Keywords, you hear it all the time when you start applying for positions, but what are they and how can you make them work for you?
Keywords are simply just application specific buzzwords that recruiters and ATS systems expect to find in your resume to prove the relevance of your application and help ATS remove resumes that do not list any of the compatible skills.. Using the right keywords can really help secure you a spot in the next round of the application process, so it is essential that you choose the right keywords.
How to crack keywords:
Sitting down to write your resume and not sure what the correct keywords for the application are, pull up the job application and take a look at the commonly occurring words, phrases and skills required. Include the skills that are listed (and you have) throughout your resume in a clear format, i.e. Maximised store profitability through implementing thorough, streamlined processes and effective resource management.
Leaving one of two keywords throughout your resume is not going to stand out, sprinkle keywords in every section of your resume. A way to incorporate keywords is to use them to describe yourself in the executive summary at the top of the resume, in this area, you can really use keywords that are relevant to the job role advertised as this is where you describe yourself. List keywords as past history in the previous job history, using keywords to start sentences. Including keywords in your skills section is easy and provides a place to list keywords that you are having trouble placing.
It is a fine line between too few and too many, it can become glaringly apparent that you are just cramming in as many keywords as possible which can make it seem as if you are merely just copying the job application. Use keywords to help describe your skills and accomplishments but don’t rely solely on keywords, try to expand on the keywords listed while still displaying your abilities.
Don’t start a sentence with an unnecessary keyword just to mark another off your list, your resume needs to read correctly. Pay close attention to the readability and grammar of your resume, don’t just throw keywords in all over the place, leave them strategically in a sentence that is otherwise lacking any driving achievements.
This is a pretty straightforward point but needs to be made, do not include keywords that are not relevant to your skill levels. If you do not have a skill or are not proficient in a specific skill, don’t include it. The last thing you want is an interview to ask you about the implementations you used when “Implemented process measurement and performance indicators to track times for decanting and filling” if you never actually implemented anything.
There is no need to struggle when it comes to creating the perfect resume and including keywords, simply ask for help. Check out our great resume packages to help you with your keyword selection today!
What are your thoughts on Keywords?
Do you have a Keyword you love to use?
Leave a comment down below and let the team at Hunting Hired know your thoughts.
