Keywords are specific words or phrases used to describe an applicant’s skills or experience. They are often specific buzzwords that are used in a particular industry. For example, someone looking for a job in a writing field might use specific words like “copywriter” or “business writer.” A person looking for a management position might use words like “change management,” or “organizational leadership.”
Why Should Applicants Use Keywords In a Resume?
A resume is a marketing tool and is used to convince the recruiter or hiring manager that the applicant is a good bet and should be brought in for an interview. Considering that many recruiters spend 10 seconds or less reviewing resumes, that marketing message has to be powerful and quick. Keywords put an applicant’s skills into focus and help the recruiter quickly determine that the skills on a resume match those needed in the available job.
How Recruiters Use Keywords
Whether reviewing resumes manually or using applicant tracking software, employers use keywords as a way of weeding through resumes. A nursing home administrator hiring for a nurse might look for “registered nurse,” “RN,” “managed care,” or “elderly care.” By using these specific keywords, the results will be much more closely tailored to the administrator’s needs.
Recruiters sometimes do keyword searches on business networking sites such as LinkedIn.com, to find candidates who may not even be looking for a job, but might still listen if the right opportunity came along.
Determining the Right Keywords To Use
Once you’ve decided to integrate keywords in the resume, the next question is: how to decide which keywords to use?
Kate Lorenz, Careerbuilder.com editor, offers some tips in her article, “What are Resume Keywords,” on careerbuilder.com.
- Look at job postings that interest you to see what common phrases are used, then use applicable ones in your resume.
- Research industry trends and professional association websites to determine what keywords are consistently used.
- Some popular keywords include: strategic planning, performance and productivity improvement, team building, problem solving and decision-making. Be sure to use words that make sense for your industry and job search.
Placing Keywords In Your Resume
After developing a list of 10 to 15 strong, descriptive and applicable keywords, the next step is to place them in the resume in a way that makes sense. In her article “Keywords that Work,” Monster.com contributing editor Wendy S. Enelow suggests putting keywords in these places:
- At the beginning of the resume, in the career summary section. This puts top skills and experience where it will get noticed first.
- In the job description, to highlight experience and abilities.
- In a separate area, such as a professional qualifications section that punctuates your greatest strengths.
By developing a strong list of keywords, you will have the foundation to develop a marketing message. By using these keywords consistently in the resume, cover letters, online profiles and interviews, you will get your message across successfully.
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