How to Include the Right Resume Keywords

If you want employers and recruiters to locate your resume easily, you need to know how to include the right resume keywords.

When most companies search, they do so by typing relevant keywords into search engines like Yahoo, MSN, ASK, and Google.

The more targeted your resume keywords are, the chances your resume will appear in an employer’s or recruiter’s search results will increase.

A recruiter will know everything about using complicated variations of keywords to locate different resumes on the Internet.

Recruiters use high-tech tools within candidate tracking software, which searches resumes for crucial keywords that match the specification for a particular job.

Below is a list of tips on how to know which keywords to incorporate into your resume.

Check out Webpages on the Company’s Website

Many blogs and websites contain many significant keywords that you could use within your resume, so take the time to look for them. Look for repetitive words throughout the text. Check out articles, reviews of the company, and company profiles to gather information.

Make Use of Keyword Tools

You can use the AdWords Tool from Google or other SEO information sites. The tools on these sites will show the number of times a keyword phrase or keyword is searched within a month and the number of times advertisers have placed a bid on those keywords.

Once you have gained access, enter a key phrase or keyword related to the job you want, the company name, your profession, and the job description.

Have a look at the results and see which keyword phrases and keywords were searched for the most. You can also type these phrases into your search bar on Google or Yahoo, and it will tell you how many times these phrases or words were searched on the Internet that day.

Look at Other Posted Resumes

Another way to discover great keywords is to look at resumes that are similar to yours. Try and find professional resumes that represent your skills, industry, and experience. If you want to pursue something within another position or industry, you will need to search for resumes relevant to that field.

Again, you can use tools like the Google keyword tool to see which keywords have been searched for the most. Enter the primary keyword phrase or keyword for the skills, niche, and experience you have, then add “job – jobs – resume – opportunity – submit,” and click on search.

You may have to try your query in several different ways, adding or subtracting words, until it shows you what you are looking for.  You can then add the popular ones to your resume.

Read Advertisements and Job Ads

If you search the Internet, you will easily find excellent keywords in the job ads. Look for online newspapers and check out the help wanted sections.

Read Other Resumes Before Posting

There are multiple places to post resumes on the Internet. Check some of them out. Read other individuals’ resumes and job ads for positions relating to your expertise. Keywords are usually repeated throughout the same job descriptions, making it easy to spot the popular keywords.

What keywords and buzzwords do you use? Comment and share below! If you need help with your job search, reach out to Candace to learn more!