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Using Keywords in Your Resume

Many companies run resumes through programs that are able to check for specific keywords. These programs loosely gauge how fit a possible employee is for a job by ranking resumes by the number and type of keywords that they contain.

Although the keywords that programs search for in resumes often vary by job, they frequently deal with the personal characteristics, college degree, training, and technological skills that relate to certain professions.  The way in which companies use their search for keywords varies; some companies may weight keywords based on importance where other companies consider all keywords equal; some companies may strongly take into account how many of the keywords match the skills, education, and other words they are looking for while others may be more lenient.

You can take several steps to optimize the quality of keywords in your resume.

First, include both acronyms and their spelled-out forms. Although some companies have more refined programs that search for the synonyms of keywords in addition to a keyword itself, some programs only search for either an acronym or its spelled-out version as a keyword.

Second, use as many forms (noun, verb, adjective) of a word as possible. For example, for the noun “leader,” see if you can logically work in words such as lead, leadership and leading.

Finally, search job posts, job descriptions and company websites and brochures for recurring words and phrases before creating a resume. These recurring words and phrases are likely keywords that the company will look for in resumes. Some potential keywords can be found in job descriptions that list the qualifications for a specific job; for example, if a job description says “bachelor of science degree required,” “bachelor of science” will likely be a keyword.

Working keywords into a resume in a natural, truthful and logical way is a skill. If you are having problems, contact Robin’s Resumes®.

Networking in the Job Market

You have your resume. Now all you have to do is wait for the ideal job to appear in the local newspaper. Right? Wrong!

You and your resume must go on the hunt.

Newspaper ads are only one of the many sources for jobs. Many companies have moved their searches to the Internet. You’ll want to check out the websites of companies you’re interested in, job boards like monster.com and even Craig’s List. In addition, businesses are networking for employees at sites like LinkedIn.com, where one contact leads to another and another, and may eventually lead to a job. I know one individual who followed this advice and received a lead for a local U.S. job from a contact all the way in China. He was hired.

If you belong to a club, nonprofit organization or industry group—or if you’ve thought about joining—now is the time to become a more active member. Tell everyone you meet that you’re job hunting. Word of mouth can lead to an interview for a position that hasn’t even been advertised yet.

Business expos, seminars and events sponsored by the local Chamber offer another opportunity to meet people who may be hiring.

If you hear that a company is expanding, send them your resume. Even if they haven’t advertised for someone in your position, an expanding company may need your skills soon. When they do, you’ll be at the head of the queue.

Need help with networking? Contact us for more advice and for a resume that helps you bring in the job you want.

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