How to Use Keywords in a Resume

By Linda Matias Linda Matias
Level: Platinum

Certified in all three areas of the job search - Certified Interview Coach (CIC), Job & Career Transition Coach (JCTC), and Nationally Certified Resume Writer ...

Keywords are vitally important in your resume. That's because most resumes aren't read by a real life person. Instead, resumes are read by software that searches for the keywords that targeted in your profession.

For the sake of this article, let's use an example of a sales executive. A common list of keywords that a sales executive may use includes the following: account relationships, market penetration, and consultative sales. Though there is nothing inherently wrong with creating a generic keyword list, the resume will have more punch if the keywords are accompanied with results or action.

As an example, replace account relationship with "Maintain Strong Account Relationships," market penetration with "Increased Market Penetration," and Consultative Sales with "Implement Consultative Sales Strategies." Adding a result or an action ensures the hiring manager knows the sales executive included a keyword section because it was an integral part of the resume, and not just a filler for software purposes.

A keyword section isn't the only place a where you should include keywords. Keywords should appear throughout your resume. The challenge job seekers have is not repeating the same keywords in the keyword section and the body of the resume. Variety is key. You have to think of different ways represent the same information.

In the Professional Experience section, the keywords in the sentences need to appear seamless. When keywords are crammed into a sentence, the resume doesn't read natural. Below are three examples where a keyword is nestled into a sentence seamlessly.

Captured a 30% increase in sales following the execution of a multi-layered marketing initiative that included direct mail, radio, and Internet campaigns. (The keyword in this sentence is multi-tiered marketing initiative, and the phrase direct mail, radio, and Internet campaigns.)Grew market share 55% within one month and continued a steady increase of 15% month-after-month. (The keyword in this sentence is market share.)Outperformed performance goals 10% by implementing cold prospecting, competitive analysis, and client services management activities. (The keywords in this sentence are cold prospecting, competitive analysis, and client services management.)

Selecting which keywords to target is important. You should read through job descriptions to pinpoint words that are central to your position. On a final note, don't dismiss the importance of keywords. Take the time to research each carefully.

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Article Submitted On: December 14, 2010