Searching in Zoho Recruit is designed to match how recruiters actually work. Sometimes you want to quickly open a record using a name or email. Other times, you need to narrow down records using multiple conditions or reuse a search you run every day. This page explains all search options available, how they differ, and when each one makes the most sense.
Search bar (via search icon)
The search bar, accessible using the search icon, is meant for quick lookups using simple keywords or terms. It supports both global searches across the account and focused searches within a specific module.
When the search bar comes in handy
- You want to quickly open a candidate profile using their name or email address
- A hiring manager asks you to check a job opening using its title or ID
- You remember part of a phone number, company name, or contact name
How it works
- Click the
icon located in the module toolbar.

- If you are inside a module, your search will be restricted to said module by default. This can be changed by selecting All modules or any other module of your choosing from the drop-down.

- Enter a keyword such as a name, email address, phone number, or record ID. Now, you can directly view the record suggestions below or complete the search if required.

- Each module in Recruit is represented by a unique color, making it easier to identify records at a glance in the search panel.

- Click Enter (or) Return to run your search. Doing so will take you to the search results page.

In short, this method of searching is best used when you need to look up information quickly and are not looking to apply additional conditions or filters.
Additional Details
- When you search within a specific module, the search results page will contain the respective module's filter options on the left-side. This will help you narrow down your search further.

- When you search across All Modules, results will be listed separately for each module.

- In the search results page, you will find a column named Search Snippet. This shows what information matched with your search terms for each record.
Limitations
The Search Bar does not support conditional logic, multiple criteria, or proximity-based filtering. It is not intended for building shortlists or running segmented searches. For such requirements, Advanced Search is more suitable. See More Using Advanced Search
Alphabetical Search
Alphabetical search helps you quickly browse records in a module based on the first letter of a record name. Instead of typing a keyword, you can jump directly to records that start with a specific alphabet.
When alphabetical search comes in handy:
- You want to browse candidates whose names start with a particular letter
- You are scanning through records when you are not searching for an exact keyword
- You want a quick way to navigate long lists without applying filters
How it works
- Go to the module you wish to search records in and click the
icon from the top-right.

- Use the alphabetical index to select a letter.

- The search results page will show records that begin with the selected alphabet.

To summarize, the Alphabetical search functionality is best suited for browsing and quick navigation, rather than precise searching.
Frequently asked questions
Why am I not seeing certain records in search results?
This can happen if the field is not marked as searchable or if your access permissions restrict visibility.
Can I search using custom fields?
Yes. Custom fields can be searched as long as they are enabled for search and indexing.
Does Advanced Search support location-based filtering?
Yes. Radius-based searching allows you to find records within a defined distance from a location.
Can saved searches be edited later?
Yes. You can update the criteria of a saved search at any time.
Which search option should I use most often?
Use the search bar for quick access, Advanced Search for detailed filtering, and Save Searches for repeatable views.