Boolean Search String Builder

Use it when you are sourcing a role and do not want to retype operators for every title variant. The string updates as you type. Google modes can open the query in a new tab. Nothing is sent to a server. Your fields live only in the page link, which is how Copy link shares them.

Title chips suggest synonyms as you type, and must-have chips offer typical skills for that family. Paste a job description to pull known skills and certifications — matching runs in your browser against a built-in list, and nothing is sent anywhere. Copy link stores the six fields plus mode in the URL so a teammate can open the same string. Extra X-ray modes cover GitHub, Stack Overflow, Dribbble/Behance, and Xing, alongside LinkedIn and Google.

How it works

1. Choose LinkedIn search or a Google X-ray mode: LinkedIn, GitHub, Stack Overflow, Dribbble/Behance, or Xing.
2. Enter titles, must-have skills, nice-to-haves, location, exclusions, and optional companies — or tap a preset.
3. Check the plain English summary under the string to confirm it asks for what you meant.
4. Copy the string, or in Google modes open it in Google. The builder counts operators and warns past 15 for Sales Navigator. LinkedIn strings over about 3,000 characters may be truncated. Google reads only the first 32 words, and the builder warns when you go over.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Boolean search string?

It is a query that uses AND, OR, NOT, quotes, and parentheses to combine titles and skills. LinkedIn accepts those operators in search and Recruiter keywords. Google uses a space as AND and a minus sign to exclude a term.

Does Boolean search work on free LinkedIn?

Yes. Free LinkedIn search accepts AND, OR, NOT, quotes, and parentheses. It does not support wildcards. Long strings may truncate around 3,000 characters. Recruiter uses the same operators in the keywords field.

What is Google X-ray search?

X-ray uses Google's site: operator to find public LinkedIn profile URLs or GitHub pages. This builder prefixes site:linkedin.com/in or site:github.com and, for LinkedIn, skips directory pages with -intitle:"profiles" -inurl:"/dir/".

Do you store what I type?

No. The widget runs in your browser. There is no account, no email field, and no network request from the block itself. Clear the fields when you are done if you are on a shared computer.

Can I paste a job description?

Yes. Open Paste a job description, paste the ad, and choose Pull keywords. The widget matches a built-in list of skills, tools, and licences in your browser. Toggle off anything you do not want, then add the rest to must-have or nice-to-have. You can also use a detected job title. Nothing is uploaded.

Where do I paste this in Sales Navigator or Recruiter?

Sales Navigator takes Boolean in three fields: Keywords, Title and Company. Paste a mixed string of titles, skills and places into Keywords. For the Title field, build a string with job titles only, so the match is on the title rather than anywhere on the profile. Sales Navigator caps a query at 15 operators, and the builder counts them and warns you past 15. LinkedIn Recruiter takes the full string in its Keywords field.

Which sites can I X-ray?

LinkedIn search builds AND/OR/NOT for LinkedIn. Google X-ray uses site:linkedin.com/in and skips directory pages. Other Google targets are GitHub, Stack Overflow user profiles, Dribbble or Behance (grouped in parentheses), and Xing profiles. Open in Google works on every X-ray mode.

Looking for software to run the search after you have a string? The Work Insiders directory lists 700+ recruiting, lead-gen, and HR tools. Start with sourcing, LinkedIn outreach, and contact data.