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How to search for candidates on CVDB

This article explains how to search for candidates using the CV Database (CVDB) and how to use the tools to create talent pools, send message candidates send invites to apply for your vacancies.

1: Check if you have a Licence

You need to purchase a license for the CV Database (CVDB) in order to search candidate CVs. These licenses are currently available only for candidates in Scotland. If you do not have a CVDB license, candidate names will appear greyed out when you attempt to search for them. To obtain a license, you can contact your sales account manager. Your company account admin also has the ability to assign/un-assign a CVDB license by navigating to the "CV Database Licences" tab in the recruiter platform, where a list of assigned and unassigned licenses can be viewed.

2:Searching the CV Database

To start searching, navigate to the CVDB by clicking on the "CV Database" tab in the recruiter platform. Once you are in the CVDB, you can use the search bar to input keywords, job titles, or specific skills to find relevant candidate profiles.

You can also search location, radius and age of CV if you are looking for recently added/updated candidates.

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3:Boolean Searches

Boolean search is a powerful tool that allows you to refine your search queries in the CVDB by using operators such as AND, OR, and NOT. By combining keywords and criteria with these operators, you can create complex search queries to narrow down your results and find the most relevant candidates. This advanced search technique can help you quickly pinpoint candidates with specific skills, experience, or qualifications, making your recruitment process more efficient and effective. Experimenting with Boolean search can help you uncover hidden talent and make the most out of the CVDB's vast candidate pool.

When searching phrases in the CVDB, you can use inverted commas to specify exact matches for your search queries. By enclosing a phrase within inverted commas, you can ensure that the search results only include candidates whose profiles contain that specific phrase, rather than individual words scattered throughout the text. This can be especially useful when looking for candidates with specific skills, job titles, or qualifications, helping you to pinpoint the most relevant candidates more efficiently. Experimenting with using inverted commas in your searches can enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of your search results within the CVDB.

Boolean brackets are another useful feature that can be used in searches within the CVDB. By using parentheses (), you can group together multiple search terms to create more complex search queries. This allows you to specify the order in which operators like AND, OR, and NOT are applied, helping you further refine your search results and find the most relevant candidates. Experimenting with Boolean brackets can enhance your search capabilities and assist you in uncovering hidden talent within the vast candidate pool of the CVDB. 

Examples:

When searching for candidates in the CVDB, you can use specific criteria to narrow down your results. For example, if you are looking for a nurse who is registered and has experience working in outpatient settings, you can input the search terms:

nurse AND registered AND outpatient

This will help you find candidates who meet all these criteria, making it easier to find the most suitable candidates for your recruitment needs. Using specific search terms like these can save you time and effort in finding the right candidates for your job openings.

Another example, if you are looking for a sales manager or head of sales, you can input the search terms:

"sales manager" OR "head of sales"

This will help you find candidates with either of these job titles, allowing you to target individuals with relevant experience and skills in sales management roles. Using specific search terms like these can save you time and effort in finding the right candidates for your job openings."

If you were looking for a candidate with expertise in planning within the civil engineering sector, you can input the search terms:

(planner OR "planning engineer") AND civil

This search query will help you find candidates who have experience or qualifications related to planning or engineering in the civil industry. By including both "Planner" and "Planning Engineer" within the search, you can target individuals with different jobs titles.

4: Talent Pools

By adding candidates to a talent pool, you can create a list of potential candidates who match specific criteria. This allows you to easily access and manage a pool of qualified candidates for future job openings or recruitment needs. Start building your talent pools today to streamline your recruitment process and stay ahead in finding the right candidates.

You can add a candidate using the Talent Pool Button or multiple candidates to talent pools by selecting the candidates then clicking "Page actions" and "Add to Talent Pool". You can add to an exiting talent pool or create a new talent pool name.

One candidate



Multiple Candidates

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5: Message Candidates

After selecting candidates in a talent pool, you have the option to send messages to them directly from the recruiter platform. This feature allows you to reach out to potential candidates, communicate job opportunities, schedule interviews, or simply start a conversation to gauge their interest. Stay connected with top talent and keep them informed about relevant opportunities by using the message feature within the CVDB.

You can message a candidate using the buttons on the right hand site or message multiple candidates by ticking the names on the left hand side and clicking on "Page actions" at the top of the list.

6: Invite to Apply

Similar to the messaging function another excellent feature in the CVDB is the ability to invite candidates in your talent pool to apply for any of your live jobs. This feature allows you to proactively reach out to potential candidates you've identified as a good fit. By sending invitations to apply for specific job openings, you can attract top talent, increase candidate engagement, and ultimately fill positions more efficiently.