How to Use Resume Keywords to Land an Interview

How to Use Resume Keywords to Land an InterviewHow to Use Resume Keywords to Land an InterviewResume keywords are critical to helping you get your resume bedrngnisiced by employers. By including keywords in your resume and cover letter, youll increase your chances of landing a job bewerbungsinterview. Keywordsare words or short phrases that relate to particular requirements for a job. They are the skills, abilities, credentials, and qualities that a hiring manager looks for in a candidate. When a hiring manager looks through a pile of resumes, he or she scans each resume to find these keywords. Many companies even use automatedapplicant tracking systems(ATS), also known as talent management systems, to screen candidates for job openings. One way an ATS works is to eliminate resumes that are missing certain keywords. If the software or the hiring manager does not detect any of the keywords in your resume or cover letter, your application might get thrown out. By embedding keywords in your resume or cover letter, you will demonstrate, at a glance, that you fit the requirements of the position. Types of Resume Keywords Yourresume keywordsshould include specific job requirements, including your skills, competencies, relevant credentials, and previous positions and employers. Essentially, keywords should be words that, at a glance, will show the hiring manager that you are a good fit for the job. For example, based on experience, a candidate for an employee benefits management position might use the following resume keywords Employee benefit plansHealth care benefitsBenefit policy A customer service representative could include CustomerserviceCustomer tracking systemComputer skillsOrder entry experience Tips for Finding Keywords Reviewjob postingsthat are similar to the positions you are interested in and look for keywords to incorporate into your resume. Search for job listings that match your background or experience and scan for the buzzwords. The keywords or phrases will be sprinkled throughout the job listing and in the qualifications and responsibilities sections. Incorporate the popular keywords into your resume. Also, review the companys website for possible keywords. Utilize keywords that the company uses to describe itself to demonstrate that you are a good fit for them. You might find this language on the companys About Us web page, or in the job listing itself. For example, if the company identifies itself as creative, you could incorporate creative and creativity in your resume. Its important to update the keywords on your resume to ensure that they match the companys language. Tips for UsingKeywords in Your Resume Be specific. Include keywords that are as closely related to the specific job as possible. The more focused and specific you are in your language, the better the chance youll have at showing you are a good match and get picked up by resume scanning software. Know the companys value proposition. The companys valu e proposition is what sets it apart from their competition. Make sure your resumes keywords and your experience are formatted in a way to reflect the companys brand. For additional keywords or phrases important to the company, go to the companys LinkedIn page to see how they describe themselves. Also, be sure to click on the profiles of the companys employees and search for similar positions that youre applying to, paying particular attention to how they describe themselves as valuable members of the company. Use as many keywords as possible. Make sure you have touched on most, if notall, of the keywords that are relevant to each position. Of course, do not use a skill keyword if you donthave that skill. Incorporate as many appropriate keywords as possible that help youmatch your qualifications to the job. However, the keywords must be appropriate and flow seamlessly throughout your resume. In other words, dont overdo it. Mix up the keywords. Include a mix of different types of keyw ords, includingsoft skills,hard skills, industry buzzwords,certifications, and more. Using a wide variety of keywords will show that you have all of the diverse qualities necessary for the job. Also, the companys resume scanning software might be programmed for a particular keyword, so youll want to include synonyms of the keywords. For example, you might have developer as a keyword on your resume, but the company uses creator instead. By using multiple versions of keywords and phrases, your resume will have a better chance of getting picked up by a scanning program. Put the keywords everywhere. In order for an employer or a scanning program to find your keywords, sprinklekeywords throughout your resume. You might incorporate these words into yourresume summary statement, past job descriptions, theskills sectionof your resume, and any other part of your resume that seems appropriate. It can also be a good tactic to place the most important keywords in a dedicated core competencies table at the beginning of your resume, right after your resume summary statement. This will help the keywords to pop on the page. Review a Resume Example This example includes keywords in the Core Competencies section, as well as in the descriptions for each position. Resume Sample Including Keywords Geoffrey Gold1234 Spruce Hills ParkwayMilwaukee, WI 53205555-555-5555ggoldemail.comQualifications SummaryCost-conscious and analytically astuteCompensation and Benefits Manageroffering 10 years expertise optimizing benefits programs for major employers in the manufacturing sector.Core Competencies Benefits Administration, Benefit Policy Development, Employee Retention Strategies, HR File Management, Process Evaluation and Improvements, Financial Analysis and ForecastingProfessional ExperienceXYZ MANUFACTURING CORPORATION, Milwaukee, WICompensation and Benefits Manager, 02/2013-PresentLeverage deep knowledge of current compensation and wage structures to structure and implement cost -effective benefits packages for 1200-member workforce. Directed staff of 5 HR assistants in communicating benefits information, policies, and procedures to personnel.Re-sourced primary healthcare benefits provider, reducing program costs by 57%.Diligently ensure corporate compliance with all governing federal and state regulations.UNITED MANUFACTURING, Milwaukee, WICompensation and Benefits Specialist, 06/2008-02/2013Skillfully classified new employees to determine and initiate benefit programs. Educated personnel in available benefits and application processes compiled and distributed benefit reports.Played instrumental role in securing executive buy-in for a new compensation structure that increased speed of employee eligibility for available benefit levels.Created an efficient file management process that eliminated a severe recordkeeping backlog within six weeks of initial hiring.Education and CredentialsAssociate Degree in Human Resource ManagementWISCONSIN INDIANHEAD TECHNICA L COLLEGE, Ashland, WITechnical Proficiencies Microsoft Office Suite (Advanced Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint) and PeopleSoft compensation management software Expand Using Keywords in Your Cover Letter You should includekeywords in your cover letterin the event your cover letter is scanned. Even if the cover letter isnt screened by a program, youll have a better chance of getting selected for an interview as a qualified candidate if the keywords and phrases are listed throughout the cover letter. Include keywords in the body of your letter, making sure that they match the most important keywords and skills mentioned in the job listing. An effective way to do this is to describe your relevant skills and achievements in bulleted, keyword-loaded statements in the second or third paragraph of your letter. By using keywords strategically in your cover letter, youll be able to persuade the hiring manager to give serious attention to its accompanying resume.