Are you looking to optimize your resume for the job market? You’re not alone. Hundreds of job seekers out there are looking to do the same. Start using targeted resume keywords today and get one step closer to landing your dream job!
A targeted resume will make your job application resonate with your prospective employer, and will turn you into an almost magnetic candidate.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to keyword optimize your resume in order to stand out from the crowd. We’ll learn about finding keywords, where to include them, strategic stuffing, avoiding resume ‘flaccidification’ and much more!
Here are the general topics we’ll cover:
1. What is Resume Optimization?
2. How to Keyword Optimize Your Resume
3. Tips for Writing Effective Resume Keywords
4. Optimize Your Online Presence With the Right Keywords
What is Resume Optimization?
Think of it like packing a suitcase. Your suitcase must contain everything you need for your trip, but must also be able to pass through airport security scans. Your resume must contain everything your employer needs, but must also be able to pass applicant tracking systems’ (ATS) scans and filters.
Resume optimization is the process of optimizing your resume for the job market. This includes keywords, formatting, and other elements that will help you stand out from the crowd. The process is all about finding what employers are looking for, then making sure your resume includes these things.
Optimization is also about making sure ATS’ can properly ‘read’ your resume, and about allowing managers to see your usefulness to their company.
How to Keyword Optimize Your Resume
The first step in keyword optimizing your resume is to identify the keywords that are most important for your job search. Then, you should include these keywords in your resume and job application.
Step 1: Identify Relevant Keywords for Your Job
This can be done by checking 3 or 4 job posts that you would like to apply for or by consulting with a career counsellor. If you choose to check job posts on job search engines, jot down all recurring skills, qualifications and other requirements that come up, then rank them in importance and frequency. You will quickly end up with a list of the most important keywords in your job.
Tip: Job search engines such as Indeed can also help you discover industry specific terms or jargon you may not be aware of.
Then Google search for your keywords to make sure you understand what they mean, especially if it is industry jargon.
Step 2: Include Those Keywords in Your Resume
The second step in keyword optimization is to include the found keywords in your resume and job application. You can use the keywords throughout your resume, including in the following areas:
1. The Summary section
2. The Skills section
3. The Education section
4. The Work Experience section
5. The Achievements section
Step 3: Use Keywords in Job Applications Too!
Consider using your targeted resume keywords to optimize your online job application. Keywords can help hiring managers quickly identify the skills and experiences you have that match the job they are trying to fill.
For example, if you’re applying for a job in finance, use keywords like “budgeting”, “accounting”, “financial analysis”, “cash flow management”, etc. You can also include industry-specific keywords, such as “Sarbanes-Oxley” or “GAAP”.
By using words that are associated with the job you’re applying for, you can ensure that you will make a great first impression on potential employers.
Step 4: Review Your Content for Relevance and Accuracy
Review your resume to make sure you’ve included words and phrases that match your job requirements. In addition to verifying that the information you’ve provided is accurate and up-to-date, be sure to eliminate any irrelevant details that could distract from your core qualifications.
Tip: Make sure your resume makes sense! Don’t make the mistake of just stuffing keywords in. Makes sure its readable for a human too!
Finally, when you’re confident that your resume is optimized for maximum relevance, proofread it to ensure there are no typos or other errors. Taking the time to review your content will help give you a competitive edge in the job market! You’ll find more information on this in the next section.
Tips for Writing Effective Resume Keywords
When writing your resume, be sure to include keywords that are tailored to the job you’re applying for. Focus on words that relate to the role and the company, such as the industry, the location, and job-specific skills or qualifications.
You should also include relevant experience, such as any internships or volunteer work you may have done. Additionally, try to avoid using too many keywords in your resume. This can make it difficult for hiring managers to read through it. Yes, you are writing for the automated ATS filters, but you’re also writing for the human hiring manager! Avoid sounding robotic, or stuffing keywords willy-nilly. Use strategic stuffing instead!
Strategic stuffing refers to stuffing keywords in the right place! The skills and achievement sections of your resume are particularly easy to stuff. Use bullet points in the skills section to quickly list all relevant keywords, or use the achievements section to demonstrate how you use a particular keyword to achieve an outcome. Don’t overdo it though!
Also, use industry-specific buzzwords. Recruiters and hiring managers often use industry-specific terms when searching for candidates. Make sure to include these in your resume, such as “digital marketing” or “accounting software”.
Moreover, avoid resume ‘flaccidification’! Avoid generic terms like “hard-working” or “motivated” as they won’t help you stand out from other applicants. Instead, focus on words that demonstrate your specific skills and qualifications and make sure they are relevant to the position you are applying for. Specific, measurable, quantifiable words make your resume strong!
Finally, and we can’t repeat this enough, don’t forget to proofread your resume carefully. Make sure all of your keywords are spelled correctly and grammatically correct.
By following these tips for writing effective resume keywords, you can make sure that your resume is optimized for the job you are applying for. Good luck!
Optimize Your Online Presence with the Right Keywords
Are you ready to take your job search to the next level? Optimizing your online presence with the right keywords is the perfect way to stand out from the competition. By targeting your resume towards specific employers and industries, you can ensure that you are putting your best foot forward when you write your online profile on LinkedIn and similar sites.
To get started, think about what keywords best describe the skills and experiences you have that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Identify industry specific terminology, job titles, and descriptors that can help make your online presence pop. Because you’re not limited to the resume format, you can actually use a lot more keywords.
Showcase every single skill you have, using vivid examples, using all the descriptors you found.
By weaving the right keywords throughout your online presence, you can maximize your chances of getting noticed by potential employers.
With all of this information in mind, you can now start creating your resume and making sure it is optimized for online search engines.
Final Thoughts…
Now that we have covered all of the steps involved in keyword optimizing your resume, we hope that you have a better understanding of what it takes to get noticed by employers in today’s job market. With this knowledge, you can now start creating an optimized resume that will help you stand out from the crowd and land that dream job!