How to Find the Right Keywords for a Resume

Using the right keywords in your resume is essential, even when you're submitting a paper resume. If you are preparing to write a new resume, you should first create a list that will help you incorporate language that will attract the attention of potential employers. This is an important first step, and will make your job search more effective whether you are applying online or through conventional methods.

Things You'll Need

• Notebook or word-processing program Hi-liter

Instructions

1. Whether you are using an notebook or a word-processing application like Microsoft Word or Microsoft Works, start with a blank page. Create three columns on the page, giving each one a label: Hard Skills, Soft Skills and Job-Specific Skills. Start by listing all of your skills or experience in each of the columns, using the following guidelines.

   Hard Skills are those skill sets that you can qualify, quantify or transfer from one industry to another, such as reading blueprints or managing a team. Soft skills are things that involve human relations and basic organizational abilities. This would include time management, interpersonal relations and communication. Job-Specific skills are the easiest to list. If you're a nurse, you would list your medical skills and include specialty information. A truck driver might list over-the-road or drop-and-hook.

2. Once you have at least a few keywords in each column, find out which search terms employers are using to find and assess your skills. Using an Internet browser and your favorite search engine, do a simple keyword search for a job title, such as "accounting job" or "computer-science job." This search should return thousands of listings for positions that are currently open. Click on five to 10 of the links and quickly review the information. Employers know exactly what they are looking for, and will include keywords in their "help wanted" ad that give you specific search terms they will be using to find applicants.

3. Select three to five job postings that are most suitable to the type of employment you're looking for and print them. Now read each ad in detail, taking note of the terminology that is used repeteadly. Using a Hi-liter, mark each word or phrase that appears consistently in each ad. These are most likely going to be career-field- and industry-specific search terms that the majority of employers will use when filling a position with the same title. There may also be additional words that you recognize as important to a having an employer recognize you as a qualified candidate.Highlight those as well. Now compare the keywords and key phrases you highlighted with the ones you have already placed in the appropriate columns. If you don't already have them listed, include them, exactly as they appear in the ads.

4. If you have an old resume you've been using, compare the language in it to the list you just created. Do the words on your list appear in the document? If not, you need to include them. If you don't have a resume already prepared, you'll want to keep this list handy and use it for help in writing a resume that can be easily found and will be read by potential employers.

5. Now that you have your keyword list ready,read some of the other articles related to resume preparation and how to incorporate keywords or action words into you resume to make it most effective.