Resume Keywords: How to incorporate them in your job search

Author: Asif Moin

To snag a job in today's search engine based, tech world, you must include resume keywords. Hiring managers don't have time to weed through the thousands of faceless resumes submitted online. Most employers use recruiting management software to quickly sift through resumes. Even if you are the perfect for the job, no one will call you in for the interview if specific keywords don't draw them to your application. They are farmed into a database where technology takes over. Hiring managers search the database with targeted keywords that represent the position. Without keywords, employers will not even read your resume.

To compete in the job market, you must learn how to use keywords to your advantage. Consider the job requirements such as relevant credentials, software proficiency, and previous employers when applying keywords. For instance, a candidate for a vehicle inspector position may use the following words: automobile, ICAR, vehicle appraiser license, claims, coverage, policy, insurance, damage, and cars. A customer service rep might have: computer skills, customer tracking system, customer service, order entry experience.

Figuring out what keywords to use is not difficult. You just have to define the hard skills and buzzwords specific to the industry. There are general areas to focus on when choosing your keywords.
• Certifications or Degrees
• University or College Names
• Job Titles
• Job Lingo
• Company Names
• Service Types
• Professional Affiliations
• Names of Products
• Technical Terminology
• Industry Specific Jargon
• Hardware or Packages
• Computer Buzzwords

In order match the available positions, your resume must incorporate the same words that are in the job descriptions. A job search engine is the easiest way to identify the right keywords. Look for five to eight employment postings with comparable job titles. See what words are mentioned over and over. Highlight the words that appear most and list them. These are your resume keywords. Include these keywords into your resume and cover letter.

If you need more qualification and skill keywords check out the Occupational Information network for the common descriptions in your occupation. Type your occupation into O*Net Online and it will give a comprehensive list of tasks, tools & technology, knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the job. Then simply copy the terms that best meet your experience.

Chances are you will find more than 10 words. However, you only need approximately eight. Pick the top eight words for the greatest impact. Too many buzzwords can be confusing. You want to streamline your message so the text reads smoothly.

Write your resume, sprinkling the keywords throughout. Start with an action verb and then add the keyword after. Each sentence should have specific facts and figures to quantify your statements. Details add depth and demonstrate your knowledge and practical experience.

When it comes down to it, before you can sell your experience to an employer you have to get noticed. Keywords are the spotlight needed to take center stage. Apply the advice above to shine a light on your candidacy.

Posted in: Resumes