Spreading resume keywords throughout your job-search documents have become a necessity because applicant tracking systems (ATS) have made them so.
This is why…
ATS software acts very much like a search engine search.
Well, this same concept applies to the job-search process as well.
A hiring manager inputs a job title and clicks “search resumes.”
The most relevant resumes get higher billing in the search results.
If your resume doesn’t contain those skills, your document may not get shown in the results. This is the primary reason why getting help with resume writing can be very important.
What job seekers struggle with is …
… knowing what relevant resume keywords to use.
Keywords can enhance the visual appeal of your document.
And, increase your chances when your resume gets searched using these systems.
So, how do you go about identifying the right resume keywords to write into your resume?
Start by visiting your favorite job board (e.g. Indeed).
Then, do a quick search for similar jobs to those you’ve performed.
Once you find 3 or 4 that are a perfect fit, print the job descriptions.
Maybe you think I’ve lost it because I’m asking you to dust off that old printer and put it to work.
Once printed, take out a highlighter.
You’re on the hunt for skills (nouns).
Take the following job responsibilities with the keywords highlighted:
- Develop strategic social media marketing plans and oversee ROI goals
- Drive video production and other multimedia strategies
- Work with e-commerce, creative, and merchandising teams
- Support affiliate marketing and SE marketing
The above skills are the answer key.
Above all, the goal is to align the content of your resume with each job description.
The following are examples of resume keywords you might find in certain job roles:
ACCOUNTING
Account Management
Accounts Receivable
Accounting Software (Lotus 1-2-3, QuickBooks Pro)
Accounts Payable
Benefits Administration
Collections
Departmental Budgeting
Line-item Accounting
Profit & Loss (P&L) Reports
ADMINISTRATIVE/SECRETARIAL
Customer Development
Database Administration
Front-end Operations
Multi-line Communication System
Office Maintenance
Quality Customer Care & Retention
Word/Data Processing
RESUME KEYWORDS FOR SALES
Client Base
Client Relationship Building
Event Marketing
Lead Groups
Marketing Strategies
Material Forecasting
Networking
One-call Sale
Outside/Inside Sales
Promotional Tactics
Selling Strategies
HUMAN RESOURCES
Affirmative Action / EEO Regulations
Employee Orientation
Employee Relations & Mediation
HR Program Development
Labor Relations
Performance Development
Personnel Training
Pre-employment Screening
Recruitment Programs
Staffing/Scheduling Requirements
State & Federal Rules and Regulations
Training/Orientation
LEGAL
Family Law
Law Office Management
Legal Researching & Writing
Litigation Procedures
Probate/Probation
Subrogation Logistics
[Related Resource: Legal Secretary Cover Letter Sample – Tips For Writing a Better Cover Letter]
HEALTHCARE
Assessment
Assisted Living Housing
Benefit Eligibility & Determinations
Coding
Congregate Housing
Emergency Response System
Extended Care
Holistic Healing
In-home Services
Initial Therapies
Intake Personnel
Medical Billing & Transcription
Medical Evaluation
Healthcare/Medical Terminology
Patient & Quality Care
Short- and Long-term Care
Skilled Level Care
ADMINISTRATION/MANAGEMENT
Business Alliance Building
Business Development
Contract Negotiations
Contractual Relationships
Departmental Operating Budget
Employee Relations
Leadership Development
Logistic Operations
One-time Agreements
Operational Development
Performance Evaluations
Departmental Policy & Procedures
PROCUREMENT/PURCHASING/INVENTORY
Back Orders
BidNet Interface
Business-to-business
Cash Control
Containerization
Equipment Assets
Import/Export
Inventory Control
Just-in-time (JIT)
Loss & Damage Claims
Production Control
Purchasing Procedures & Techniques
Repairable Assets
Supply Chain Operations & Management
Tariffs, Claims, and Rates
Transportation Negotiations & Logistics
[Related Resource: Here’s a cover letter example for a Shipping & Receiving Manager]
RESUME KEYWORDS FOR IT PROS
Business Continuity Planning
Client/Server Environment
Cloud-Based Services
Database Systems
End-user Software Applications
Hardware & Software Troubleshooting
Help Desk Assistance
Internet/Intranet
Project Budgeting & Costing
Software & Network Operations
Software Development Lifecycle
System Maintenance & Upgrades
Technical Support
Technician/Analyst/Specialist
Telecom & Network Protocols
User Support
Web Applications
Web Server Administration
Wireless & Network Security
ENGINEERING
Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Computer, Human Factors
Blueprint Reading
CAD Concepts
Design Realization
Electronic Communications & Technology
Electrical Circuits & Instruments
Equipment Measurement & Control
Facilities Engineering
Fluid Mechanics
HVAC Systems
ISO Auditor
Kinematic Analysis
Linear Integrated Circuits
Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Metrology
Microprocessor Systems
Optoelectronics
Programmable Controllers
Project Quality Assurance/Control
Psychrometrics