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The Right Resume Keywords
Resume keywords are what get your resume noticed. Recruiters and potential employers will enter keywords to search for resumes in databases when trying to fill a position.
These keywords are generally:
- the essential skills
- experience
- credentials and knowledge
required to perform the job.
In addition to making use of keywords for resume database search you can strategically utilize keywords or buzzwords in your e-resume and hard copy resume to quickly convince the employer that you are the right job candidate.
Demonstrate you have the necessary skills, technical and professional expertise, industry-specific qualifications, experience and competencies with these resume keywords.
How to Use Resume Keywords
- Keywords for resumes are specific to each job opportunity and each employer.
- You can customize your resume by reviewing the job listing to understand what the employer is looking for and the keywords that match these requirements.
- Search online job postings for similar positions and take note of the words that consistently come up. These are the keywords to use.
- These job descriptions provide a clear picture of the job requirements and job-specific keywords.
- Focus on job titles, industry-type, products and services, job-specific responsibilities, technical skills such as computer and software proficiency, knowledge such as legislation and regulations, degrees and certifications, professional memberships and core competencies.
What are Good Keywords for a Resume?
Here are some good sample resume keywords to get you started. The list categorizes the keywords for resume by career and job-type. Select those keywords that apply to the job opportunity.
Administration Assistant and Executive Assistant Resume Keywords
|
administrative support minutes of meetings expense reports travel arrangements correspondence Excel office management |
data management confidentiality MS Office communications attention to detail client liaison organizing and planning |
Administrative Assistant Resume
Management Keywords for Resumes
|
data analysis budgeting recruitment staff development performance standards performance management operating procedures assessments cost control training profit and loss compliance |
goal setting resource allocation conflict resolution change management quality assurance financial management mentoring process improvement productivity regulatory reporting strategic planning team building |
Manufacturing Resume Keywords
|
health and safety procedures quality control process improvement scheduling audit control product testing distribution equipment management JIT manufacturing logistics Six Sigma workflow |
raw materials production warehousing maintenance materials cost control shipping receiving efficiency inventory control process improvement lean/agile manufacturing |
Sample Production Manager Resume
Sales Keywords
|
qualifying prospects cold calling target market key accounts leads presentations data management data analysis direct sales |
negotiations product training sales proposals sales materials up-selling competitive analysis negotiate sales forecasting sales territory |
Marketing Resume Keywords
|
market research strategic marketing plans product launch advertising campaigns public relations brand awareness data management digital marketing CRM competitive analysis |
event marketing social media pricing strategies distribution channels budgets and forecasting SEO data analysis E-commerce relationship building promotions |
Customer Service Resume Keywords
|
customer retention customer loyalty customer data base customer surveys telemarketing account management |
order processing response time sales support key performance indicators relationship management customer support |
Human Resources Keywords
|
bachelors degree recruitment compensation benefits administration performance management employee relations employee retention grievance procedure training succession planning |
assessments career development exit interviews employment law diversity staffing disciplinary procedure counseling organizational development regulatory compliance |
Accounting Resume Keywords
|
budgets forecasting full charge bookkeeping reconciliations month end closings financial statements financial reporting management reports expense analysis compliance accounts payable billing credit management analysis balance sheet general ledger profit and loss corporate governance |
accounting systems and controls tax payments inventory control audits payroll financial planning regulatory reporting requirements accounts receivable collections asset management benefits administration cashflow disbursements due diligence income statement inventory control operating reports spreadsheets |
How to Write a Job-Winning Resume
Your resume objective statement or summary is also key to getting your resume noticed. Use keywords to write an effective resume objective. Get help with this at objectives for resumes
Attach your resume keywords to strong action verbs to send a powerful message with your resume. This list of resume action words will help you with this.
Use the expert tips on writing a resume to make the most of your job application.
The best buzzwords to describe yourself in your resume
Use the right keywords to describe yourself in your resume. What are your greatest strengths? What sort of person is the employer looking for? Match your keywords to those qualities the employer is seeking. Here are 20 distinct words to describe yourself in your resume that will get the employer's attention. Select those keywords that align with the job opportunity.
Where to Find the Right Keywords for Your Resume
Highlight the keywords in the job posting and in similar jobs to identify the keywords that the employer is looking for in your resume. Use these pages to help you find the right keywords for your resume.
How to Write a Resume that Gets Past the ATS
Many employers use an Applicant Tracking System to find resumes online. Find out how to make sure your resume gets selected.
How to Create a Resume that gets past the ATS.
How to create a resume that gets the results you want
Always include a good cover letter with your resume
Letter of Intent for Employment
Following up on your resume is important. Use this sample follow up on resume email to find out the status of your job application.