Keywords to Make Your Resume Pop

Better resumes require the right keywords. If your resume lacks the right keywords, it is likely to end up in the discard pile whether it is reviewed by an automated applicant-tracking system or a human hiring manager. Select active resume keywords that relate directly to the job that you are applying for to make your resume stand out.

Resume keywords need to be specific to the job and industry for which you are applying. This is especially important when the resumes are screened by applicant-tracking computer software. Hiring managers program the software to search for specific keywords that relate to the position. Unfortunately, you usually do not know if a program or human is doing the screening, so it is important to prepare a resume that stands out in both instances. Create better resumes by choosing keywords that pass computerized reviews and appeal to the human side of hiring managers.

Words from the Want Ad

Carefully read the advertisements for the position, and select keywords from the ads to add to your resume. Use exact wording to match listed qualifications, desired achievements and previous positions. Also choose supporting words from the ad. For example, if the ad uses the phrase "required educational background," choose "educational background" to head the education portion of your resume. Hiring managers usually write the want ads and are likely to look for the same keywords on resumes. These are also the words that are likely to be programmed into any resume review software that the company uses.

Action Verbs

Action verbs show exactly what you did during your previous work assignments. Better resumes include strong verbs that engage the reader and share your strengths. Words such as spearheaded, drove, persuaded, led and overhauled really stand out and portray your accomplishments well. For positions requiring a creative background, include action verbs like designed, authored and fabricated to showcase your previous creative accomplishments. Avoid overusing any one verb, and keep the verbs at the beginning of sections or bullet points so that they are easily viewable to the reviewer.

Words that Quantify

Words and numerals that express quantity make your resume stand out. A bullet point listing a 20 percent increase in department sales is stronger than simply listing an increase. Better resumes also use quantity-related keywords to describe previously employers. Listing the specific size of a company tells more about the scope of your job than simply listing the name.

Personal Keywords

After passing initial screenings, eventually your resume makes its way to a human reviewer. People like interesting, human-voiced resumes. Build better resumes by telling stories that explore your human side on the job. Good keywords, such as volunteered, advocated, assisted, collaborated, guided and responded, show your work relationships and share your human side with the hiring manager.

Better resumes have the right keywords to pass computer screenings and still hold the interest of hiring managers. Including a combination of keywords from the want ad mixed with action verbs showing your qualifications is the best way to make your resume pop. Choose keywords carefully to get that interview.

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