Boolean search is the hidden superpower that transforms Sales Navigator from a basic directory into a precision targeting machine.
While most people use simple keyword searches, Boolean operators let you combine multiple criteria to find exactly who you want.
<aside> Think of it like this: Imagine you have a massive box of toys and you want to find your favorite red car.
Instead of digging through everything randomly, you give someone specific instructions: "I want a toy that is red AND a car."
They look through the box and only give you things that match both criteria. That's exactly how Boolean search works with LinkedIn profiles.
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<aside> AND
Makes your search MORE specific
Use when you want to remove people from your search. Both criteria must be true.
Example:
CEO AND "artificial intelligence"
Finds CEOs who specifically mention AI in their profile
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<aside> OR
Makes your search LESS specific
Use when you want to include more people. Either criteria can be true.
Example:
founder OR CEO OR owner
Finds anyone with any of these decision-maker titles
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<aside> NOT
Excludes unwanted results
Use when you want to eliminate certain types of people completely.
Example:
marketing NOT intern
Finds marketing professionals but excludes interns
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<aside> "QUOTES"
Finds exact phrases
Use when you want people with very specific job titles or keywords.
Example:
"head of sales"
Finds exact title "Head of Sales" not "Sales Head" or "Head Sales"
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<aside> (PARENTHESIS)
Groups search logic
Use when combining multiple operators to control the search logic.
Example:
(CEO OR founder) AND fintech
Finds CEOs or founders, but only in fintech companies
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