What Are Resume “Keywords”? And How Can I Use Them?

One of the more difficult elements of resume writing is keywords. We all kind of know what keywords are and why they are important, but when the time comes to seed your resume with the right ones it’s a step that is often skipped and forgotten. Let’s review what keywords are, why they are important, and how you can use them to your advantage when searching for a job.

Keywords are the terminology employers use in job descriptions to specify the type of person and skill sets they want to fill an open position. Your goal is to include the right terminology in your resume so it matches what potential employers want. Loading your resume with keywords helps it slip past Applicant Tracking Systems employers use to filter online submissions and makes it easier for you to be “found” by recruiters and hiring managers. Your LinkedIn profile should also include keywords as it will undergo a thorough review if you’re in contention for a job.

Here are some examples of keywords:

Field: Accounting – Accounting, Finance, Financial Reporting, Accounts Payable, Accounts Payable.

Field: Information Technology – Network Administration, Help Desk, User Support, Database Administrator

Field: Project Management – Agile, Waterfall, Business Analysis, Project Management, PMP

Here are some general guidelines to help you choose and use keywords.

1.     Study job descriptions to determine your benchmarks. Let’s use the accounting example. If you notice the term “cash flow statements” in a majority of posts it’s a benchmark and you should include it on your resume and your LinkedIn profile. Please note: if you put something on your resume it should reflect your actual skills. You can’t include keywords for the sake of it.

2.     Seed your resume with keywords. Use them as appropriate. Avoid using so many keywords that it fundamentally alters the prose of your work experience and skills (also known as “keyword packing”) – it would be obvious, and likely dilute the effectiveness of the content.

3.     Some keywords have multiple variations. Include them all if you can. Here is a common example – Microsoft applications. They can be individually written (e.g., MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint) or grouped together (e.g., MS Office, MS Suite). It is better to use them all because you can’t know which ones are programmed into the Applicant Tracking System.

4.     Some keywords have sub-keywords. Continuing with the Microsoft example, many people have general MS Excel skills. However, if you are in a field that uses MS Excel as a primary tool, it’s advantageous to include advanced skills such as “pivot tables,” “power query,” or “advanced charting.” If you’re an accountant, there are many “industry” applications, such as JD Edwards. List all the applications you know. Even if it’s not the specific platform used by the company to which you are applying, it will demonstrate the breadth of your experience. Specialized skills that separate you from other candidates should be keywords on your resume.

5.     Use your allotted space. On your resume, every word counts and keywords count twice as much. If putting your best foot forward means a resume that’s two pages, then it should be two pages. LinkedIn gives you lots of space. Use it all. Include everything, but keep it as focused and succinct as possible.

6.     On your resume, stack keywords in a skill section, or box. A great way of showing off your skill set while maximizing keywords is a skill section. A skill box is also an easy way to add or subtract keywords based on the specific job to which you apply.

7.     Weave keywords into the text of your work experience. A skills/keywords section is great, but including keywords throughout your resume will strengthen its overall position. This is true, especially for “soft skills” like “critical thinking,” “creativity,” and “integrity.”

8.     Location, location, location. Words are spelled differently in different parts of the world. If you’re American and applying for a job in London, it matters that “color” and “colour” are the same word with different spellings. Know your audience and remember that Applicant Tracking Systems are customized. There are actually software applications, such as Go Transcript, that will identify such differences and allow you to change keyword spelling where appropriate.

9.     You will never be able to guess exactly what keywords and filters are used by Applicant Tracking Systems. Don’t go crazy guessing what keywords will help your resume slip through a company’s ATS. The algorithms are different for each one and are changed all the time. Only the people who create it truly know. Do your best.

Philip Roufail contributed to this article.

Scott Singer is the President and Founder of Insider Career Strategies Resume Writing & Career Coaching, a firm dedicated to guiding job seekers and companies through the job search and hiring process. Insider Career Strategies provides resume writing, LinkedIn profile development, career coaching services, and outplacement services. You can email Scott Singer at scott.singer@insidercs.com, or via the website, www.insidercs.com.