Types of Keywords in a Resume
Keywords in a resume include specific job requirements, such as relevant skills, competencies, certifications, previous positions, and employers. The keywords should be terms that signal to the employer that you are a good fit for the job.
Tips for Finding Keywords
Review job postings similar to the positions you are interested in and look for keywords that you can incorporate into your resume. Search for job listings that align with your background or experience and identify keywords. Keywords will be distributed throughout the job advertisement and in the “Qualifications” and “Responsibilities” sections. Integrate common keywords into your resume.
Also, review the company’s website to look for potential keywords. Use the keywords that the company uses to describe itself to demonstrate that you are a good fit. You might find this language on the company’s “About Us” page or in the job posting itself. For example, if the company describes itself as “innovative,” you might incorporate “innovative” and “innovation” into your resume.
It’s important to update the keywords in each resume you send to ensure they align with the language of the targeted company.
Tips for Using Keywords in a Resume
Be specific. Include the keywords that relate to the specific job as much as possible. The more focused and precise you are in your language, the greater your chances of demonstrating that you are a fit and catching the attention of resume scanning programs.
Understand the company’s value proposition. The company’s value is what differentiates it from its competitors. Use keywords that align with the company’s values.
Ensure that the keywords in your resume and experience are framed in a way that reflects the company’s brand.
Check how the company describes itself. To get relevant keywords or other important phrases for the company, go to the company’s LinkedIn page to see how it describes itself. Also, make sure to click on employees’ profiles within the company and look for similar positions they’ve applied for, paying special attention to how they describe themselves as valuable members of the company.
Use as many keywords as possible. Make sure to touch on most keywords related to each job. Of course, don’t use a skill keyword if you do not possess that skill. Incorporate as many suitable keywords as possible that help match your qualifications with the job. However, the keywords should be relevant and flow smoothly throughout your resume. In other words, don’t overdo it.
Mix the keywords. Include a blend of different types of keywords, including soft skills, hard skills, industry terms, certifications, and others. Using a wide range of keywords will demonstrate that you have all the diverse qualities necessary for the job.
The company’s resume scanning software may be programmed for specific keywords, so you’ll want to include synonyms for the keywords.
Place keywords everywhere. For the employer or the scanning program to find your keywords, sprinkle them throughout your resume. You can integrate these words into your resume summary statement, descriptions of previous positions, the skills section of your resume, and any other part of your resume that seems appropriate. It can also be a good tactic to place the most important keywords in a dedicated “Core Competencies” table at the top of your resume, right after your resume summary statement. This will help the keywords “pop” on the page.
Example of a Resume with Keywords
This example includes keywords in the “Core Competencies” section, as well as in the description of each job.
Example
Resume containing key words:
Jeffrey Gold
1234 Spruce Hills Parkway
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53205
555-555-5555
ggold@email.com
Qualifications Summary
Cost-conscious Benefits and Compensation Manager and Analyst offering 10 years of experience in enhancing benefit programs for large employers in the manufacturing sector.
Core Competencies: Benefits Management, Benefits Policy Development, Employee Retention Strategies, HR Files Management, Process Evaluation and Improvement, Financial Analysis and Forecasting
Professional Experience
XYZ Manufacturing Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Benefits and Compensation Manager, 02/2018 – Present
Leveraged deep knowledge of current compensation structures and wages to design and implement cost-effective benefit packages for a workforce of 1200 members. Led a team of 5 HR assistants in communicating benefit information and policies and procedures to employees. Redirected the primary healthcare provider, resulting in a 57% reduction in program costs. Ensured corporate compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations.
United Manufacturing Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Benefits and Compensation Specialist, 06/2013 – 02/2018
Skillfully classified new employees to identify and implement benefit programs. Educated employees on available benefits and application processes. Collected and distributed benefits reports. Played a critical role in securing executive management approval for a new compensation structure that increased employee eligibility for available benefit levels. Established an efficient file management process that eliminated excessive archiving backlog within six weeks of initial hiring.
Education and Qualifications
Diploma in Human Resources Management
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, Ashland, Wisconsin
Technical Competencies: Microsoft Office Suite (Advanced Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint) and PeopleSoft Compensation Management software
Using Keywords in Your Cover Letter
You should also include keywords in your cover letter in case your cover letter is scanned. Even if the cover letter is not scanned by a program, you will have a better chance of being shortlisted for an interview as a qualified candidate if keywords and phrases are mentioned throughout the cover letter.
Include keywords in the body of your letter, ensuring they match the most important keywords and skills mentioned in the job posting. An effective way to do this is to describe relevant skills and accomplishments in keyword-rich statements in the second or third paragraph of your letter.
By strategically using keywords in your cover letter, you will be able to persuade the hiring manager to take serious notice of your attached resume.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/resume-keywords-and-tips-for-using-them-2063331
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