Since most resumes are processed electronically – and scored based on their keyword content – it's very likely that the effectiveness of your resume will hinge on whether it includes the right keywords.

That being said, how do we know which keywords to use? It's simple: We look at the keywords employers use in their job postings and job descriptions.

To find these job descriptions, the best approach is to use a job search site like Indeed.com, where you can search for jobs using various keyword combinations—job titles, job functions, industries, technologies, locations, and so on.

IN A NUTSHELL

Use a job search site to search for "ideal" jobs. Select the best 2-3 jobs – those that are a good match for you, with the exception of location. Transfer your choices to me via the "send to friend" option, and don't forget to include your name in the note. If you don't find any "great" matches, try another search with a different keyword combination.

What are Keywords?

Keywords typically fall into one of the bolded categories below. I have provided a few examples for demonstration purposes:

  • Hard Skills: Budgeting, troubleshooting, managing, planning
  • Transferable Skills: Organization, leadership, problem solving
  • Technology Terms / Acronyms: IT, IS, QA, QC, quality assurance, quality control
  • Certifications: MSCE
  • Product Names: Sony, Microsoft
  • Area Codes: 503, 206
  • Acronyms: ROI, OEM, IPO
  • Technical Expertise: Engineering, system infrastructure,
  • Degrees: BA, MBA, M.B.A., Bachelor of Arts, BS, Bachelor of Science
  • Names of Colleges: Harvard
  • Names of Companies: Nike, Xerox, 3-M, EDS, Microsoft
  • Descriptive Terms: Fortune 500
  


The Benefits of
Job Target Research

Researching your job target not only plays an important role in ensuring that your resume is "keyword optimized" but the process itself teaches you how to use an online job search agent. Search agents and job hunters can be a great way to expedite your job search.

More Keyword Tips

 

Popular Job Search Sites

How to Find
Specialty Job Sites

Go to Google, do a search using
the terms "resumes" or "jobs"
and the field or geography
you're interested in:

resumes, marketing, Seattle

Using Keywords to Find Jobs

Every job, career field, and industry has its own unique set of 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, account executive, sales manager, regional trainer) or job functions (regional sales, sales leadership, strategic planning, B2B)

Also consider using other keywords and search terms:

  • Variations of job titles – For example, instead of "sales manager" search for "sales management" or "sales director"
  • The unique skills required to do a specific job
  • Technologies / industries you're interested in
  • Degrees, certifications, special credentials

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.

The Selection Process

  • Find 2-3 examples of jobs that are close to ideal for you (except for location).
  • Transfer your choices to me – most sites have the "send to a friend" option – or cut and paste the entire job descriptions into email – or print them out and fax to 503-213-6022.
  • If you don't find any "good" matches, try another search with a different keyword combination.
  • If you can't find jobs that match your criteria, you may be a good candidate for job search coaching.

IMPORTANT: It's critically important that you forward the best examples you can find -- regardless of location -- because the job targets you provide are strategically used to determine your resume's structure and "keyword" strategy.

Other Ways to Research Your Job Target

You can also use other methods to research your job target:

Occupational Outlook Handbook

    The Occupational Outlook Handbook provides detailed ("generalized") job descriptions, working conditions, and long-term outlooks for thousands of jobs. While the jobs listed in OOH are not "live" they can provide helpful information if you're just starting out or in the process of researching potential jobs or making a career transition. Click here for the online version of the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Newspaper Ads
While jobs posted on the Net typically provide more detail (which usually means more keywords), you can also use Help Wanted ads from any newspaper. If you are faxing small ads to me, please enlarge them or send them via the "fine" resolution.
 

Diligence is the Mother of Good Luck.
 Benjamin Franklin

 

 

 

Pat Kendall, NCRW, JCTC
Phone (503) 639-6098
Toll Free (800) 591-9143
24-hr Fax (503) 213-6022
eMail pat@reslady.com

©2007, Pat Kendall, All Rights Reserved
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