X-Ray Search
X-Ray Search is a special way recruiters find potential candidates by searching through websites more effectively than regular search methods. It's like using a powerful magnifying glass to look through LinkedIn, job boards, and other professional websites to find specific candidate profiles. Instead of just using a website's built-in search, X-Ray Search lets recruiters find people even when they're not actively looking for jobs. It's sometimes called "Boolean Search" or "Advanced Internet Search" because it uses special search commands to get more precise results.
Examples in Resumes
Used X-Ray Search techniques to identify and source passive candidates on LinkedIn and other professional networks
Implemented Boolean Search strategies to improve candidate sourcing efficiency by 40%
Trained junior recruiters in X-Ray Search and Advanced Internet Search methods
Typical job title: "Sourcers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Sourcers
Online Communities
Learning Resources
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you create a sourcing strategy for a hard-to-fill technical role?
Expected Answer: Should explain how to combine X-Ray Search with other sourcing methods, mention building custom search strings for different platforms, and discuss ways to reach passive candidates through various channels.
Q: How do you train others in X-Ray Search techniques?
Expected Answer: Should discuss creating search string templates, explaining basic to advanced operators, and methods for teaching others how to modify searches for different roles and platforms.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are your favorite X-Ray Search operators and why?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain common search operators like site:, intitle:, AND, OR, NOT and give practical examples of how they use them in their daily sourcing.
Q: How do you modify your X-Ray Search strings for different websites?
Expected Answer: Should explain how search strings need to be adjusted for different platforms like LinkedIn, GitHub, or Stack Overflow, and give examples of successful modifications.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is X-Ray Search and why is it useful in recruiting?
Expected Answer: Should explain that it's a way to search beyond standard website search functions to find candidate profiles, and mention basic benefits like finding passive candidates.
Q: What's the difference between a basic keyword search and an X-Ray Search?
Expected Answer: Should explain how X-Ray Search uses special commands to make searches more specific and powerful than simple keyword searching.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-1 years)
- Basic search operator usage
- Simple LinkedIn X-Ray searches
- Understanding of Boolean logic
- Basic candidate sourcing
Mid (1-3 years)
- Advanced search string creation
- Multi-platform search techniques
- Custom search templates
- Results filtering and refinement
Senior (3+ years)
- Complex search string development
- Training and mentoring others
- Strategic sourcing planning
- Search effectiveness optimization
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to explain basic Boolean operators
- No experience with multiple search platforms
- Lack of understanding about passive candidate sourcing
- No knowledge of search string modification techniques
Related Terms
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