Resume Keywords: Keywords to Use in a Resume

As a job hunter, you should acknowledge that recruiters don't often read resumes word for word. Instead, they and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) look for resume keywords.

To beat the system, you must learn how to incorporate relevant keywords into your resume. But what are the right keywords to use in a resume?

Why Tailor Your Resume to Keywords?

A resume is a summary of your work history and skills. It's the first thing an employer asks for when you're applying for a job. It needs to be concise, memorable, and impressive.

Tailoring your resume means including keywords from the job description. These are often known as resume keywords. The ATS checks for these to see if you have what the role requires.

How to Find and Use Your Resume Keywords

1. Highlight relevant keywords in the job posting

   You can find the relevant keywords in the Key Qualifications section of the job posting. This describes what an applicant needs for the job. These can include relevant skills and experience.

2. Divide keywords into job-related and action verbs

   Job-related keywords to use in a resume include skills and qualifications directly relevant to the position you are applying for. You can use action verbs to explain tasks in your previous roles and how they relate to your job performance.

3. Distribute keywords throughout your resume and cover letter

   Use the keywords naturally in different parts of the resume while showing that you are qualified for the position. Adding context to the keyword boosts your appeal and shows how you truly possess these skills.

4. Use a keyword density

   There are many keyword density tools that you can use, such as SEO Review Tools' Keyword Density Checker. Copy and paste the job description on the tool and compare the occurrence of keywords to your resume. Your goal is to match the word density of your resume to the job description.

Keywords to Use in a Resume

Ensure you've incorporated most, if not all, of the keywords relevant to your desired position. This includes industry-specific terms. Here are some keywords to use in a resume according to industry or job sector.

Information Technology

1. Algorithms
2. Android
3. Matrix
4. Mobile
5. Modeling
6. AutoCAD
7. Networking
8. Big data
9. Business analysis
10. Business continuity

Creatives

1. Accents
2. Adobe
3. Art
4. Awareness
5. Commission
6. Design
7. Gallery
8. Ideation
9. Illustrator
10. Photoshop

Healthcare

1. Administrator
2. Acute care
3. Advocate
4. Ambulance
5. Assisted living
6. Chronic care
7. Clinic
8. Counseling
9. Patient
10. Peer review

Construction

1. Construction
2. Cost reduction
3. Documentationt
4. Distribution
5. Budget
6. Audit
7. Automation
8. Drafting
9. Driving record
10. Installation

Retail and Customer Service

1. Retail
2. Sales
3. Sales experience
4. Customer experience
5. Customer service
6. Employee relations
7. Hospitality
8. Staffing
9. Supervising
10. Outreach

Human Resources

1. Hotel
2. Staffing
3. Human resource
4. In-store
5. Help desk
6. Onboarding
7. Client service
8. Build relationships
9. Billing
10. Beverage

Finance and Accounting

1. Account management
2. Analysis
3. Analytical
4. Analyze
5. Annual budget
6. Audit
7. Banking
8. Billing
9. Budget management
10. Asset management

Keys to Success

It's important to remember that a resume's goal is to land you an interview. Sending the same resume to different job openings can decrease your chances of getting an interview.

Research the keywords to use in a resume and tailor yours for each application. It will take time to assemble your resume, but it will be worth it.

Visit Career.com and submit your tailored resume to different companies today.