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How do you use Advanced Job Search (Boolean)?

Boolean searches allow you to combine words and phrases using words like AND, OR, and NOT to limit, widen, or define your job search. To conduct a Boolean search head to the job search results page, and type in your Boolean search.

Boolean search helps you find more relevant jobs by combining keywords with operators like AND, OR, and NOT. These operators let you narrow, broaden, or refine your search results.

To use Boolean search, go to the Job Search page and enter your search string into the search bar.

Use AND to require multiple keywords

Use AND when you want search results to include all specified terms.

Examples:

  • "java" AND "oracle"
  • "java" AND "oracle" AND "unix"

Use OR to expand your search

Use OR to include jobs that contain any of your listed keywords or phrases.

Examples:

  • "software engineer" OR "software developer"
  • "armed guard" OR "security officer"

Group terms with parentheses

Parentheses help organize complex searches by grouping related keywords.

Examples:

  • ("java" OR "c++") AND "windows"
  • ("armed guard" AND "license") OR ("armed guard" AND "certification")

Exclude keywords with NOT

Use AND NOT to remove unwanted results from your search.

Examples:

  • ("java" AND "oracle") AND NOT "javascript"
  • "apple" OR "microsoft" AND NOT ("unix" OR "linux")

Search for an exact phrase

Place quotation marks around words you want matched exactly.

Examples:

  • "windows nt"
  • "security guard"
  • "top secret clearance"

Use wildcards for partial words

Add an asterisk (*) to the end of a word stem to match multiple word variations.

Examples:

  • sap* (matches SAP, SAP HANA, etc.)
  • eng* (matches engineer, engineering, engineered)

Additional search tips

  • Searches are not case-sensitive, so there's no need to capitalize keywords.
  • Use standard quotation marks (") when creating Boolean search strings.
  • Start with a broad search, then refine your results by adding keywords or filters.
  • Think of alternate job titles, abbreviations, and spellings. For example:
    • Database Administrator = DBA, Database Admin
    • Software Developer = Software Engineer, Programmer
    • Windows NT = WinNT, Windows-NT

Don't overthink it

If you're not sure which keywords to use, start by browsing available jobs. Reviewing job titles and descriptions can help you identify common terminology and build more effective searches.