Maximize Your Keyword Content

Employers and recruiters use keyword searches to find qualified candidates online. If you want to be found, make sure your CareerFolio has the same keywords that employers in your targeted field are looking for.

Keyword loading is the process of adding legitimate job target keywords to your resume to maximize its keyword content. Since most resumes are processed electronically – and ranked and scored based on their keyword content – it's very likely that the effectiveness of your resume (MS, Word, text or HTML format) will hinge on whether it includes the right keywords. How do we know which keywords to use? It's simple: We look at the keywords employers use in their job descriptions. To maximize your resume's keyword content, search for job examples on the Net that are as close as possible to your ideal job, then weave the keywords from these examples into your resume text – in context. In addition, most job seekers benefit when their resume includes a "Qualifications Summary" that outlines their key skills and qualifications. Your ultimate goal: Develop a "keyword loaded" qualifications summary. To find job description examples, I recommend that you use Indeed.com, a site that's known as the "Google" of job searching. Since Indeed.com pulls jobs from job sites all over the net – Monster, CareerBuilder, Craig's list – it can streamline your "job shopping" efforts.

IN A NUTSHELL Go to Indeed.com and use keywords to search for your "ideal" job(s). Select the best 2-3 examples that are a good match for your job level and qualifications. Extract the keywords from these job descriptions and create a "master" list. Use the FIND function in MS Word to search for these keywords in your resume. Add "missing" keywords – as is appropriate and in context – to your resume text. Professional Keyword Analysis

Using Keywords to Find Jobs

Every job, career field, and industry has its own unique set of ever-changing keywords. The examples below demonstrate how a sales representative might use keywords to search for jobs. If you're searching for a job that is similar to your current job: Use your current job title or other variations. Example: A sales representative looking for a similar job / same industry might search for job titles, job functions, or industry terms such as account representative, sales executive, new business development, inside sales, field sales, telecommunications If you're making a career transition: Search for job titles or job functions that reflect your ideal job. Example: A sales rep who wants to change industries might do a search using job titles and "desired" industries: sales, pharmaceutical, medical, hospital sales If you're moving up the ladder: Search for job titles or job functions that reflect where you want to go. Example: A sales rep who's ready to move into management might search for job titles (sales management, sales manager, regional trainer) or job functions (regional sales, sales leadership, strategic planning, B2B)

Keywords Jargon / Buzzwords Hard Skills Transferable Skills Technology Terms Certifications Product Names Area Codes Technical Acronyms Technical Expertise Degrees Names of Colleges Names of Companies Personality Traits Generally, you'll get more job matches if you use just 2 or 3 keywords. To fine-tune your search, use more specific keywords, as this will yield fewer (but more accurate and relevant) matches.

© 2008, Pat Kendall
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