What is a Google X-Ray search?
X-Ray search, also known as Boolean search, is a method we use to locate highly relevant and precise results from websites by combining phrases, keywords, and symbols into the search bar. So, what is Google X-Ray? To put it briefly, it is the use of Boolean search strings on the Google search engine.
Contents:
- Examples of information you can find using the Google X-Ray search
- What is a search string example on Google?
- Boolean commands and symbols
Google Boolean strings are commands that help you come up with targeted results by applying the so-called Boolean operators, for example AND, OR, and NOT (see the Table below).
Google X-Ray is popular in recruitment, with Boolean search being a powerful tool for effective candidate sourcing. By putting together specific words and phrases, you can narrow down your search to a limited number of results and spot candidates with the preferable qualifications and skills.
- Contact details (e.g. phone number, email address)
- Resumes and portfolios
- Employees who work or have worked in a specific company
- Academic degree and other certifications
- Candidates from a specific location
What is a search string example on Google?
The Google search string should have all the essential keywords and symbols that’ll bring you accurate results. Here is a command example searching for a physical therapist with a degree in kinesiology:
(intitle:resume OR intitle:cv) “physical therapist” kinesiology (bachelor OR master OR degree) -job -jobs -sample -examples
This search string detects all the resume or CV files (intitle:resume OR intitle:CV) that contain the word ‘physical therapist’ and mention a degree in kinesiology. With the inclusion of the minus sign, you exclude sample resumes and job ads which will give you irrelevant results. To better understand the basic Boolean commands and symbols and build your own Google search string, see the table below:
If you want to gain a thorough understanding of X-Ray search techniques to craft your own Boolean search strings, read our tutorial on Boolean search for recruiters
Also, visit our library of Boolean search cheatsheets.
Want more definitions? See our complete library of HR Terms.
More resources:
- How to find candidate resumes
- How to find candidates’ locations
- How to find phone numbers
- How to find candidates by keyword (skills and experience)
- How to find email addresses
Frequently asked questions
What is Google X-Ray in recruitment?
Google X-Ray is popular in recruitment, with Boolean search being a powerful tool for effective candidate sourcing. By putting together specific words and phrases, you can narrow down your search to a limited number of results and spot candidates with the preferable qualifications and skills.
Can you do Boolean searches in Google?
Boolean methods can be used on any search engine: Google, LinkedIn, or even Facebook. Boolean is a term used to define the process of combining keywords with words called “operators.” These operators tell the search engine how to use the keywords in the search.
How do recruiters search for candidates on Google?
If you're a recruiter, the most effective way to source good job candidates on Google is to incorporate Boolean search operators into your search engine sourcing strategy. Skip the Boolean and jump straight to the results.