What is Boolean search recruiting?
Boolean search recruiting is a method of using specific words, phrases, and operators (like AND, OR, NOT) to filter and refine candidate searches on job boards, search engines, and applicant tracking systems (ATS).
This technique helps recruiters and hiring managers quickly find more relevant talent by narrowing down large databases or online platforms to candidates who meet precise criteria.
For small business owners who don’t have a dedicated recruiting team, Boolean search can be a powerful shortcut to identify qualified candidates faster. Whether you're sourcing on job sites, social media, or within your own resume database, Boolean logic helps eliminate the noise and surface the people most aligned with the role you’re trying to fill.
Tools like Homebase streamline hiring by making it easier to organize, communicate with, and manage top applicants once you’ve found them.
Why Boolean search matters in recruiting
Hiring can be time-consuming and overwhelming—especially if you receive hundreds of resumes for one open position. Boolean search gives you the ability to:
- Find higher-quality candidates faster
- Avoid irrelevant or unqualified results
- Search multiple platforms more effectively
- Streamline your sourcing process
- Target niche skills, locations, or experience levels
For small businesses that need to hire efficiently and don’t have time to sift through piles of resumes, Boolean search is a tactical advantage.
How Boolean search works
Boolean search uses a combination of keywords and operators to instruct a search engine or ATS to return specific results. Here are the basic components:
1. AND
Narrows your search by requiring both terms to appear.
Example: barista AND cashier
Finds candidates who have both skills listed.
2. OR
Broadens your search by including either of the terms.
Example: host OR hostess
Finds candidates with either title.
3. NOT (or -)
Excludes specific terms from your results.
Example: cook NOT sous
Finds cooks but filters out sous chefs.
4. Quotation marks (" ")
Searches for exact phrases.
Example: "customer service"
Returns only results that contain that full phrase.
5. Parentheses ( )
Groups terms and operators to control search logic.
Example: (barista OR cashier) AND "coffee shop"Finds candidates who are baristas or cashiers and mention “coffee shop”.
These operators can be combined and customized for very specific searches—on Google, LinkedIn, Indeed, and even your own hiring software.
Where to use Boolean search in recruiting
Boolean search isn’t limited to just one platform. You can use it anywhere you conduct candidate sourcing or resume filtering, including:
- Job boards like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, or Glassdoor
- Social networks like LinkedIn or Facebook
- Search engines like Google (for passive candidate sourcing)
- Your internal ATS or resume database
- Email inboxes when reviewing applicant messages
By mastering a few search strings, you can quickly zero in on the right people and avoid spending hours on irrelevant applications.
Boolean search examples for small business roles
Let’s say you’re hiring for common hourly or frontline positions. Here are a few practical search examples:
Example 1: Restaurant server
(server OR "wait staff") AND ("restaurant experience" OR "dining service") NOT bartender
Example 2: Retail cashier
(cashier OR "point of sale") AND ("customer service" OR "retail experience")
Example 3: Barista
barista AND ("coffee shop" OR Starbucks OR Dunkin)
These types of search strings can be used in your applicant tracking system or directly in job platforms to filter the talent pool down to just what you need.
Tips for using Boolean search effectively
- Start broad, then narrow – Begin with OR to gather a wide list, then use AND/NOT to filter.
- Use synonyms – Candidates may use different terms for the same role (e.g., “team lead” vs. “shift supervisor”).
- Be specific but flexible – Too many filters can eliminate strong candidates. Strike a balance.
- Test your strings – Run different combinations to see what surfaces the best results.
- Document your best searches – Save successful strings to reuse across roles or locations.
You don’t have to be a tech expert to use Boolean logic—it just takes practice and a little creativity.
How Homebase supports smarter hiring from search to onboarding
Homebase makes it easier for small business owners to attract, track, and onboard candidates—no recruiting degree required. While Boolean search helps you find the right candidates, Homebase helps you manage them from the moment they apply.
With Homebase, you can:
- Post jobs to multiple job boards with one click
- Track applicants and schedule interviews
- Store resumes and search candidate data
- Automate onboarding with digital offer letters and tax forms
- Add new hires directly into your scheduling and payroll workflows
Explore Homebase Hiring and Onboarding to streamline your hiring process—from smarter search techniques to confident onboarding.