Keywords are an important factor that impacts your job search strategy. So what are keywords? Recall last time you searched for something on google/other search engines. The words you used for search are referred to as keywords. Are they really that important for job search?
Yes they certainly are…, since without keywords your profile would be invisible to recruiters & they will not take more than a few seconds to move to the next resume/application. With application tracking system(ATS) becoming an important tool for recruiters, until your resume have appropriate keywords you would not be able to clear the initial screen despite having requisite expertise & experience. So how do you make sure that you are populating relevant keywords in your resume & LinkedIn profile? Check out our tips on how to use the right keywords:
1)Job Description
Check out these on potential employer’s website & take note of industry/roles. If there are different versions/variants of keywords, focus on including those that gives more relevant search results.
2) Target title/nomenclature
Focus on including/populating your resume if your current title are unconventional( this specifically is prevalent in the IT sector). Unconventional titles are unlikely to pass through application tracking system or even explained by human beings
3) Skills & Experience
Focus on including all skills relevant to potential job/role. For instance, did you led a team ? Were u involved in fundraising initiatives? Did owned P&L responsibilities? Were you responsible for drafting commercial & legal contracts?
4) Qualifications
Do include if you industry specific qualifications such as CA, CMA, ACCA. What technical skills your role require. Do not forget to include all certifications & memberships along with the expiry date, if applicable.
5) Consistency
For an effective job search, it is necessary that you resume & LinkedIn profile should talk to each other with same keywords. It also signifies consistency & attention to detail.
For getting your resume & LinkedIn profile revamped by our career coach, feel free to connect.
