Filters narrow the list. The brief tells the AI what a great candidate looks like, in plain words, the way you would tell a colleague. The AI reads the meaning, not exact keywords, and uses it to rank.
You find it under AI Search Context in the filter panel. The AI writes a first version from your search text; edit it freely, then click Apply Changes.
What to put in it
Titles and their variations: "Senior Backend Engineer, Backend Developer, Software Engineer (backend)"
Industry or client context: "worked in the financial sector, served banking clients"
Details no filter covers: "has worked with Bank of America in the last 10 years"
Soft requirements: "used to regulated environments", "comfortable leading a small team", "hands-on, not only management"
Language and seniority in words: "German-speaking, senior individual contributor"
Rule of thumb: if there is no filter for it, it goes in the brief.
What not to put in it
Hard must-haves that should be required skills. Put "Java" in Skills and tick required.
Locations. Use the Location filter. If you removed a location with the refine bar, check that the brief doesn't still mention it, otherwise the evaluations will keep flagging it.
Bullhorn facts like status or owner. Use Bullhorn filters.
Example
Search text: "Head of Finance, PE-backed company, London, 10+ years"
Brief the AI wrote: "Head of Finance, Finance Director, VP of Finance. Private equity–backed company context. Senior-level leadership role. London based."
You could add: "Has been through at least one exit or refinancing. Comfortable presenting to a board. Not looking for a pure controller."