How To Find Keywords For Your Resume In Job Descriptions
A resume is much more than it seems. Sure, you probably know that your resume is important. But do you realize that it could be why you're not getting any calls for interviews or why you don't get a job offer? Every word in your resume matters and has an impact on your future. If you do not include the right keywords in your resume, you could be keeping yourself from success. Find out which keywords you should put in your resume to increase your chances of a successful job search.
Why Do Keywords Even Matter?
You're probably wondering why keywords are so important. After all, doesn't an employer only care about hiring the most qualified applicant for a job? Your experience, personality, and skill level should all have an impact on whether or not an employer hires you. And although these factors can affect whether or not you're hired, your resume is a first impression.
Consider the example of going on a first date. If you go on a first date and make a poor impression, the person will never call you back. But applying for jobs is even more challenging because employers often use screening tools. Imagine if you had to use certain words on your first date before you could be asked for a second date. That's just what some companies do when they have Applicant Tracking Systems (ATSs).
If you apply for a company that uses an ATS, you need to be sure to use the right keywords in your resume. Before any human being sees your resume, an algorithm looks over the document. Essentially, it's a pre-screening tool that seeks out certain keywords.
If you fail to include the right keywords in your resume, you won't receive a phone call for an interview. Your resume will go in the discard pile, and you won't move forward with the hiring process. There will be no phone interview, in-person interview, or job offer.
Making the Right Impression
In addition to bypassing the ATS, you also want to impress the hiring manager. Whether or not a company uses an ATS, you want a hiring manager to have a positive first impression. The way they see you on your resume is the way they will perceive you during your interview or will determine whether or not they choose to call you in for an interview.
Do you have to use the right keywords? Perhaps not. But failing to make the best impression means you have to overcome even more obstacles. You should make your life easier and improve your results by picking proper keywords.
Tips For Using the Right Keywords
Now that you know why you need to include certain keywords, you probably want to know how you can go about finding the words you need to include. First, you should realize that a company describes itself in the way it wants you to perceive it. Every job listing tells you about the company, and you should use that to find keywords.
For instance, a company might mention "youthful at heart." This implies that the company strives to seem modern and hip. If you share those traits, include similar words in your resume. You don't need to include the exact words but think of synonyms. Make It clear that you share the same values as the company and that you'll fit in with their culture.
Read the Bullet Points
If there are bullet points in the job listing, read them closely. The hiring managers often place the most important words and responsibilities at the start of their bullet points. When you read through a job listing, make a note of the first dew bullet points. Those are the ones that matter the most and should be echoed in your resume.
Once again, you don't need to copy the text verbatim. Instead, mention one or two of the words but elaborate on them in your own way. This will satisfy both the ATS as well as the hiring manager.
Required Skills
The required skills section of the job listing will also tell you which keywords to use. After you read this section, write down a few notable skill and experience requirements. An employer doesn't want to sift through your resume and look for signs that you can do the job. Instead, they want it to be obvious.
When you use the right words in your resume, you make it clear that you need minimal training. This saves your employer money and makes it more likely that you will be successful in your career. For the best results, use your accomplishments as examples of your skills or experience. If you want to highlight your leadership skills, mention the time you successfully led a team of ten people to beat a sales record.
While you should elaborate on your achievement, use the exact keywords mentioned in the job listing. In addition to helping you get past an ATS, your keyword usage will appeal to the hiring manager.
Look for Jobs Tailored to You
When you're searching for jobs, seek out ones that are relevant to your own experience. How does this help you with keywords? You should naturally have keywords already in your resume.
Applying for the right job is half the battle. When you pick a job you want and have experience with, you don't need to worry as much about stuffing keywords into your resume. It all comes naturally.
Read Over Your Resume
After you finish writing or editing your resume, look over the document. Are there enough keywords in it? Do you use too many keywords? You need to find just the right balance. Although your resume should have some keywords, it shouldn't sound forced or unnatural.
A little editing goes a long way. At first, you might think your resume is perfect. But a quick read-through could show you that you have far too many keywords. Read it out loud and make the necessary edits.