
Most employers use an applicant tracking system (ATS) and/or a recruiting management system (RMS) to simplify hiring. These systems filter resumes, manage talent pools, and track applicants.
An ATS or RMS filters resumes by keywords, education, job title, technical skills, credentials, or other criteria. The software also compares resumes and ranks them according to how closely they fit what the hiring manager is looking for.
As a result, using the right keywords helps your resume get past an ATS or RMS. This increases your odds of being contacted for an interview.
Discover how to use keywords to help your resume stand out.
Use the Keywords in the Job Posting
Pay attention to the keywords used in the job posting. Focus on the keywords used in the skills, experience, and requirements section. Emphasize the ones you possess in your resume’s Skills and Work Experience sections.
Look at the Keywords on the Company’s Website
Pay attention to the keywords on the company’s website that reflect the organization’s brand. They reflect the company’s values and personality. Include these keywords in your resume as appropriate.
Include the Keywords from Similar Job Postings
Look at job postings for similar roles to determine popular keywords. These keywords likely are most desirable for the position. Be sure to include them in your resume.
Focus on the Keywords in More Senior Positions
Read job postings for roles one level above the one you want. Determine which skills and experience are most relevant for the positions. Include the ones you have to help your resume stand out from the resumes that do not list these higher-level qualifications.
Use Keyword Variations
Include keywords that are similar to the ones listed in the job postings and on the company website. This should cover any variations an employer might screen for. It also increases your odds of setting up an interview.
Choose Location-Based Keywords
Including your city and state in your resume increases the odds of it getting past an ATS or RMS and to the hiring manager. Being close to a job location encourages the manager to want to learn more about your qualifications.
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