How to Use Resume Keywords When Applying for Jobs

How to Use Resume Keywords When Applying for Jobs So, you are looking for the perfect opportunity and finally found it.The job that seems just tailor-made for you.Next, you update your resume and send in your application.Now you are waiting….Did you consider using resume keywords when applying for the job?If not, you have probably gotten passed up.Applicant Tracking System (ATS)Did you know you can craft the perfect resume and it might not ever be seen by a human being?That is the power of an Applicant Tracking System!The Applicant Tracking System (or ATS) is an automated system employers often use to find keywords in resumes.That’s right.Many employers aren’t even physically reading resumes anymore.And even when they do, they aren’t giving your resume a thorough read.You know what they’re really doing?Yup, they are skimming for keywords.Now here’s the important thing.You can let the ATS work against you or you can get it to work for you.What do we mean?If you are applying for a job in a certain industry, you should know all the top resume keywords to help you stand out.If you don’t, you will be left behind.Companies use these systems to save time and ultimately money in their search for applicants.The fortunate part for you is that 80% of applicants do not even consider resume keywords.So, thismeans if you do the necessary research to stand out, you can guarantee yourself an interview!(Learn how to write a resume that gets past the Applicant Tracking System bots in this article.)Do Your ResearchResearching your position is a must!It will only benefit you to research the career field you desire.Times change, and so do thekeywords recruiters use.Just because you have been in the industry for 20 years, does not mean you are using the correct keywords.You can know everything there is to know about your job, but that doesn’t help much when you are applying for jobs and don’t know how to express all of your skills and abilities.Whether you are a recent graduate or someone changing career paths, yo u will not get a call back without the trending resume keywords!(Check out this article for more detailson How To Write A Professional Resume.)Google Is EverythingStaying up to date with the industry lingo will ensure that you stay relevant in your job search.When applying for jobs, don’t just consider the job descriptions of a certain position.Consider any other relevant job postings.We recommend comparing at least 5 different job descriptions to find the common keywords or statements being used.Want to really go the extra mile?Check out the companies’ websites and see what keywords you can find there.These are usually safe to add asresume keywords.As long as you put in the effort to include the corresponding resume keywords, you have a huge chance of receiving a callback.If you think you have all the right keywords and are still not receiving anycallbacks, go back to the drawing board and rework your resume.Why Spend Time on Resume Keyword Optimization?When looking for a new e mployee, hiring managers are looking for someone who understands the job.The trick is to be specific.Ask yourself a few questions like:What kind of managerial skills do you have? What kind of computer programs do youhave experience with? What abilities have you gained? What job positions have you held?If you talk the talk, it’s evidence you can probably walk the walk.When hiring managers hear you can speak their language, they start thinking you’ll be a great fit.Need Some Help With Resume Keywords?Tired of wasting time on resume keyword optimization?Maybe you just have better things to do.Either way, searching for resume keywords isn’t for everyone.Whatever it is, if you need some extra help preparing your resume, Find My Profession offers expert resume makeover services that are aimed to help you land your dream job.