Keywords are important because many hiring managers and companies use ATS software to filter applications. This software looks for keywords for a particular position and can help identify the most qualified candidates. The key to using keywords effectively is to incorporate them in a natural way that doesn’t sound forced or spammy. To do this, you must carefully review job postings for the positions you’re interested in and analyze their language.
Identifying Your Key Words
The first step in effectively using resume keywords is identifying what they are. This can be done by reading the job description and making a list of words that are repeated or specific to the position’s responsibilities. Next, evaluate each word and determine how it relates to your professional experiences. If the word is relevant, include it in your resume. Using keywords in your resume is important for several reasons. The most obvious reason is that it helps to appease applicant tracking systems (ATS). ATS software scans resumes and compares them against the job requirements and qualifications plugged into the system. It then accepts or rejects the application based on how well it matches. The ATS is looking for specific keywords; the more you have in your resume, the better your chance of acceptance. Another reason to use keywords is that it can help you stand out from other candidates. Hiring managers spend an average of just 7 seconds scanning applications, so it’s important to have keywords relevant to the role to catch their attention. The right keywords can also highlight the alignment between your skills and experience and those listed in the job description, another important factor for recruiters. Finally, using keywords can show familiarity with the company’s culture and ethos. This can be a powerful selling point if the job is for a company you have a close relationship with.
Prioritizing Your Key Words
Knowing the keywords most effectively in your industry is important as a job seeker. This can help you beat ATS and stand out to hiring managers. However, the number of keywords can be overwhelming. The best way to find your keywords is to look at the jobs you are applying for. You can do this by reading the job ad or description and noting what is being asked for. The most relevant keywords relate to the core responsibilities and skills of the job. This can include hard and soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and project management. Specific industry terms, tools, or software may also be used. The next step is to prioritize these keywords and ensure they are embedded in your resume. This can be done by looking at the various sections of your resume, including the summary and experience sections. Using keywords in places where they naturally flow can increase your chances of getting the attention of both ATS and human readers. However, incorporating too many keywords could lead to keyword stuffing, which will not impress either audience. Avoid this by finding a balance between ATS-friendly and human-friendly.
Using Your Key Words in the Right Places
The top third of your resume is the most effective place to include your resume keywords, as this is where hiring managers and recruiters will spend the most time. This is where they will decide whether or not to keep reading or move you into the next round of applications, so you want your keywords to be front and center. If you need help determining which keywords to use, review the job description for the position you are applying for. Pay special attention to the responsibilities section, which is often a rich source of relevant keywords. Then, search the web for lists of keywords and browse profiles of professionals in your industry to get a feel for the terminology they commonly use. While including the right keywords is crucial for beating applicant tracking systems (ATS), it is equally important to use them in a natural way that doesn’t come across as “keyword stuffing.” Avoid jargon and buzzwords, as these will likely turn off hiring professionals. Finally, ensure your resume is easy on the eyes by utilizing common fonts like Georgia or Helvetica and organizing your content with a logical layout. ATS programs may need help understanding keywords if they are buried in an unorganized document, and the use of overly stylized fonts can also be a red flag.
Using Your Key Words in a Natural Way
Because of the volume of applications recruiters receive for a single job opening, they rely on software (think applicant tracking systems and recruitment management systems) to help them sift through the applicants. These systems review each resume and check for keywords matching the role’s requirements. Ultimately, they use these keywords to weed out applicants who don’t meet their needs and choose a few top candidates. Using the right keywords helps ensure your resume surpasses the initial screening process. Still, it’s important to do so in a natural way that doesn’t leave recruiters wondering if you just vomited keywords all over your application. The best way to do this is to look at job descriptions from similar positions and list common keywords between the two roles. Then, reorder your list based on relevance and importance and incorporate them into your resume. Make sure to limit each word to no more than a few times per page, and try to avoid repetition where possible. Also, if a certain comment doesn’t fit your resume’s tone, consider using a synonym or related term instead. Remember, the ATS robots won’t understand tenses, plurals, abbreviations, or other word variations, but the recruiter will. So, always aim for a natural writing style that appeals to humans and the ATS bots.
