5 Tips for Using the Right Keywords for Your Resume

In today's competitive job market, most companies use tracking systems to screen candidates for job openings. Software programs, internet job boards, and resume databases are the ones used most often. If your resume doesn't have the keywords that recruiting managers are looking for, it will most likely fall into the "no" pile, no matter how qualified for the job you may be. Here are some tips for matching the keywords in your resume to the jobs you want:

Match your keywords to the job description. First, search for the job you want on job search engines, such as Indeed, Monster, or CareerBuilder. For example, if the title of the job you want is "Social Media Manager," type these words into the search engine. Take a look at the job descriptions for each search result you come up with. Which specific words are used? Keep an eye on which certain skills are required, such as proficiency in WordPress and HTML. You want to use those same words in your resume. Some good keywords for the position of Social Media Manager are social media, marketing, sales, and project management. But since different job descriptions use different keywords, be sure to tailor your resume for each individual job.
Include your keywords at the very top of your resume. For instance, if your resume has a "Summary of Qualifications" near the top of the page, here's your chance to include all industry-specific keyword nouns and phrases. This ensures that your resume is found faster.
Talk to people in your industry about which ones to use. Go to the websites of the professional associations in your industry. Which keywords are being used in the content of these sites? Also, don't be afraid to ask colleagues, managers, and friends in your industry about what keywords would be of most use to you.
Consider your professional and educational achievements. Use keywords that describe your professional areas of expertise (i.e. web design, blogging, financial planning). Job titles and descriptions of your education (i.e. MBA) are also excellent keywords.
Keep an ear out for everyday jargon used in your industry. What words are professionals in your industry using most often? Putting these words in your resume will get you noticed. The Occupational Information Network, or ONetOnline.org, is also a good resource for finding descriptive words specific to your particular industry. Just do a search for a specific keyword and several job titles will come up in the results.

Nadia Laffan is a SUNY Purchase grad looking for a digital marketing position. She specializes in social media, blogging, and SEO topics. Follow her on Linkedin and Twitter for her professional advice, or send her an email at nadialaffan@zoho.com.