> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.smartcv.co/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.smartcv.co/manage-candidates/search-candidates-for-a-job.md).

# Search candidates for a job

You may search for specific candidates for a job by using the *search candidates input* box.

![](/files/EGzK8sVBULZ3GrG5gmci)

## Search tips

* By **default** all words must be present in the candidate's resume. For example a search for *web developer* will return results that contain web and developer.
* You may search for **either words** using the OR operator. For example *php OR java* will return results that contain either php or java. 
* You may **exclude specific words** by using the - operator. For example *shipping -sales* will return results that contain the word shipping but do not include the word sales.
* You may use **complex boolean expressions** like software AND (developer OR engineer) which will return results that contain the word software and also either developer or engineer.
* You may search for a **phrase** by using quotation marks. For example *"web developer"* will return results that contain this exact phrase.
* You may alse search for **words that are near each other**. For example *"board member"\~3* will return results that contain both words but at a maximum distance of 3 words. This is very handy because it will return documents that for example may contain *board member* or *member of the board*.