Keywords are not just for websites, they are essential for job hunters and their CV / Resume too.
Your CV / Resume needs to include Keywords that are relevant to the role you want and the experience you have.
CV / Resume Keywords are essential for job hunters
Uploading your CV / Resume so recruiters can find you is one of the key actions for job hunters, but making sure it is found by recruiters is another important tactic.
For job seekers, the “Keywords” that matter are the words and phrases a recruiter uses while searching, like the words you type into Google when you are searching for something.
So what Keywords should you be using?
A simple question, however the answer has to be “use Keywords that apply to you and your experience”
Some top tips for getting the right Keywords on your CV / Resume:
- Use nouns with their descriptive adjectives – don’t sidestep or omit the action words and power language however you now need to focus on the job title and roles that the recruiter will be searching on.
- Pick up job descriptions of job roles that you want and identify the Keywords of nouns and noun phrases that are relevant and make sure that you are able to include them in your own CV / Resume
- Brainstorm Keywords for your CV / Resume by developing a long list of possible Keywords.
Ideas for Keywords include:
- your next job title, standard job titles and non-standard job titles
- names of job specific, industry specific and profession specific tools that you can use because of your education and experience
- software & hardware resources and unique techniques that you are qualified to use
- use professional and technical acronyms
- include your qualifications, education establishments and certifications
- name drop about conferences and publications where you have demonstrated your expertise
- Include both the acronym and the phrase in your CV / Resume to increase probability of Keywords being found
- Be inconsistent – yes, don’t worry about language to the same extent as you would if you were presenting your CV / Resume in person. This is all about Keywords for your CV / Resume and being found on line. Example: MBA; M.B.A.; Master of Business Administration; Masters in Bus. Admin. You do not know what exact term the recruiter will use.
- Add a section at the top of your CV / Resume entitled Key Skills [or similar] and include the best collection of Keywords that are phrases that sum up your experience, job history and expertise.
- Always ensure that your uploaded CV / Resume is named appropriately. Example: CV Lynn Tulip Career Management Resume.doc
And finally make sure that your CV is aligned with your LinkedIn profile too. Keywords are equally vital on social media sites to ensure that you are discovered and you create your best opportunities. See article on Birds on the Blog