How to use keywords effectively for your resume

We have always discussed the importance of keywords for your job search. A majority of US employers use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter the large amounts of job applications they receive for job postings. This is why it is important to strengthen your resume with keywords and get it ready for a modern job hunt.

Why are keywords so important?

When you are applying for a job, you must get your resume fit for the ATS test. There are two things that you must get right to optimize your resume for the ATS: the formatting and the keywords. Potential employers will be scanning your resume with the ATS in search of specific criteria such as years of experience, skills, educational qualifications, etc. If your resume matches more of these criteria the employer has fed the ATS, it will score higher.

How does the ATS read your resume?

Simply sprinkling keywords on your resume does not get it ready for the ATS test. The right keywords must be mentioned at the right frequency throughout your resume. Whenever you are writing a resume, match your language 100% to that of the job description. This means you must use the exact same job title on your resume to be considered by the ATS. While some ATSs look for the exact keywords the employer has listed, other ATSs are capable of understanding similar words. Newer ATSs are trained to look for keywords in context. This means, your resume must mention the right keywords in the context of describing your accomplishments or job duties.

Using a variety of keywords is important

While you can get an idea of the keywords the employer has used for their ATS, you may never know the exact list of keywords and phrases the ATS is looking for. Therefore, whenever you are describing a skill on your resume, if there is more than one way to describe it, be sure to list it both ways. This same rule is valid when you are using acronyms as well. List both the acronym and the long form of the phrase on your resume for maximum ATS optimization.

Consider the depth of the keywords

Let’s take an example to discuss this one. Say that you are a Registered Nurse. The employer has asked for experience with critical care patients in the job description. When you write your resume, you need to highlight the length of time you have had this experience. ATS can search for how long you have had a skill by cross-referencing the relevant keywords with the dates you mentioned it first. Therefore, you should mention your experience with critical care patients from the oldest job entry possible.