LinkedIn Boolean Search Cheat Sheet

LinkedIn’s search functionality allows for advanced boolean searches to find specific profiles or candidates. Here’s a cheat sheet for boolean search operators and tips on LinkedIn:

Basic Operators

  • AND Operator (implicit):
    • The default behavior is to perform an AND operation between words.
    • Example: Java Developer searches for profiles with both “Java” and “Developer.”
  • OR Operator:
    • Use the OR operator to broaden your search.
    • Example: Java OR Python Developer searches for profiles with either “Java” or “Python” or both.
  • NOT Operator:
    • Use the NOT or - operator to exclude specific terms.
    • Example: Java -Developer searches for profiles with “Java” but not “Developer.”

Phrase Searching

  • Quotation Marks:
    • Use quotation marks to search for an exact phrase.
    • Example: "Data Scientist" searches for profiles with the exact phrase “Data Scientist.”

Grouping

  • Parentheses:
    • Use parentheses to group terms and control the order of evaluation.
    • Example: (Java OR Python) Developer searches for profiles with “Java Developer” or “Python Developer.”

Wildcards

  • Asterisk (*) Wildcard:
    • Use an asterisk as a wildcard for partial matches.
    • Example: Engin* Manager searches for profiles with “Engineering Manager” or “Engagement Manager.”

Filters

  • Location Filter:
    • Use location: to filter by location.
    • Example: Java Developer location:"San Francisco Bay Area" searches for Java Developers in the specified location.
  • Current Company Filter:
    • Use company: to filter by the current company.
    • Example: Data Scientist company:"Microsoft" searches for Data Scientists currently working at Microsoft.

Job Title and Seniority

  • Title Filter:
    • Use title: to filter by job title.
    • Example: title:"Software Engineer" searches for profiles with the job title “Software Engineer.”
  • Seniority Level:
    • Use terms like senior, manager, or director to filter by seniority level.
    • Example: Java Developer senior searches for senior Java Developers.

Boolean Search Examples

  • Combining Operators:
    • Example: Java AND (Developer OR Engineer) NOT Manager searches for profiles with “Java” and either “Developer” or “Engineer” but not “Manager.”

Tips

  • Experiment and Refine:
    • Experiment with different combinations of operators to refine your search.
  • Use Filters Wisely:
    • Leverage location, company, and other filters to narrow down results.
  • Review Search Results:
    • Review the search results to identify patterns and adjust your search accordingly.
  • Stay Updated:
    • LinkedIn’s search capabilities may evolve, so stay updated on new features and improvements.

LinkedIn’s boolean search offers flexibility in finding specific professionals based on various criteria. Adapt your searches based on the specific qualifications and attributes you’re looking for in candidates or connections.