Improving Job Title Search Results with Clay and Apollo

John T. · 2025-12-16T08:57:45.929Z

Hi, I'm trying to use clay <> apollo to find specific job titles. But the results I'm getting, apollo is giving me back generic roles. For example, searching for these job titles, Apollo gives me back "head of marketing" titles. Is there a way to fix this?

Improving Job Title Search Results with Clay and Apollo | Clay

7 comments

· Sorted by Oldest

Clay Support
APP
·
·
Apollo's default search includes synonyms and similar titles, which is why you're getting "Head of Marketing" when searching for specific IC roles like "Digital Marketing." [1]
To get exact matches, look for the "Job title must contain exact" or "Job title must match exactly" options in your Apollo integration settings. These exclude synonyms and similar titles. [2]
The "must contain exact" option will match your search terms while ignoring capitalization, but won't return broader synonyms. The "must match exactly" option is even stricter and requires exact matches including capitalization.
This should help you get the specific IC marketing roles you're targeting instead of senior leadership titles.
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Is that what you were looking for?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
If you still need help refining your Apollo search results, I’m here to assist. Would you like to provide more details about the specific job titles or settings you’re trying to use?
John T.
·
·
To get exact matches, look for the "Job title must contain exact" or "Job title must match exactly" options in your Apollo integration settings. These exclude synonyms and similar titles. [2] This is only for clay database and not apollo no?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
You're correct! The "Job title must contain exact" and "Job title must match exactly" options are specifically for Clay's Find People database, not Apollo. [1]
For Apollo integrations, the search behavior is different - Apollo automatically includes synonyms and similar titles by default. [2] The Apollo integration documentation doesn't mention exact match options like Clay's native database has. [3]
So unfortunately, Apollo's search will continue returning broader results like "Head of Marketing" when you search for specific IC titles. This is how Apollo's algorithm works within our integration.
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Did that answer your question?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
If you still need help with refining your Apollo search or have other questions, I’m here to assist. Would you like to share more about what you’re trying to achieve or any specific challenges you’re facing?

Clay Support
APP
·
·
Apollo's default search includes synonyms and similar titles, which is why you're getting "Head of Marketing" when searching for specific IC roles like "Digital Marketing." [1]
To get exact matches, look for the "Job title must contain exact" or "Job title must match exactly" options in your Apollo integration settings. These exclude synonyms and similar titles. [2]
The "must contain exact" option will match your search terms while ignoring capitalization, but won't return broader synonyms. The "must match exactly" option is even stricter and requires exact matches including capitalization.
This should help you get the specific IC marketing roles you're targeting instead of senior leadership titles.
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Is that what you were looking for?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
If you still need help refining your Apollo search results, I’m here to assist. Would you like to provide more details about the specific job titles or settings you’re trying to use?
John T.
·
·
To get exact matches, look for the "Job title must contain exact" or "Job title must match exactly" options in your Apollo integration settings. These exclude synonyms and similar titles. [2] This is only for clay database and not apollo no?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
You're correct! The "Job title must contain exact" and "Job title must match exactly" options are specifically for Clay's Find People database, not Apollo. [1]
For Apollo integrations, the search behavior is different - Apollo automatically includes synonyms and similar titles by default. [2] The Apollo integration documentation doesn't mention exact match options like Clay's native database has. [3]
So unfortunately, Apollo's search will continue returning broader results like "Head of Marketing" when you search for specific IC titles. This is how Apollo's algorithm works within our integration.
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Did that answer your question?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
If you still need help with refining your Apollo search or have other questions, I’m here to assist. Would you like to share more about what you’re trying to achieve or any specific challenges you’re facing?