5 Boolean search templates for hard-to-fill roles

Boolean search queries in Google are a free way to find candidates for hard-to-fill roles. You combine search terms, exclude irrelevant results, and find resumes and profiles that would otherwise stay under the radar. Use quotation marks for exact phrases, OR for synonyms, and a minus sign to exclude pages. Below you get five ready-to-use templates for roles like cybersecurity specialist or CNC operator. You only fill in your location and specific requirements. A LinkedIn Recruiter subscription is not necessary. (Also read what an effective sourcing strategy is if you want to strengthen the basics.)

Boolean search query for cybersecurity specialists

When to use: for cybersecurity roles that require certifications like CISSP, CISM, or experience with SIEM and SOC tools. The template also works for security engineer or information security specialist.

Template: ("cybersecurity" OR "security engineer" OR "informatiebeveiliging") ("CISSP" OR "CISM" OR "ISO 27001") ("SIEM" OR "Splunk" OR "Sentinel") [woonplaats] (cv OR resume OR profiel) -site:linkedin.com/jobs

Replace [woonplaats] with the city or region, for example Amsterdam or Utrecht.

Tips:

• Adjust certifications and tools to your job opening. Do you need someone with CEH or OSCP? Then replace the terms in the template.
• Add negative terms to filter out irrelevant profiles. For example, -sales to keep out sales profiles, or -"account manager" to exclude salespeople.

Boolean search query for CNC operators

When to use: if you are looking for a CNC operator who works with Heidenhain, Siemens, or Fanuc. Also suitable for machinists, turners, or millers in the manufacturing industry.

Template: ("CNC" OR "verspaner" OR "draaier" OR "frezer") ("Heidenhain" OR "Siemens" OR "Fanuc") ("5-assig" OR "meerassig") [regio] (cv OR profiel OR werkervaring) -site:indeed.com

Replace [regio] with the area you are recruiting in, for example Noord-Brabant or Flanders.

Tips:

• Add machine brands that are common in your region, such as Mazak or Haas. This makes the search more specific.
• Use synonyms that are common in the region. In Flanders, for example, they say “cnc-operator” instead of “verspaner”. Adjust the template accordingly.

Boolean search query for data engineers with a specific stack

When to use: if you are looking for a data engineer with experience in dbt, Snowflake, and Airflow. The template focuses on candidates with a concrete toolset, not generalists.

Template: ("data engineer" OR "data platform engineer") ("dbt" OR "Snowflake" OR "Data Vault") ("Python" OR "SQL") ("Airflow" OR "Prefect") [locatie] -site:linkedin.com/jobs -site:indeed.com

Replace [locatie] with the desired location, for example Rotterdam or Randstad.

Tips:

• Only include the tools that are essential for the role. The more terms you add, the smaller the pool. It's better to leave out nice-to-haves.
• Exclude job boards with -site:. In addition to LinkedIn and Indeed, you can also add -site:monsterboard.nl or -site:nationalevacaturebank.nl.

Boolean search query for community nurses

When to use: for community nurses with BIG registration who work in elderly care or home care. Also suitable for specialized nurses in the district.

Template: ("wijkverpleegkundige" OR "verpleegkundige in de wijk") ("BIG" OR "registratie") ("ouderenzorg" OR "thuiszorg") [stad] (cv OR profiel OR werkervaring) -site:indeed.com

Replace [stad] with the location of the role, for example Groningen or Maastricht.

Tips:

• Add specializations such as wound care, palliative care, or dementia care. For example, add ("wondzorg" OR "palliatieve zorg") to the template.
• Pay attention to title variations. Some organizations use “wijkverpleegkundige niveau 5” or “verpleegkundige thuiszorg”. Adjust the first term group with these titles.

Boolean search query for mechanics with EV certification

When to use: for mechanics who have high-voltage certification (NEN 9140, HV3) or experience with electric vehicles. Suitable for positions at dealers or specialized garages.

Template: ("monteur" OR "autotechnicus") ("EV" OR "elektrisch voertuig" OR "hoogvoltage") ("certificering" OR "NEN 9140" OR "HV3") [provincie] -site:linkedin.com/jobs

Replace [provincie] with the region you are searching in, for example Gelderland or Zuid-Holland.

Tips:

• Combine with car brands like Tesla, BMW i, or Nissan Leaf to find mechanics who have worked with specific EV models. For example, add (Tesla OR "BMW i3" OR "Nissan Leaf").
• Use region-specific terms such as “automonteur” or “technicus elektrische voertuigen”.

This is how you start sourcing tomorrow

Adapt these templates directly with your own location and requirements, and use them in Google. You will find candidates who are not on the major job boards, without a Recruiter subscription. Do you want to speed up sourcing? Applyfin searches 1.1 billion profiles, scores them on your criteria, and gives you the contact details directly, without you having to write Boolean strings. Try Applyfin for free. Also read how to improve your candidate sourcing strategy for more practical tips.