Keywords in resume writing

keywords in resume writing

Resume keywording is the process of adding legitimate keywords to your resume to maximize its keyword content. Since most resumes are processed electronically – and ranked and scored based on their keyword content – it's very likely that the effectiveness of your resume will hinge on whether it contains the right keywords.

How do we know which keywords to use? We look at the keywords employers use in their job postings.

To maximize your resume's keyword content, search for job examples that are as close as possible to your ideal job, then weave the keywords from these examples into your resume – in context.

To find appropriate job descriptions, try Indeed.com, AKA the "Google" of job searching. Since Indeed.com pulls jobs from sites all over the net – Monster, CareerBuilder, Craig's List, corporate sites, etc. – it can streamline your job shopping efforts.

using keywords to find jobs

Every job, career field, and industry has its own unique set of ever-evolving keywords. To ensure that you're using the right keywords for your resume, do not rely on a static list pulled from a book. Instead, search for current examples of your ideal job using online resources such as www.Indeed.com.

If you're searching for a job that is similar to your current
or most recent job:

Search for your current job title or other variations.

Example: A sales representative looking for a sales job in his current industry might search for job titles, job functions, or industry terms such as account representative, sales executive, new business development, B2B, channel management, inside sales, field sales, telecommunications, solution selling, etc.

If you're making a career transition:

Search for job titles or job functions that exemplify what you would do in your ideal job.

Example: A sales rep who wants to change industries might conduct a search using job titles and the "desired" industry: pharmaceutical, industrial sales, medical, hospital sales, consumer goods. etc.

If you're moving up the ladder:

Search for job titles or job functions that reflect the direction you want to take in your career.

Example: A sales rep who's ready to move into management might search for job titles such as sales management, sales manager, regional trainer or job functions like regional sales, sales leadership, sales administration, etc.

Types of Keywords:

Job Titles
Skills
Jargon
Buzzwords
Languages
Hard Skills
Soft Skills
Transferable Skills
Technology Terms
Industries
Equipment
Certifications
Computer Programs
Area Codes
Zip Codes
States
Products
Technical Acronyms
Technical Expertise
Types of Degrees
Course Titles
Names of Colleges
Organizations

Terms Like:

Six Sigma
MBA
Bilingual
International
cross-functional

About the Author: Pat Kendall is a nationally certified resume writer and e-resume expert with 20+ years of experience. Pat is the author of two books on electronic resumes / online job search and contributor to The Complete Job Search Guide for Latinos.