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Demystifying Resume Keywords
Previously known as buzz words, keywords are generally nouns (however can also include verbs), and are typically structured into compulsory and advantageous categories to identify crucial skills and experience required in a candidate.
To perform a resume search the recruiter enters relevant keywords into their computerized tracking system. Comparable to an internet search engine (which uses a spider to crawl around the internet to assemble appropriate information according to the stipulated keywords), a recruiters computerized tracking system recognizes specific keywords within all the resumes located on their database. When the tracking system locates a keyword, it is termed a hit, with the greater number of relevant keywords located in the document giving that resume a higher ranking.
To guarantee your resume will be included among the highest ranked document, keywords should be industry/job specific and applicable to what a recruiter or potential employer would be looking for in a suitable job applicant. They may include job titles, relevant skills, industry jargon, and necessary education / academic achievements.
Keywords can be generated from the resources outlined below:
- Job postings either printed or online; - Job descriptions / person specifications; - Industry Association Websites; - Career related discussion forums; - Yellow Pages either printed or online; - Job Related Publications (which can include the Occupational Outlook Handbook http://bls.gov/oco/home.htm; or
O*Net http://online.onetcenter.org); - Resume and career exploration books/material; - Corporate websites (including our organization; or job opportunities web pages); - Other resumes that have been posted online; to name a few.
To optimize your resumes ranking with search engines and computer tracking systems include a keyword section toward the forefront of your document as well as incorporating keywords throughout your resume. Avoid placing keywords nonsensically throughout your document as you must maintain a fluent writing style to ensure your resume flows smoothly.
Following is an example of a keyword section for a Marketing Students resume which was strategically positioned at the forefront of their document:
KEYWORDS: Marketing Student, Brand Management, Advertising, Marketing & Promotions, Market Research & Analysis, Marketing Surveys, Customer Service & Retention, Public Relations & Speaking, Leadership, Collaboration & Teamwork, Financial Management & Reporting, Analysis & Problem Solving, High-Impact Presentations, Alliance & Relationship Building, Escalated Conflict Resolution, Bilingual, fluent English & French.
To enhance the resumes ranking when being reviewed by a computer applicant screening system or internet search, similar keywords were also included throughout the body of the resume.
As a final measure to ensure you have included sufficient keywords in your resume scan through and mark them with a highlighting pen to confirm consistent placement throughout your document.
Continued success!
About the Author Annemarie Cross is a dual-certified/award winning Resume Writer, Career Coach and NLP Practitioner, and founder/principal of Advanced Employment Concepts, a career consultancy offering specialised solutions for people striving for success and fulfilment in their careers while maintaining work/life balance. Annemarie can be contacted at: www.annemariecross.com
