"Not optimizing your resume with keywords is the quickest way to career oblivion!"
Resume Keyword Optimization
In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about resume optimization techniques to improve your job search strategy, including:
- What is resume keyword optimization?
- The benefits of keyword optimization for your resume
- How to optimize your resume for keywords
- Free resume optimization tools to help you
- FAQ
Job seekers - do you ever feel like your resume disappears into a black hole after you hit "send"? Maybe it's because it's missing some key words or phrases that catch employers' eyes. That's where the power of resume keyword optimization comes into play.
Wondering what it is and how resume optimization techniques can help you stand out in the hiring process?
Let's get started!
What is Keyword Optimization for resumes?
It's the process of including relevant keywords in your resume to make it more likely to be found by employers and recruiting software.
These keywords are often specific skills, qualifications, or achievements listed in the job description/posting or required for the position you are applying for.
By including these keywords in your resume, you can increase the chances that your resume will make it through the initial screening process by Human Resources (HR).
Optimizing your resume with job-related keywords is critical in today's job market. Many employers use a Recruitment Management System (RMS) or Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to automatically filter resumes. They scan for a few keywords and preferred qualifications to create a shortlist of the best qualified candidates.
Is Resume Keyword Optimization Important?
Yes! Almost all big companies and a lot of smaller ones use special software to help hire people.
A study by Jobscan found that 99% of big companies in the Fortune 500 list use this software. Also, a survey from Harvard Business School found that medium-sized companies, which have between 50 and 999 employees, use this technology a lot.
In the study, which looked at three countries, about 2 out of 3 companies (63%) said they use this software. For bigger companies with more than 1,000 employees, 69% use it.
In the U.S., 75% of companies use these tech tools, which is more than in Germany (54%) and the U.K. (58%).
The survey also showed that over 90% of these companies use their software to sort through and rank people applying for middle-skilled (94%) and highly-skilled (92%) jobs. Read the full report.
The Benefits of Optimizing Your Resume with Keywords
So, why are ATS keywords so important?
The concept works in a similar way to when companies and brands use SEO (search engine optimization) to rank #1 in Google search results.
You want to get your resume to the top of the list of applicants - so it gets attention!
Here are just a few of the benefits:
Increased visibility
Including appropriate keywords in your resume summary increases the chances that your resume will pass ATS software and employers will see it. In short, your resume has a better chance of being seen by the people who matter most: hiring managers in human resources and recruiters.
Improved chances of getting shortlisted
Using all the most important keywords for the position you are applying for shows employers that you have the skills and preferred qualifications they want. Optimizing your resume for keywords can increase your chances of getting shortlisted for an interview and getting one step closer to your dream job.
Greater relevancy
By optimizing your resume for keywords based on a job description, you can ensure that your resume is more relevant to the positions you are applying for. All the resume scanning software will detect your keywords - and that helps you stand out from other candidates who may not have optimized their resumes for keywords.
How to Optimize Your Resume for Keywords
So, how do you go about optimizing your resume for keywords? Here are some tips to get you started:
The first step is to find resume keywords for the positions you are applying for. These might include specific soft/hard skills, qualifications, or achievements listed in the job posting.
You can also use job search websites and resources to understand the job listing keywords most commonly used in your industry.
Incorporate these keywords into your resume naturally. Avoid stuffing your resume full of keywords just for the sake of it – this can come across as inauthentic and could actually harm your chances of getting shortlisted.
Instead, try to use the keywords in a way that feels natural and flows with the rest of your resume.
Use variations of your keywords. While it's important to use the exact keywords listed in the job posting, it can also be helpful to use variations of the main keywords.
This can help ensure that your resume is picked up by applicant tracking systems and recruiters, even if they are searching for slightly different terms.
Free and Paid Resume Optimization Tools
There are several resume optimization tools available that can help you optimize your resume for keywords. These tools can be helpful if you're unsure which keywords or resume skills to highlight or how to incorporate them naturally into your resume.
Here are some options:
Job search websites
Many job search websites, such as LinkedIn and Indeed, have built-in keyword optimization tools that can help you identify relevant keywords for your industry and target roles. These tools often allow you to input your job title and location and will then highlight the main keywords and key phrases that you can use in your resume.
Resume builders
Resume builder tools, such as Resume Genius and Novorésumé, can also be a great resource for a keyword optimization tool. These tools often have pre-populated keyword lists for various industries and roles, and they can help you naturally incorporate these keywords into your resume to optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems. Or try a resume keyword scanner such as ResumeWorded.
Keyword analysis tools
If you want to go deeper with your keyword research, you can use keyword analysis tools such as SEMrush or Ahrefs to get a better understanding of the keywords commonly used in your industry. Resume optimization tools can provide valuable insights into the keywords that are driving traffic to competitor websites and can help you find opportunities to differentiate your resume.
Professional resume writing services
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the keyword optimization process? You might consider working with a certified professional resume writer. These services often have expert writers on staff who have access to a premium keyword optimization tool and can help you decide on the most important keywords for your industry and incorporate them into your resume in a way that is both effective and natural.
FAQ
What are keywords for resume scanners?
Keywords for resume scanners are words or phrases that highlight the relevant experience and qualifications of a job candidate.
They help employers filter skilled individuals who best match their job requirements and help to weed out applicants who may not have the necessary experience.
How can I target keywords for resume scanners?
You should highlight your skills, education, and experience relevant to the job you are applying for.
So choose words that describe technical proficiency or industry-specific knowledge related to the position.
Also, use action words (verbs) that showcase how applied your abilities in your previous job or other settings.
Finally, include quantifiable achievements where possible to demonstrate the impact of your work. Doing this can help you stand out to recruiters and resume scanners alike.
What are the best keywords for resume scanners?
The best keywords to use with resume scanners will depend on the job you apply for.
However, some of the top ATS resume keywords and phrases that you should include in a resume include:
- experience
- expertise
- professionalism
- communication skills
- awareness
- time management
Also, job titles are important and industry-specific terms used to describe your background and accomplishments.
Finally, include relevant keywords for the position you're applying for, such as soft skills, technical skills, and qualifications.
By including these keywords, you can optimize your resume for ATS scanners and ensure that it reaches the top of the list when employers run searches.
Do I need to optimize my resume with keywords for every job application?
Yes. An applicant tracking system (ATS) automatically scans each resume for target keywords to determine which resumes make it through the initial screening process and on to a hiring manager. That means that even if you are applying to multiple jobs at once, you should tailor your resume keywords for each one to maximize your chances of getting selected.
How accurate are AI resume scanners?
AI-based resume scanners are becoming increasingly accurate. While they may get confused by more creative formatting and design choices, they can usually scan for keywords accurately.
Also, many employers use human reviewers to double-check the accuracy of the AI scanner’s results. But, you must include keywords in your resume to ensure the scanner recognizes and highlights your relevant skills.
Furthermore, by tailoring your keywords for each position, you can greatly increase the chance that the AI-based resume scanner will find and highlight your abilities, increasing your chances of getting selected.
What other things should I focus on when optimizing my own resume?
When optimizing your resume for AI-based scanners, keep the following things in mind:
- Formatting: Make sure that your resume is properly formatted and follows standard resume format guidelines. Standard formatting will help ensure that the AI scanner can accurately read and parse the information from your resume.
- Keywords: Use keywords relevant to your job title and industry when writing the content of your resume. Including these keywords will help the AI scanner recognize your unique qualifications and skills more quickly.
- Concise Content: Keep your resume concise, yet comprehensive. Avoid long-winded sentences and explanations, as these may be difficult for an AI scanner to process.
- Accurate Content: Be sure to provide accurate and up-to-date information. Incorrect or out-of-date content can lead to inaccurate results from the AI scanner.
- Layout: Make sure that your resume layout is clean and appealing. A logical and easy-to-follow layout helps the AI scanner quickly and accurately scan the relevant sections and content of your resume. Check out a few sample resume templates for inspiration.
- Customization: Customize your resume for each job opportunity you apply for to help the AI scanner identify and highlight the hard and soft skills most relevant to the role.
I don't have much time - what should I prioritize in Keyword Optimization for my resume?
If you don't have much time, the most important thing is to make sure that your resume is accurate and up-to-date for each application. Check your resume has the correct information regarding your education, experience, and skillset in the relevant skills section.
Additionally, include specific keywords relevant to the job description. It helps the AI scanner or Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) quickly decide what makes you a good fit for the role. The goal is to make your resume "speak the same language" as used in the job descriptions for each particular job you respond to.
Whether a computer science, business development, or market research position - try to match your strengths and skills to the job requirements. But AVOID keyword stuffing - using too many keywords unnaturally or too frequently just to include them in your resume.
Finally, you should prioritize highlighting the skills most important to the job in the skills section to ensure that your resume stands out from other job applicants.
Follow these steps to maximize your chances of success in your job search.
Can you do keyword optimization in a cover letter?
Yes, many career coaches say it's best to do keyword optimization in a cover letter as well.
You should include keywords from the job description, making sure that your skills, experience, and cover letter keywords match what the employer is looking for in the job ad.
Also, highlight any specialized certifications or qualifications, such as programming language skills, outlined in the job posting.
Doing keyword optimization will help ensure that your cover letter complements your resume and increase the chances of a human recruiter seeing it.
What is the importance of including computer science keywords in a resume?
Including computer science keywords in a resume is a priority because it helps an applicant tracking system (ATS) recognize the specific skills and qualifications relevant to the job you're applying for. Keywords such as programming languages, software development tools, databases, etc., can help optimize your resume and increase the chances of your resume reaching the top of the list when employers run searches.
How do I know the right resume format to ensure my resume is ATS-friendly?
To ensure your resume is ATS-friendly, follow standard formatting guidelines. Ensure the font, headings, and content are all in a consistent style, with proper grammar and spelling throughout. Also, avoid unusual layout choices or design elements because they might confuse ATS software.
How can I include my previous job experience in a resume?
Include the previous position title, company name, location, employment dates, and a brief description of duties in the "Experience" section. Make sure to emphasize any relevant skills you acquired from each role. Showcasing accomplishments is also beneficial as it demonstrates how you have impacted previous organizations and employers.
Are generic resumes acceptable when applying for a new job?
Using a generic resume is not recommended when applying for a new job. Even if the same qualifications are listed, generic resumes lack the detail needed to effectively demonstrate your unique skills and abilities. The best strategy is to use paid or free resume optimization tools to help tailor your resume according to the job opportunities you apply for.
How can I highlight my Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration when submitting a resume?
When submitting a resume with your Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, include it prominently. You can add a brief overview of the degree at the top of your resume or list any relevant course credits taken towards your degree. Additionally, include any business development-related certifications or awards you have received that showcase your expertise.
What can I include in my resume to make it stand out amongst qualified applicants?
To make your resume stand out amongst qualified applicants, you should go beyond simply listing your experience and qualifications. Include any special projects or initiatives you were involved in and highlight any accomplishments you achieved. Highlighting these will help demonstrate your ability to think creatively and push the boundaries of expectations.
What are some tips to make sure my resume looks professional?
Experts in resume optimization services recommend:
- Make sure you complete all the resume sections correctly
- Use resume optimization software to ensure a high score
- Double-check for any typos or grammar errors
- Avoid using overly flashy fonts and make sure that the layout is easy to read
- Include a professional headshot as this adds an extra level of personalization
- Be sure to save your resume in PDF format, so it looks the same regardless of where or how it's viewed
Good luck!
Harvard Business School