You’ve heard about resume keywords. But what are they and why do they matter to you? Keep reading to find out.
Defining Resume Keywords
A simple definition comes from Indeed.com:
Resume keywords refer to expressions and phrases included in resumes that directly relate to specific job positions.
Still have questions? I don’t blame you. This should help.
So, What Exactly Are They?
Resume keywords are single words or strings of words that employers expect to see on your resume. These words can be lots of things, but a few common examples include:
- Degrees or certifications
- Experience (years on the job)
- Previous job titles
- Skills
- Willingness to relocate
How Do Employers Use Keywords?
In the old days, you walked into a business and handed a real person your physical resume. Because it took substantial effort to submit your resume, there wasn’t always much competition. Getting an interview was fairly easy. Not any longer.
Today, you’re not just competing with the people in your town. The internet has made it possible for people across the country and globe to compete for the same job. As a result, human resources (HR) professionals and other hiring agents drown in candidates. A single job posting can result in hundreds or even thousands of resumes.
To efficiently sort through this stack of job-hungry folks, HR pros rely on software programs. The HR rep enters required or preferred keywords and lets the software weed out less qualified candidates. This saves tremendous time and ideally leads to a better hire.
Determining What Keywords to Use on Your Resume
With the majority of companies now relying on applicant tracking systems (ATS—the software that combs through resumes for appropriate keywords), you need the right words on your resume. Whether you’re applying for a job in Chattanooga or Chicago; Cleveland, Tennessee, or Ohio, keywords matter.
Fortunately, finding the right ones is pretty easy.
- If you’re a pro in your field, you know what employers want. From educational background to experience and skill, include the right stuff on your resume to get past the electronic gatekeeper.
- Job postings tell you what keywords to use. No, they don’t include a “keywords to include in your resume” section. But postings do tell you what skills and background you need for the job. Work those into your resume, using the precise language in the job posting, and you’ll up your chance of landing an interview.
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