Ensuring your resume aligns with the right keywords is pivotal for bypassing the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) hurdle and advancing it for human evaluation. By embedding action-packed verbs, pertinent nouns, and vivid descriptors, you enhance the prospects of your job hunt.
Discover why infusing your resume with keywords is indispensable for clinching that coveted interview!
If an avalanche of 100 or more resumes inundates a company within two days of a job posting, filtering through them becomes a laborious task. Technology streamlines this daunting process through applicant tracking system software. This software filters through resumes, sieving out those that match predefined job titles and industry-specific keywords selected by the hiring entity. If your resume boasts keywords tailored to the targeted position and industry, it can catch the human reviewer’s eye.
Albeit seemingly ruthless, this is the reality for many companies’ recruitment processes. Job seekers must understand and adapt to this new paradigm to increase their chances of success in today’s competitive job market.
Job Postings Will Help to Locate Keywords to Use in Your Resume
Let’s discuss how you can ensure your resume includes relevant keywords related to that desired position to get it selected. One of the best places to identify the keywords to incorporate in your resume is the job advertisement. You should pay close attention to the detailed job description in the announcement and note the main criteria.
You can also check out similar job descriptions or postings or use Google’s keyword tools to find words. If the company has a website, review the content and jot down what is relevant. In particular, please pay attention to their goals and philosophy. If the site includes its mission statement, read it carefully and note essential points.
How to Use Keywords in Your Resume
The biggest mistake you can make is copying and pasting chunks of text from job postings or descriptions directly into your resume. Of course, you need to show how your skills relate to those detailed in the job description, but be careful not to use the language of the advertisement verbatim.
Not only will this hint at a distinct lack of imagination, but it will leave the prospective employer wondering whether what you included in your resume is accurate. The trick is to weave the industry-specific keywords into your resume naturally.
If you end up with a list of 50 words after doing your initial research to identify keywords, don’t be tempted to try and shoehorn them all in. This strategy can easily backfire and is unlikely to impress the company’s hiring committee. When writing your resume, be selective about the words you include. Your resume should read naturally while adding the group of most important keywords.
Incorporate Action Words to Add Pizzazz
Employ vibrant action verbs and power-packed keywords to infuse your resume with dynamism to articulate your work experiences and triumphs. Kickstart your phrases with vigorous action terms, particularly in the past tense for past positions. Present your job accomplishments in a succinct, bulleted format to maximize impact. By incorporating action words, you’ll transform mundane achievement statements into captivating narratives that captivate recruiters’ attention and leave a lasting impression. Let your resume exude energy and vitality, showcasing your prowess and potential to prospective employers compellingly and memorably.
What Are “Power” Verbs and Keywords?
Power verbs are essential for making your resume impactful and engaging. They add energy and authority to your achievements and experiences, helping potential employers understand the depth of your skills and contributions. Instead of merely listing duties, power verbs demonstrate your capability and initiative, making your resume stand out. So, don’t hesitate to incorporate them generously to showcase your strengths effectively.
Here are some examples
• Achieved
• Acquired
• Administered
• Advocated
• Analyzed
• Assessed
• Attained
• Authored
• Chaired
• Coached
• Communicated
• Completed
• Composed
• Conceived
• Conducted
• Coordinated
• Created
• Delegated
• Demonstrated
• Designed
• Developed
• Devised
• Directed
• Drafted
• Encouraged
• Enriched
• Established
• Evaluated
• Exceeded
• Executed
• Expanded
• Expedited
• Facilitated
• Formulated
• Founded
• Generated
• Guided
• Handled
• Helped
• Implemented
• Improved
• Increased
• Influenced
• Initiated
• Installed
• Instructed
• Interacted
• Interviewed
• Introduced
• Judged
• Led
• Maintained
• Managed
• Mentored
• Moderated
• Molded
• Motivated
• Negotiated
• Operated
• Organized
• Originated
• Perfected
• Performed
• Persuaded
• Pioneered
• Planned
• Prepared
• Presented
• Presided
• Produced
• Promoted
• Proposed
• Recommended
• Reorganized
• Researched
• Resolved
• Revamped
• Revitalized
• Scheduled
• Selected
• Solicited
• Solved
• Spearheaded
• Supervised
• Supported
• Taught
• Tested
• Trained
• Tutored
• Updated
• Utilized
• Wrote
Use noun-based keywords in your resume to showcase your competence in a particular field or industry. Examples include personnel management, cost analysis, business administration, directional drilling, quality control, and internal audits.
As you can see, there are different types of terms to make your resume come alive.
What keywords have you used in your resume to attract recruiters or hiring mangers? Comment and share below!
Need additional assistance? Reach out to Candace to learn more!