Dismay, Shock and Disappointment! You have spent weeks or even months looking for a job. Frustration is mounting, because you KNOW you are qualified for the positions you have applied for. So why hasn’t anyone called you for a job interview? Maybe it is your keywords – or the lack thereof – in your job resume.
Keywords in resumes are terms or jargon used in any specific industry to describe traits or technical experience they desire in their employees. Yes, your industry has them, too! Used effectively in your resume, particularly if you are submitting online, keywords can make a dramatic difference in the success of your job search.
When composing your resume, endeavor to use 8 to 10 keywords. Spend a little time brainstorming. Make a list of likely terms a prospective employer in your industry would be looking for, like position titles, computer software or hardware you have worked with, any special training or credentials.
As an example, in the field of Finance, some applicable keywords might be: financial, advisor, payroll, analyst, revenue, or ROI.
For Manufacturing, they might be: shipping, receiving, service manager, assembly line, goods, services.
Don’t forget to include important acronyms or abbreviations, i.e. Microsoft Word as MS Word, IT as Information Technology, and ROI as Return on Investment.
To help you brainstorm, here are some of the types of keywords Hiring Agents might be looking for.
OCR Software – It Could Do You In
Nowadays many mid- to large size companies are using OCR software (Optical Character Recognition) or scanning software. The purpose of such software is to eliminate as many applicants as possible by designating specific terms be found in the resumes of desired applicants. Ensuring these relevant terms are in your professional resume will help you pass the first hurdle, hopefully land it in human hands, and lead to an interview.
If keywords are lacking, no matter how qualified you may be, the resume you have worked so hard on may fall through the cracks and never even be seen. However, with the right keywords, your dismay and disappointment will be transformed into excitement and sleeplessness for your new career.
Did you know that you only have 10 to 15 seconds to make a first impression? What if within that crucial 15 seconds, an important hiring agent still had no clue who you were or what you could contribute to their company? Resume writer Susie Schade-Brewer thinks more than fill-in-the-blank resume templates are required in this tough job market. Since 1999, she has been creating individualized resumes, taking pride in customizing the format to fit each client, and carefully phrasing each line to catch the eye of the hiring agent.
Visit her website now to take advantage of her gift – a free Resume Critique. She will be happy to look yours over, then make suggestions to improve its effectiveness and boost your self-confidence for your job search. Many more helpful resume tips can be found at her website ,http://www.TPWWritingServices.com
