X-ray search

X-ray search is a Boolean search technique used by recruiters and HR professionals to find candidate profiles, resumes, or information from specific websites like LinkedIn, GitHub, or Twitter. Instead of relying only on a platform’s internal search filters, X-ray search uses Google or Bing operators to locate publicly available data within a chosen domain.

For example, typing site:linkedin.com/in "marketing manager" "Bangalore" in Google shows LinkedIn profiles that match those criteria, even if the recruiter doesn’t have a premium LinkedIn Recruiter license.

How does X-ray search work?

X-ray search works by combining Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT, quotes, parentheses) with search commands such as site:, intitle:, or inurl: to look inside specific websites.

This technique helps recruiters:

• Access profiles that might not appear in regular LinkedIn search results.
• Find publicly indexed resumes, portfolios, or contact information.
• Bypass search limitations imposed by job portals or premium tools.
  

For example: site:github.com "python developer" "machine learning" retrieves GitHub profiles with those skills.

Key features of X-ray search

• Uses Boolean logic for precise targeting.
  
• Searches across domains, not just internal databases.
  
• Finds passive candidates not visible through platform filters.
  
• Works with multiple sources such as LinkedIn, Behance, and Dribbble.
  
• Requires only a search engine, no paid recruiter tools.

Why do HRs use X-ray search?

• Find passive talent: Reach candidates not actively job-hunting.
  
• Niche sourcing: Locate profiles from specialized platforms or communities.
  
• Cost-effective: Reduces dependence on paid sourcing tools.
  
• Competitor insights: Identify top talent from competitor organizations.
  
• Greater flexibility: Adjust search strings quickly to match hiring needs.

Benefits of X-ray search for HRs

• Broader access to candidate data across platforms.
  
• Greater accuracy through Boolean logic.
  
• Eliminates dependency on premium LinkedIn Recruiter access.
  
• Enables sourcing from global and niche talent pools.
  
• Helps identify trends and talent density across industries.

X-ray search on Google vs. LinkedIn

• X-ray search on Google: Uses search engines to scan public LinkedIn profiles and other domains (site:linkedin.com/in). Ideal for finding passive candidates or hidden profiles.
  
• LinkedIn search: Limited by platform algorithms and access tiers. Premium tools may still restrict visibility or results.
  

Using both together gives recruiters the best balance of precision and reach.

Examples of X-ray search queries

• site:linkedin.com/in "data scientist" "Mumbai"
  
• site:github.com "frontend developer" "ReactJS"
  
• site:linkedin.com/in AND "finance manager" AND "Pune"
  
• site:behance.net "graphic designer" "branding"

Limitations of X-ray search

• Private or non-indexed profiles are not visible.
  
• Requires knowledge of Boolean operators.
  
• Doesn’t show real-time activity or job-seeking intent.
  
• Some websites limit how much Google can index.
  
• Search results may change frequently based on indexing updates.

Tips to improve your X-ray search results

• Combine job title, location, and skills for better accuracy.
  
• Use quotes for exact matches and parentheses to group logic.
  
• Add NOT or minus signs (-) to exclude irrelevant results.
  
• Regularly refresh search strings to adapt to algorithm changes.
  
• Save and document successful Boolean queries for future use.