---
title: How to perform a 'Free Text' Search
description: Free text search provides traditional Boolean searching options, and the option to narrow the search between CV and comments.
---

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# How to perform a 'Free Text' Search

## Free text search provides traditional Boolean searching options, and the option to narrow the search between CV and comments.

- Select '**Search**' from the smart navigation to open the advanced search popup window.
- This will bring up the candidate search grid, this will display previously saved searches and the option to run an advanced ad-hoc search.

![Candidate Search Grid](https://knowledgebase.chisites.net/userfiles/images/Search-Candidate-Grid.jpg)

- Select which type of search you wish to perform.

![Candidate Search Adhoc Free Text](https://knowledgebase.chisites.net/userfiles/images/Search-Candidate-Adhoc-Free-Text.jpg)

- If it is a saved search enter a search name in the **Search Name** text box.
- Click on the '**Free Text Search**' tab.
- Enter your search criteria, selecting the relevant search radio button before entering your text in the text box.
- Your search results will appear in the grid for your review.
- Click the '**+**' Icon to expand the grid and review search hits on the records CV or comments.

Click on view** full search syntax** for tips on CV and Precis search syntax and advanced Boolean searching.

CV and Precis search syntax.

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