Effective Resumes

If you are applying to a large, globally recognized company, it is very likely that they will require you to complete an online application.  Read this article when you have a second and I wrote some of my advice below:

So you ask...how important are key words in my resume?  It could mean the difference between you getting an interview or not.

I agree with the recruiter's advice, because you absolutely should put yourself in the shoes of the recruiter and review the posting of the job for key phrases and words.  Remember, most of the time the recruiter asks the hiring manager for a description of what they are looking for, the summary, experience, and competencies.  Salary is also noted and provided to the recruiter at that time.

So if you are looking fhrough the lens of the recruiter, they will select key words, experience, competencies, and skills.

Look in 3 areas:

Job summary:  here the posting may describe the ideal candidate.  For example:  "The ideal candidate will have three years of experience in multi-site, etc. etc." 

Do:  Take a look at your resume and interate the key words into your summary if relevant and applicable. 

Competencies:  Many times the posting will say things like the candidate should possess strong communication skills, project management, and interpersonal skills.

Do:  Take a look at your strengths or competencies that should be on the first page of your resume below the summary.  If you possess the tratis that the company is seeking, have you listed them on your resume?

Experience:  Make sure that the jobs and results listed are relevant to the position you are applying for and are in their industry terms.

If you are currently in the position title that you are applying for; however, the title for the industry you are working is called something else then you can put in brackets next to your "offical job title" (Marketing Coordinator responsibilities)

One of the phrases recruiters tend to put on the filter is the actual job title for the position they are recruiting for. 

Hope this helps....good luck in hearing "Congratulations....you're hired!"

Key words are only a strating place to truly have an effective resume that is targeted to the industry, job, and organization you are applying for.

I agree with this article:  the place to find the key words is in the job advertisement or posting. 

Keywords can include, but are not limited to:

• Job titles (industry specific)
• Industry-specific phrases
• job specific tools, tasks, and skills
• Education
• Qualifications
• Software and hardware programs

Also, what you should not do is cut and paste the key words onto the bottom of your resume.  The goal is to mold your resume by integrating the key words.  The summary, competencies, experiences, expertise, and projects should all be groomed to highlight the experience that is relevant to the job.