Key Keywords to Use in Your Resume

Most companies use computer programs or applications to sift through all the submitted resumes. These are called Application Tracking Systems (ATS). They search for keywords and can ignore any resume that doesn’t use them, even if a human reader would recognise that the applicant does have all the skills and qualifications needed for the position. Including these keywords will impress the HR person or the manager and you may even land an interview.

Some keywords will relate specifically to your industry and career that you will use in your resume. These industry-specific keywords will include apps or programs you know how to use, courses you have completed, or vehicles you are licensed to drive. However, several words or phrases will elevate your resume above your competitors. These are the best keywords to incorporate into your resume.

The most accessible place to find the keywords you should incorporate into your resume is in the job advertisement. If the advertisement states the applicant needs “excellent interpersonal skills” and “attention to detail”, then you need to use these phrases in your resume. You need to show the ATS and the HR guy how you developed them.

Include a mix of keywords and phrases to explain your soft skills, hard skills, and your qualifications.

What are Soft Skills and Hard Skills?

Soft Skills include things like communication, problem-solving, teamwork, creativity, and adaptability.

Hard Skills are things like technical skills, cashier skills, project management skills, and programs you know how to use.

Importantly, using synonyms for some words in your resume can be essential. A person applying for a programmer position would refer to themselves as a programmer, a coder, and a program developer in different resume sections. You do this to increase the probability of beating that pesky ATS.

Using industry-specific and job posting-specific keywords in your resume will help you get through to the interview stage in the application process. Highlight all descriptive words used in the job posting and ensure your resume includes as many as you validly can. Combine keywords into phrases, like “excellent communication and interpersonal relational skills” or “highly developed team building and teamwork skills” into your resume.

When writing your resume, or adjusting your resume for a specific job posting, always include the keywords that the computers and management team will skim for. It will give you the best chance of success in the job application process.