Expert Mode allows you to bypass dropdown filters and input precise, field-specific searches using field:value syntax. It supports Boolean logic, phrase matching, and wildcard characters, giving you maximum control over your results.
Note: You must choose either Basic Search (using dropdown filters) or Expert Mode (using syntax). These two modes cannot be used together in the same search. You can combine multiple filters within Basic Search, or combine multiple conditions inside Expert Mode, but you cannot mix the two.
Quick Syntax Cheat Sheet
Syntax | Example | What It Does |
field:value |
| Finds candidates ranked 5 |
Quoted phrase |
| Matches exact phrase |
Boolean AND |
| Must match both conditions |
Boolean OR |
| Matches either value |
Grouping () |
| Combines multiple conditions logically |
Wildcard * |
| Matches admin, administrator, administration |
Boolean flag |
| Finds candidates marked Do Not Hire |
Date field |
| Matches exact date (YYYY-MM-DD) |
1. How to Enable Expert Mode
To activate Expert Mode:
Navigate to Power Search for any entity (Candidates, Jobs, Managers, Clients, or Departments).
Check the Expert Mode box at the top of the filter panel.
A new text entry field will appear. Enter your query in the format
field:value.
2. Core Syntax Rules
Basic Format:
field:valuePhrase Match: Use quotes for multi-word values (
current_title:"Senior Developer")Boolean Logic:
AND= must include both conditionsOR= either condition is acceptable()= group conditions
Wildcard: Use
*at the end of a term to include variantsExample:
text:develop*→ develop, developer, developing⚠️ Prefix/mid-word wildcards (
*view,de*elop) are not supported
3. Common Example Queries
Example Query | What It Does |
| Finds “specialist” in any text field |
| Searches resumes for exact phrase |
| Finds candidates with rank 4 or 5 |
| Matches admin, administrator, administration |
| Finds developers located in Florida |
4. Candidate Fields Reference
Below are the most common searchable fields for Candidates. Use these with field:value syntax in Expert Mode.
Field | What It Searches | Example |
| Entire Candidate Profile |
|
| Resume |
|
| Cover Letter |
|
| Full Name |
|
| Current Job Title |
|
| Current Employer |
|
| First/Last Name |
|
| Candidate username |
|
| Address text |
|
| Candidate rank (0–5) |
|
| Phone Number |
|
| SMS consent |
|
| Date of Birth |
|
| Candidate tags |
|
| Placement Start Date |
|
| Placement End Date |
|
| Hire Date |
|
| Recruiter on profile |
|
| Availability Date |
|
| Last modified date |
|
| Last user who modified |
|
| Candidate email |
|
| Email consent |
|
| Candidate ID |
|
| Created by user |
|
| Profile creation date |
|
| Referral source |
|
| Do Not Hire flag |
|
| Primary skills |
|
| Employment flag |
|
| Candidate source |
|
| Linked job submittal ID |
|
| Current Submittal Status |
|
| Historical Submittal Status |
|
| Address lines |
|
| Location fields |
|
| Past job history |
|
| Education fields |
|
5. Manager & Other Entity Fields
While most advanced queries are run against Candidates, Expert Mode also supports other entities:
Managers
manager_name:"John Smith"tags:"Finance"department:"Sales"
Jobs
status:"Open"department:"IT"title:"Project Manager"
Clients/Departments
client_name:"Acme Corp"tags:"Priority Client"
(For complete field references per entity, see the Entity-Specific Examples section of the main Power Search Guide.)
6. Field Behavior Notes
Quoted Strings: Always use
""around multi-word phrases.Date Fields: Must be in
YYYY-MM-DDformat (e.g.,hire_date:2024-05-12).Boolean Flags: Accept
trueorfalse(e.g.,do_not_hire:true).Tags: Search with
tags:"YourTag".
7. Best Practices
Start simple, then layer complexity.
Use AND/OR instead of stacking multiple separate filters.
Group logic with parentheses:
Example:
(resume_text:"project manager" OR resume_text:"scrum master") AND state_abbr:TX
Save commonly used queries for reuse.
This reference ensures you have every tool to master Expert Mode. Bookmark it for advanced searches, and check out the BrightMove Power Search Guide for step-by-step basics and entity-specific workflows.
For more information on basic power searches, check out the BrightMove Power Search Guide.