Work in the 21st Century - Modern Resumes; Keywords That Match

Most companies, today, now receive job applications and resumes via email and through website applications, and in turn, also process those resumes with various ingest technologies. These technologies are programmed much like a search engine, scanning through volumes of data from the resumes received, in search of the best or closest matches to the actual job opening (and more specifically, description). By understanding this methodology, job seekers should update their resumes to keyword rich resumes, using words that not only match but pop, and get you noticed. Further, it is important to include acronyms (in addition to spelling them out).

Although we’ve all heard this before, it is more important now due to technology - Resumes should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for. In order to determine the right keywords for your resume, first read the job posting, job description, and peruse the company website. Tweak your resume to be sure it includes the employer’s specific terminology, how you can specifically meet their requirements, and the specific skills you possess to do so, and using their words.

Change job titles to match. If the job opening is for a “software engineer”, naturally those applicants that have the title “software engineer” listed within experience are more likely to be considered. If you worked as a “software developer”, but completed the same job duties, be sure to change your previous title to reflect “software engineer” so it is an identical match. 

Include specific keywords in your previous experience that matches the employer’s requirements. If the employer lists multi-tasking as a high priority, be sure your previous job descriptions not only demonstrate your ability to multi-task, but include the actual keywords.   

As in the case with search engines, the websites with the most matching keywords make it to the top of the listing. The same applies to your resume; more matching keywords results in a higher probability of getting your resume in the hands of a live person for real consideration. When your resume includes 20 well-placed keywords, your resume will not only stand up, it will stand out.

For all those unemployed or under-employed, happy job hunting this week - tailor, match, get noticed, and get hired. Join me next week as I cover the ways to be happier and healthier in the work you do.

“This nation, this generation, in this hour has man’s first chance to build a great society, a place where the meaning of man’s life matches the marvels of man’s labor.” – Lyndon B. Johnson

Blog Reference:

CAREEREALISM: Optimizing YourResume, by Don Goodman