boolean search string?
Start with equivalent job titles, add the essential skill groups, then add only the exclusions needed to remove recurring false positives. Test the string in the platform where you will use it.
Can I use the generated string on LinkedIn?
Yes. Use the generated string as a starting point, then adjust it for the filters, character limits and search behaviour available in your LinkedIn account.