How to Use Boolean Searches to Source Your Next Job in Product Design

Carl Wheatley
5 min readJun 30, 2023

Introduction

In today’s competitive job market, finding the right job in product design can be a daunting task. With numerous job boards and online platforms available, it can be overwhelming to filter through the vast amount of information. However, by mastering the art of Boolean searches, you can effectively streamline your job search process and find the perfect opportunity tailored to your skills and interests. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the ins and outs of using Boolean searches to source your next job in product design, providing you with valuable strategies and examples along the way.

How to Use Boolean Searches to Source Your Next Job in Product Design: A Comprehensive Guide. Please give some Boolean Search String examples.

Boolean searches are powerful tools that allow you to combine keywords and search operators to refine your search queries. By using Boolean operators such as “AND,” “OR,” and “NOT,” you can include or exclude specific terms, creating more targeted and precise search results. Let’s explore some Boolean search string examples that can help you in your job search:

  1. “product design” AND “job openings” — This search string will display results that include both the terms “product design” and “job openings,” helping you find relevant job opportunities in the field.
  2. “product design” OR “industrial design” — By using the OR operator, you can broaden your search to include both “product design” and “industrial design” job listings, expanding your options within related fields.
  3. “product design” NOT “senior” — If you want to exclude job listings for senior positions, you can use the NOT operator to refine your search and focus on entry-level or mid-level roles in product design.
  4. “UX/UI design” AND (“remote” OR “telecommute”) — This search string combines the terms “UX/UI design” with either “remote” or “telecommute,” helping you find job opportunities that offer remote work options in the field of user experience and interface design.
  5. “product design” AND (“New York” OR “San Francisco”) — If you’re looking for job opportunities in specific locations, you can use the OR operator to search for listings in multiple cities, such as “New York” or “San Francisco.”

These are just a few examples of Boolean search strings that can be used to refine your job search. Experiment with different combinations of keywords and operators to tailor your searches to your specific needs and preferences.

Leveraging Boolean Searches for Effective Job Sourcing

1. Creating a Targeted Job Search

When using Boolean searches, it’s crucial to define your search criteria clearly. Start by identifying the essential keywords that represent the specific job role or industry you’re interested in. For product design, you may consider keywords like “product designer,” “UX/UI designer,” or “industrial designer.” Combine these keywords with other relevant terms like location, experience level, or specific skills to narrow down your search results further.

2. Refining Your Search with Operators

Boolean operators play a vital role in refining your search results. Here are some key operators you can use:

  • AND: Use the AND operator to find listings that include both of your specified terms. For example, “product design” AND “entry-level” will help you find job opportunities specifically targeting entry-level product designers.
  • OR: The OR operator broadens your search by including listings that contain either of the specified terms. For instance, “product design” OR “industrial design” will yield job listings from both fields.
  • NOT: Use the NOT operator to exclude specific terms from your search results. For example, “product design” NOT “senior” will help you filter out senior-level positions from your search.

3. Utilizing Parentheses for Complex Queries

Parentheses are powerful tools that allow you to create complex queries by grouping search terms together. This feature is especially useful when combining multiple operators. For example, you can use parentheses to search for job opportunities in product design that either offer remote work or are based in specific locations: “product design” AND (“remote” OR “New York”).

4. Exploring Advanced Search Options

Many job search platforms offer advanced search options that allow you to refine your search further. These options often include filters for location, experience level, salary range, and more. Take advantage of these features to customize your search according to your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What are some other commonly used Boolean operators?

A1: Apart from the basic AND, OR, and NOT operators, other commonly used Boolean operators include “NEAR,” “ADJ,” “XOR,” and “NOR.” These operators provide additional flexibility when crafting your search queries.

Q2: How can I make my Boolean search more specific?

A2: To make your Boolean search more specific, consider adding additional keywords, specifying a particular location or industry, or including specific phrases or skills required for the job you’re seeking. Experiment with different combinations to achieve the desired level of specificity.

Q3: Can Boolean searches be used in other contexts apart from job searches?

A3: Yes, Boolean searches are not limited to job searches. They can be used in various fields like research, content creation, market analysis, and more. Boolean searches allow you to efficiently gather relevant information by combining specific terms and operators.

Q4: Are there any online resources or tools available for learning more about Boolean searches?

A4: Absolutely! Numerous online resources and tutorials can help you further enhance your understanding of Boolean searches. Websites like Wikipedia, Google’s search operators guide, and educational platforms such as Udemy and Coursera offer valuable insights and tutorials on Boolean searches.

Q5: Can I save my Boolean search queries for future reference?

A5: Many job search platforms and search engines allow you to save your search queries for future reference. Look for features like “Save Search” or “Email Alerts” that notify you when new job listings matching your criteria are available.

Q6: How often should I update my Boolean search queries?

A6: It’s a good practice to regularly update your Boolean search queries, especially if you’re actively searching for a job. New job opportunities are continually being posted, and by refreshing your search queries, you can stay up to date with the latest listings.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of Boolean searches can significantly enhance your job sourcing efforts in product design. By leveraging the power of Boolean operators and crafting targeted search queries, you can streamline your job search, save time, and discover the perfect opportunities that align with your skills and aspirations. Remember to experiment with different search strings, stay updated with new job listings, and utilize online resources to refine your search further. With these skills in your arsenal, you’ll be well on your way to sourcing your next job in product design.

Carl is a Product Design Recruiter. Before recruiting, he was a UI/UX designer working with many tech startups to design mobile apps. Carl is also the co-founder of a Meetup called Global UXD where he helps connect designers with each other and create new opportunities. Having completed Bloc and DesignLab bootcamps before becoming a recruiter, he’s an expert at helping designers land their first design roles. Find Carl on carlwheatly.com and LinkedIn. Need your Design Portfolio Reviewed?? Check out carlwheatley.com

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Carl Wheatley

I specialize in the placement of Design, Product and Engineering professionals. Prior Designer. If you have any questions please reach out.