Searching Skills: The Internal Auditor's Secret Weapon

For individuals seeking to enhance their capabilities, super search skills represent one of the few nearly zero-cost advantages available. In the field of internal auditing, it is essential to be an informed outsider by applying interdisciplinary knowledge, as I discussed in my previous post. For instance, while you may not be a Human Resources specialist, it is important to understand key concepts such as payroll calculation, recruitment, and succession planning. Additionally, being aware of the challenges associated with each topic is crucial. For example, in payroll management, issues such as fluctuations in commission rates, unreliable clock-in and clock-out systems, and separate employment contracts for employees in different jurisdictions can lead to significant payroll complications.

Similarly, while you may not be a supply chain specialist, possessing a foundational understanding of the procurement process, demand planning and forecasting, and supplier relationship management will enable you to communicate effectively with the auditee and recognize potential issues. I plan to explore each topic related to business operations in more detail in future posts.

Why Do We Search? 

The purposes are not the fundamental reasons; the fundamental reason is what you want to achieve. 99.99% of others have already done it, and they have done it better than you. What you need to do is find it, learn it, utilize it, avoid it, and surpass it. This is the capability that the internet and the information age grant us, significantly breaking down information disparities. 

Categories and Platforms for Search Needs 

There is a wealth of information available to help you master effective search techniques across various platforms. From online tutorials and webinars to guides and articles, these resources provide valuable insights into optimizing your search strategies. For instance, platforms like Google, academic databases, and even social media have unique search functionalities that, when understood, can significantly enhance your ability to find relevant information quickly. By exploring these resources, you can develop the skills necessary to navigate the vast sea of data and improve your efficiency in research and auditing tasks.

Search Level	Platform	Example
Information	Google Baidu WeChat Search	Searching for the formula of a specific product Searching for the latest news about a brand Searching for current trending events
Knowledge Skills	Coursera YouTube Zhihu	Learning online courses on video editing Finding tutorials on how to use ChatGPT Searching for articles on structured thinking
Resource Files	Pexels Pixabay Canva	Downloading PowerPoint templates for year-end summaries Finding high-quality images and videos Designing posters or presentations
Tools and Software	Canva Google Docs GitHub	Online design tool for creating various designs Online document editing Finding tools or resources related to software development
Finding Research Reports	Google Scholar ResearchGate JSTOR SSRN 199IT.com Academia.edu	Searching for "Research Report on Mother and Baby Industry" Looking for specific academic articles or reports Finding research reports in the humanities and social sciences Working papers and research reports in social sciences Professional market research reports Research reports and papers shared by scholars

A summary table of Google Search Operators

Google Search Operators are special commands and symbols that enhance your search capabilities on Google. By using these operators, you can refine your search results to find more specific information. Mastering these operators can significantly improve your search efficiency and accuracy, making it easier to locate the information you need.

Search Operator	Description	Example
"search term"	Exact match search	"best coffee shops"
OR	Search for either term	coffee OR tea
AND	Search for both terms	coffee AND espresso
-	Exclude a term	coffee -decaf
*	Wildcard that matches any word or phrase	best * for studying
( )	Group terms or operators	(coffee OR tea) AND healthy
$	Search for prices	laptop $500
define:	Displays the meaning of a word	define:serendipity
cache:	Returns the most recent cached version of a webpage	cache:example.com
filetype:	Shows results of a specific file type	filetype:pdf coffee recipes
site:	Limit results to a specific website	site:kinsta.com
related:	Find sites related to another site	related:kinsta.com
intitle:	Find pages with a specific word in the title	intitle:coffee
allintitle:	Find pages containing all specified words in the title	allintitle:coffee health benefits
inurl:	Find pages with a specific word in the URL	inurl:blog coffee
allinurl:	Find pages containing all specified words in the URL	allinurl:kinsta blog
intext:	Find pages containing a specific word in the content	intext:coffee recipes
allintext:	Find pages containing all specified words in the content	allintext:best coffee shops in New York
AROUND(X)	Finds pages with two words within X words of each othe	coffee AROUND(3) tea
weather:	Find weather for a specific location	weather:New York
stocks:	See stock information	stocks:GOOGL
map:	View map results for a location search	map:coffee shops in Seattle
movie:	Find information about a specific movie	movie:Inception
daterange:	Search results within a range of dates	daterange:2458881-2459002
postauthor:	Find content created by specific authors	postauthor:John Doe

The Impact of AI on Search Methods 

With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology, tools like ChatGPT are transforming traditional search methods. These AI applications can provide direct answers and assist users in learning and creativity. For instance, ChatGPT or Deepseek can immediately respond to inquiries such as, "Who is Taylor Swift's latest boyfriend?" Users can also engage in follow-up questions based on initial responses. Additionally, the tool allows for comparative analysis, such as comparing the personality traits of Persian cats and Russian Blues. Furthermore, it possesses reasoning capabilities that enable users to explore potential consequences of their questions.

Conclusion

In today's information-rich era, mastering search techniques and leveraging AI tools are essential for personal development. Effective search strategies can lead to greater success in learning and the workplace. To remain competitive and effective, internal auditors must continuously refine their search skills and utilize available technological resources to navigate complex information landscapes.