How to make resume keywords work for you

The importance of tailoring your resume with keywords

Instead of wading through hundreds of resumes by hand, today’s human resources teams rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS) to streamline the hiring process. These systems are tied to algorithms that look for keywords in applications and filter them to match the job description, aiming for as close of a fit as possible.

While the ability to narrow down a hiring pool can make recruiters’ lives easier, it also makes many things harder for applicants in the midst of their job searches. Since your resume is the first impression potential employers have of you, you want it to be a strong one by learning which resume keywords to use.

Know the job description and its keywords

To start editing your resume with the right keywords, you’ll need to know the job description inside and out. Scan the posting for words that stand out. Some common filters that recruiters use to rank applications include technical skills (for example, experience with SEO or specific programming languages), education (bachelor’s or MBA required, or a degree in a specific field such as journalism or chemistry), and qualifications (certifications earned and previous learning experiences).

Not only will these job descriptions stand out from others posted on career sites, but they also have the ability to reassure you that you’re qualified for this job, therefore enticing you to apply.

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Customize your resume to multiple roles

“One size fits all” doesn’t always apply to resumes, especially when you’re applying to roles in adjacent or different industries. Customize your resume for each job application by incorporating the most important keywords strategically. Place them in your summary, skills section, work experience, and any relevant certifications or education. Be sure to use the exact wording from the job description, as this is what the ATS is most likely to recognize.

Create lists of your work experience and skills

As you consider your previous work experience, you’ll likely have certain skills you’ve relied on for each entry. It helps to organize this into two categories: work experience versus skills. You can outline the tasks you had in the former category and the specific technical skill sets in the latter. For example, if you worked on data entry, you could say in your work experience that you have experience in “analyzing spreadsheets and creating reports based on data,” and in your skills category you are “adept in Microsoft Excel or Teams.” Quantify your accomplishments and show how you’ve used these skills to benefit your previous employers.

Proofread, ask for feedback, and be honest

One of the most important tasks in your job search is to be honest. If you put down projects you never worked on or certifications you never earned, chances are that a hiring manager might ask about these—leading to some very uncomfortable moments. Misleading information can come back to haunt you during the interview process, so it pays to focus on the keywords that truly represent your qualifications.

When you review your resume, make sure that it doesn’t just read like a list of keywords, and that it actually sounds like a well-rounded glimpse of you and your working life. Consult your past and present colleagues to gain another perspective, especially if you have contacts in human resources who you’re not actively dealing with for new roles.

Resume keywords can vary from industry to industry, but understanding the correct ones that apply to your potential roles can be a game changer. Using resume keywords increases your chances of passing through ATS systems and capturing the attention of hiring managers. For more job search tips, check out how to manifest a vision of your own future or how to find the right job.