When creating queries on LinkedIn, especially if you prefer to structure your search into multiple smaller blocks rather than a single query, it is essential to categorize your search criteria into three main categories:

• Must Have: These terms are indispensable and must absolutely be present in the results to ensure the relevance of the profiles. For example, using an operator like skills:(Java) to ensure that the skill is present in all returned profiles.
• Don't Have: These criteria are used to exclude certain results. For example, NOT industry:(14) helps exclude profiles from the financial industry.
• Could Have: These criteria are optional and add extra value if present. For example, skills:(Python) OR skills:(Ruby) adds additional skills without being mandatory.

For those who prefer to structure their search into 'small blocks' rather than a single comprehensive query, it's essential to include the 'Must Have', 'Could Have', and 'Don't Have' elements in each subset. By choosing this approach, each small block should follow this logic to maintain the consistency of the search.

If you choose to split your query into multiple sets, the 'Must Have' elements should be connected by AND operators between the blocks. Otherwise, by default, this could lead to a query summarized as A or B

Managing Dependencies at a Global and Local Level

Once you understand how query structures impact results, you can refine your approach by managing dependencies at two levels:

1. Global Level: The overall logic between multiple blocks.
2. Local Level: How each individual block is structured and how they interact.

Example of Multi-Persona Query Structuring (global level “Could have”)

Instead of relying on a single, rigid query, you can create multiple Could-have conditions within separate blocks. This ensures that any returned profile meets at least one of these persona definitions:

• Block 1: (A AND B) NOT C → Strict match on A & B, excluding C.
• Block 2: (A OR B) NOT C → More flexible match on A OR B, excluding C.
• Block 3: ((A OR B) AND D) NOT C → A or B must be present, but D is also required, excluding C.

Final Query Result : "Could-Have" Between the 3 Blocks (Interpreted as OR)

(((A AND B) NOT C) + ((A OR B) NOT C) + (((A OR B) AND D) NOT C))

What This Means in Practice

• Each row represents a valid persona → A profile only needs to match one of these three definitions to be included.