Rediscovering LinkedIn X-Ray Search: A Powerful Tool for Recruiters and Sales Professionals



 Many recruiters and sales professionals have found LinkedIn X-Ray search to be a game-changer. This technique has helped countless individuals locate ideal candidates or prospects, demonstrating that there are always alternative ways to achieve success. However, with the recent rise of LinkedIn subscriptions and sales engagement tools, the utility of LinkedIn X-Ray search has faded into obscurity. Despite this, X-Ray search remains a valuable resource, especially when considering the limitations imposed by LinkedIn itself.

What is LinkedIn X-Ray Search?

LinkedIn XRay search is a technique that allows you to research people or prospects using Google, rather than relying solely on LinkedIn's internal filters. By employing this method, you can find profiles on LinkedIn through Google’s powerful search capabilities.

Just like LinkedIn, X-Ray search enables you to hone in on the precise candidates or prospects you wish to contact by applying filters such as job experience, geography, or role. This method is also commonly referred to as Boolean search, which is the foundation of effectively narrowing down your results.

Why Use LinkedIn X-Ray Search?

  1. Expanded Search Results

When using LinkedIn’s built-in filters, you may often be presented with a limited number of results. For instance, LinkedIn typically displays only 10 profiles per page, depending on your subscription level. This means that many potential candidates or leads are hidden from your view. By switching to X-Ray search, you can bypass these restrictions and uncover a broader range of profiles.

  1. Diverse Search Results

LinkedIn's search results are often sorted based on your network connections and profile completeness. While this approach can surface some strong candidates, it might also mean missing out on individuals who are just outside your immediate network. Google’s search algorithm, on the other hand, provides results based on the relevance of your search terms, which can lead you to candidates who might otherwise be overlooked.

  1. Access to Third-Degree and Out-of-Network Connections

If you’re using a free LinkedIn account or have a limited subscription, you might not be able to see profiles of individuals outside your immediate network. X-Ray search allows you to uncover these profiles. For instance, if you’re seeking recruiting managers who are not in your network, X-Ray search can reveal their identities and qualifications, as Google indexes public profiles differently than LinkedIn.

  1. More Comprehensive Searches

One of the key advantages of LinkedIn X-Ray search is the ability to use the asterisk (*) symbol to conduct more thorough searches. For example, if you’re looking for all job titles that include "Sales" (like Sales Manager, Sales Development Manager, etc.), Google can provide a more extensive range of results. LinkedIn does not support this feature, making X-Ray search a valuable alternative for gathering a wider array of positions at once.

  1. Utilizing Boolean Operators for Precision

Using Boolean operators allows you to further refine your search results. By employing these operators in your X-Ray searches, you can customize the width and depth of your search, making it easier to locate candidates or prospects in specific regions or industries.


Crafting Effective LinkedIn X-Ray Search Strings

To illustrate how to create impactful search queries, let’s say you’re looking for a CEO in the financial sector residing in Dallas. Your search string might look like this:

Leveraging X-Ray Search String Generators

If crafting search strings feels daunting, you’re in luck! Various online tools can generate LinkedIn X-Ray search strings for you. By inputting job titles, desired locations, and relevant keywords, these tools simplify the process.

Notable tools include Recruit'em and Lisearcher. Additionally, platforms like Recruitment Geek or the Free People Search Tool can assist in finding LinkedIn profiles efficiently. While these tools may limit you to 10 pages of results, they can streamline your initial search process.

Maximizing Your LinkedIn X-Ray Search

Finding profiles with LinkedIn X-Ray search is an effective strategy to reach a broader pool of potential hires or clients, especially for international recruiting. However, it’s important to remember that manually conducting these searches can be time-consuming. Once you’ve identified your prospects, the next step is to reach out.

Conclusion

While LinkedIn’s filters—like Sales Navigator and Recruiter—are invaluable, LinkedIn X-Ray search serves as a powerful alternative for connecting with individuals beyond your immediate network. For the most accurate and specific results, it’s advisable to create your own search strings. Experimenting with different queries will enhance your proficiency. If creating strings isn’t your preference, there are numerous tools available that can help.

FAQs

  1. How can companies assess the success of their LinkedIn X-Ray search efforts? Companies can measure success by evaluating key metrics such as response rates to outreach messages, the number of qualified candidates found, interviews scheduled from searches, and conversion rates from prospects to hires.

  2. What ethical guidelines should I follow when using LinkedIn X-Ray search? It's crucial to respect privacy and ensure that your outreach is professional and relevant. Avoid being overly aggressive and use information responsibly.

  3. How can LinkedIn X-Ray search be utilized across different industries? X-Ray search can effectively identify niche talent across various sectors, from tech (finding specialized software engineers) to healthcare (locating professionals with rare certifications) to sales (targeting key decision-makers in specific organizations).

By mastering LinkedIn X-Ray search, you can uncover a wealth of opportunities in your recruitment or sales efforts. Happy searching

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