To get past applicant tracking systems (ATS) and grab hiring managers' attention, your resume must be optimized with the right keywords. Here are the top 10 tips:
- Identify Keywords from the Job Posting
- Read the job description carefully
- Highlight important skills, requirements, and qualifications
- Use keyword extraction tools if needed
- Use a Mix of Hard and Soft Skills Keywords
- Hard skills: Programming languages, software expertise, certifications
- Soft skills: Communication, teamwork, problem-solving
- Incorporate Keywords Throughout Your Resume
- Summary, skills, education, experience sections
- Use exact keywords and variations
- Use Action Verbs and Quantify Achievements
- "Increased sales by 25%" is more impactful than just "sales"
- Tailor Keywords to Each Job Application
- Customize keywords based on each role's requirements
- Avoid Overused Buzzwords and Generic Terms
- "Go-getter," "team player," "multitasker" lack impact
- Optimize for ATS with Clear Formatting
- Use standard fonts, section headings, and no graphics
- Highlight Achievements with Keywords
- Showcase skills with quantifiable results and action verbs
- Use Keywords in Cover Letters and Emails
- Demonstrate fit for the role across all application materials
- Proofread and Edit Carefully
- Typos and errors can eliminate you from consideration
By strategically incorporating relevant keywords, you'll increase your chances of impressing both the ATS and hiring managers.
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1. Identify Relevant Keywords from the Job Posting
To create an ATS-friendly resume, you need to identify the right keywords from the job posting. This step helps you understand the employer's requirements and tailor your resume to match their needs. Here's how to do it:
Start with the Job Description
Read the job description carefully to understand the employer's requirements. Look for keywords and phrases that are repeated throughout the description.
Highlight Important Keywords
Highlight or underline the keywords and phrases you find in the job description. These can include:
- Technical skills (e.g., programming languages, software proficiency)
- Soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork)
- Education requirements
- Certifications
Use a Keyword Extraction Tool
If you're struggling to identify keywords, consider using a keyword extraction tool. These tools can help you identify the most important keywords and phrases in the job description.
Prioritize Keywords
Once you have a list of keywords, prioritize them based on their importance. Focus on the keywords that are most relevant to the job and your skills and experience.
| Keyword Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Technical skills | Programming languages (e.g., Java, Python) |
| Soft skills | Communication, teamwork |
| Education requirements | Bachelor's degree in Computer Science |
| Certifications | ITIL certification |
By following these steps, you can identify the relevant keywords from the job posting and create a resume that is tailored to the employer's needs. Remember to use these keywords throughout your resume, including in your summary, skills section, and work experience.
2. Use a Mix of Hard and Soft Skills Keywords
When creating an ATS-friendly resume, it's essential to strike a balance between hard and soft skills keywords. Hard skills are technical skills specific to a job or industry, while soft skills are non-technical skills valuable in any profession.
Why Use a Mix of Hard and Soft Skills Keywords?
Using a mix of hard and soft skills keywords helps you stand out from other applicants and increases your chances of getting past the ATS. Here's why:
- Hard skills show technical expertise: Including relevant hard skills keywords demonstrates your technical proficiency and shows you have the skills required for the job.
- Soft skills show personal qualities: Soft skills keywords help showcase your personal qualities, such as your ability to work with others, communicate effectively, or manage time efficiently.
- Balanced approach: Using a mix of hard and soft skills keywords creates a balanced resume that showcases both your technical expertise and personal qualities.
Examples of Hard and Soft Skills Keywords
Here are some examples of hard and soft skills keywords:
| Hard Skills | Soft Skills |
|---|---|
| Programming languages (e.g., Java, Python) | Communication |
| Software proficiency (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite) | Teamwork |
| Certifications (e.g., ITIL, PMP) | Problem-solving |
| Data analysis | Time management |
| Digital marketing | Leadership |
By incorporating a mix of hard and soft skills keywords into your resume, you can create a well-rounded and ATS-friendly resume that showcases your technical expertise and personal qualities.
3. Incorporate Keywords in Every Section of Your Resume
To increase your chances of getting past the applicant tracking system (ATS) and in front of the hiring manager, it's crucial to incorporate keywords in every section of your resume.
Where to Include Keywords
Use keywords in the following sections of your resume:
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Resume Summary/Objective | Highlight your most relevant skills and qualifications. |
| Education Section | Include keywords related to your degree, certifications, or relevant coursework. |
| Work Experience Section | Use keywords to describe your job responsibilities, achievements, and skills used in previous roles. |
| Skills Section | List keywords related to your technical, language, or software skills. |
| Achievements and Awards Section | Use keywords to describe your achievements and awards. |
Tips for Incorporating Keywords
- Use exact keywords: Use the exact keywords from the job posting to increase your chances of getting past the ATS.
- Use variations of keywords: Use synonyms and related keywords to avoid repetition and showcase your skills from different angles.
- Use keywords in context: Use keywords in context to provide evidence of your skills and qualifications, rather than just listing them.
By incorporating keywords in every section of your resume, you can increase your visibility to the ATS and hiring managers, making it more likely that you'll get noticed and land an interview.
4. Use Action Verbs and Quantifiable Results
When showcasing your achievements on your resume, using action verbs and quantifiable results can make a significant difference. This approach helps you demonstrate the impact of your work, rather than just listing your responsibilities.
Why Action Verbs Matter
Action verbs like "Developed," "Increased," "Managed," and "Improved" help you describe your achievements in a concise and impactful way. They also enable you to highlight your skills and accomplishments, making it easier for hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS) to identify your strengths.
The Power of Quantifiable Results
Quantifiable results, such as "25% increase in sales," "30% reduction in costs," or "50% improvement in efficiency," provide concrete evidence of your achievements. They help you demonstrate the value you can bring to an organization, making you a more attractive candidate.
Examples of Action Verbs and Quantifiable Results
Here are some examples of how you can use action verbs and quantifiable results in your resume:
| Action Verb | Quantifiable Result | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Developed | 25% increase in sales | Developed and implemented a new marketing strategy, resulting in a 25% increase in sales. |
| Managed | 30% reduction in costs | Managed a team of 10 employees, improving productivity by 30% and reducing costs by 20%. |
| Improved | 50% improvement in efficiency | Improved customer satisfaction ratings by 50% through effective conflict resolution and communication. |
By incorporating action verbs and quantifiable results into your resume, you can create a more compelling and effective document that showcases your skills and achievements.
5. Tailor Your Keywords to Each Job Application
When applying for multiple jobs, it's essential to tailor your resume keywords to each job application. This approach helps you increase your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catching the attention of hiring managers.
Why Tailoring Keywords Matters
Using generic keywords or copying and pasting keywords from one job description to another can lead to rejection. ATS systems are designed to filter out resumes that don't match the job requirements, and hiring managers are looking for candidates who have taken the time to understand their specific needs.
How to Tailor Your Keywords
To tailor your keywords, follow these steps:
- Read the job description carefully: Understand the employer's requirements and identify the most important keywords and phrases.
- Incorporate keywords into your resume: Use the identified keywords in your summary, skills section, and work experience.
- Use variations of keywords: Avoid repetition by using synonyms and related keywords.
- Quantify your achievements: Include numbers and statistics where possible to demonstrate the impact of your work.
Here's an example of how to tailor your keywords:
| Job Description | Resume Keywords |
|---|---|
| "Manage a team of 10 sales representatives" | "Team management," "Sales leadership," "10+ team members" |
| "Develop and implement a new marketing strategy" | "Marketing strategy development," "Campaign implementation," "Results-driven marketing" |
By tailoring your keywords to each job application, you demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and your ability to meet the employer's specific needs.
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6. Avoid Overused and Generic Keywords
When creating a resume, it's essential to avoid using overused and generic keywords. These words and phrases are so common that they fail to make your resume stand out from the competition.
Overused Buzzwords
Many job seekers use buzzwords like "team player," "results-driven," and "go-getter" to appear more qualified. However, these words have become so overused that they no longer carry much weight. Instead, focus on using specific, quantifiable examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Generic Skills
Skills like "communication," "problem-solving," and "multitasking" are often listed on resumes, but they are too vague to be meaningful. Instead, provide specific examples of how you have applied these skills in your previous roles.
Irrelevant Keywords
Some job seekers include as many keywords as possible in their resumes, even if those keywords are not relevant to the position they are applying for. This practice, known as "keyword stuffing," is easily detected by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and hiring managers and can lead to your resume being rejected.
Here are some examples of overused and generic keywords to avoid:
| Overused Keywords | Alternative Phrases |
|---|---|
| Team player | Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals |
| Results-driven | Achieved a 25% increase in sales through targeted marketing campaigns |
| Go-getter | Proactively identified and implemented process improvements, resulting in a 30% reduction in costs |
By avoiding overused and generic keywords and instead focusing on specific, quantifiable examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements, you can create a resume that stands out from the competition and effectively communicates your qualifications to potential employers.
7. Use Keywords in Your Cover Letter and Email
When applying for a job, it's essential to optimize not only your resume but also your cover letter and email with relevant keywords. This increases your chances of getting past the applicant tracking system (ATS) and in front of the hiring manager.
Why Keywords Matter in Cover Letters and Emails
Your cover letter and email should be tailored to the specific job you're applying for, just like your resume. This means including keywords from the job posting to show that you have the skills and qualifications the employer is looking for.
How to Use Keywords in Your Cover Letter and Email
Here are some tips for incorporating keywords into your cover letter and email:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use keywords from the job posting | Identify the most important keywords from the job posting and incorporate them into your cover letter and email. |
| Use them naturally | Don't just list keywords, use them in a natural way to describe your skills and experiences. |
| Use action verbs | Use action verbs like "managed," "created," and "developed" to describe your achievements. |
| Use specific examples | Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've applied your skills and experiences in previous roles. |
Example of a Keyword-Optimized Cover Letter
Here's an example of a cover letter that incorporates keywords from a job posting:
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I'm excited to apply for the Marketing Manager position at [Company]. With my experience in digital marketing and project management, I'm confident that I can help your team increase sales and improve brand awareness.
In my previous role at [Previous Company], I managed a team of three to launch a new product, resulting in a 25% increase in sales. I'm excited to bring my skills and experience to [Company] and contribute to the success of your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
By incorporating keywords into your cover letter and email, you can increase your chances of getting past the ATS and in front of the hiring manager. Remember to use them naturally and in context to demonstrate your skills and experiences.
8. Optimize Your Resume for ATS
To increase your chances of getting past the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and in front of the hiring manager, it's crucial to optimize your resume.
What is an ATS-Friendly Resume?
An ATS-friendly resume is one that is formatted and written in a way that allows the system to easily read and parse the information.
Tips for Optimizing Your Resume for ATS
Here are some tips to help you optimize your resume for ATS:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Clear Format | Use a standard font, such as Arial or Calibri, and avoid using tables, graphics, or special characters. |
| Relevant Keywords | Identify keywords from the job posting and incorporate them into your resume, especially in your summary, skills, and work experience sections. |
| Specific Section Headings | Use clear and descriptive section headings, such as "Work Experience" and "Education," to help the ATS system categorize your information. |
| Avoid Overformatting | Avoid using too many bold or italicized words, as this can make it difficult for the ATS system to read your resume. |
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting past the ATS system and in front of the hiring manager. Remember to always tailor your resume to the specific job you're applying for.
9. Use Keywords to Highlight Your Achievements
When showcasing your achievements on your resume, using keywords is essential. This helps the applicant tracking system (ATS) and hiring managers quickly identify your relevant skills and experiences.
Use Action Verbs and Quantifiable Results
To make your achievements stand out, use action verbs like "increased," "improved," "reduced," and "managed." These verbs help describe your accomplishments in a concise and impactful way. Additionally, include quantifiable results to provide context and demonstrate the scope of your achievements.
| Action Verb | Quantifiable Result | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Increased | 25% | "Increased sales revenue by 25% through targeted marketing campaigns." |
| Improved | 30% | "Improved project delivery time by 30% through process optimization." |
| Reduced | 15% | "Reduced operational costs by 15% through efficient resource allocation." |
| Managed | 10 | "Managed a team of 10 to achieve a 20% increase in productivity." |
Incorporate Keywords from the Job Description
To ensure your achievements are relevant to the job you're applying for, incorporate keywords from the job description. This will help the ATS and hiring managers see that you have the skills and experiences they're looking for.
| Job Description Keyword | Achievement Example |
|---|---|
| Data analysis | "Analyzed data to identify trends and opportunities, resulting in a 15% increase in sales." |
| Project management | "Managed a project team to deliver a high-profile project on time and within budget." |
By using keywords to highlight your achievements, you'll increase your chances of getting past the ATS and in front of the hiring manager. Remember to tailor your achievements to each job you're applying for, and use action verbs and quantifiable results to make them stand out.
10. Proofread and Edit Your Resume
Proofreading and editing your resume is a crucial step in the job application process. A single mistake can make a negative impression on the hiring manager and reduce your chances of getting an interview.
Why Proofreading and Editing Matter
A well-written resume with no errors can make a significant difference in getting noticed by the hiring manager. According to a survey, 58% of hiring managers will dismiss a resume with a single typo.
Tips for Proofreading and Editing Your Resume
Here are some tips to help you proofread and edit your resume effectively:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Read your resume out loud | This will help you identify any awkward phrasing or sentences that don't sound natural. |
| Use a spell checker | While spell checkers are not foolproof, they can help you catch common spelling errors. |
| Get a second pair of eyes | Ask a friend or family member to review your resume for errors and provide feedback. |
| Check for consistency | Ensure that your formatting, font, and style are consistent throughout the resume. |
| Take a break | Take a break from your resume and come back to it later with fresh eyes to catch any errors you may have missed. |
By following these tips, you can ensure that your resume is error-free and polished, increasing your chances of getting noticed by the hiring manager.
Remember, proofreading and editing are crucial steps in the resume writing process. Don't skip them, and you'll be one step closer to landing your dream job.
Summary
Using the right keywords in your resume is crucial to getting past the applicant tracking system (ATS) and catching the hiring manager's attention. By following these 10 tips, you can increase your chances of landing an interview and getting your dream job.
Remember the Key Takeaways
- Use a mix of hard and soft skills keywords
- Incorporate keywords in every section of your resume
- Tailor your keywords to each job application
- Avoid overused and generic keywords
- Focus on action verbs and quantifiable results
- Optimize your resume for ATS
- Use keywords in your cover letter and email
- Proofread and edit your resume carefully
By incorporating the right keywords, you can demonstrate your skills, experience, and achievements to the hiring manager, and show that you have what it takes to succeed in the role. Take the time to research and incorporate relevant keywords into your resume, and watch your job prospects improve.
FAQs
What are ATS-friendly keywords?
ATS-friendly keywords are the words and phrases that match the job description. They are the primary skills and experiences that hiring managers look for in a candidate. Using these keywords in your resume increases your chances of getting past the applicant tracking system (ATS) and landing an interview.
Here's a breakdown of what ATS-friendly keywords are:
| Keyword Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Technical skills | Programming languages, software proficiency, certifications |
| Soft skills | Communication, teamwork, problem-solving |
| Education requirements | Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, relevant coursework |
| Certifications | ITIL, PMP, industry-specific certifications |
By incorporating these keywords into your resume, you can demonstrate your skills and experiences to the hiring manager and increase your chances of getting noticed.
