Online submission of resumes is a thing in this world driven by technology. Some employers who prefer to hire online freelancers look for resumes that would fit in their company and contribute to its success. Did you know that using keywords in the right way can help boost your online presence and increase your chances of getting hired?
It is vital that you use keywords, get past the robots, and land in employers' inboxes. Here are some tips in using keywords effectively.
1. Be specific
Be as specific as you can possibly be. Providing generic keywords decreases your chances of getting seen by employers. Don't tell them you are good in "administrative work" or "marketing". Instead, use specific keywords such as "document typing," "answering customer queries," Facebook and Twitter management," etc. These keywords have more chances of getting attention as employers search for people with these specific skills.
"You could have had any role within those departments and the reader wouldn't know which position you held," Lisa Rangel, founder and managing director of New Jersey-based Chameleon Resumes, says.
2. Provide context
Provide description instead of just providing keywords. In other words, provide an explanation and give them a glimpse of what it is that you are actually doing.
"Applicant tracking systems are getting smarter and looking for context," Michelle Robin of Brand Your Career in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.
"When you tell the story, the keywords will fit in naturally," says Atlanta-based career advisor Jacqueline Twillie.
Another tip for this is to make sure that the keywords you use in your "skills" section comes out in other section of your resume, like experiences, past work, training, etc.
Stacey Sykes of Sweet Resumes in Dallas, Texas, believes that a more sophisticated resume can have more chances of passing the applicant tracking systems check.
3. Don't overdo it
While it is advisable that you use keywords in your resume, it is also important to understand that you need to use it properly and with limitations. Do not overdo it, especially if your keywords are not that easy to understand.
"To find the right balance, write your resume with keywords and ask a colleague to read it," Twillie says.
To cross check if you are making the right resume, review it yourself once or twice. If you are having a hard time understanding it, then maybe you should revise it.
Read about writing your cover letter and resume or look for more tips in writing an effective resume, cover letter, and CV through our Resume Center.
