Keywords and Key Phrases in Your Resume

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Identifying industry-related keywords can make a difference between bland and "fabulous" resume copy. A major mistake that jobseekers continuously fall into with their resume is to include vague, boring specifics into their resumes.

In fact, if you were to review the resumes for 100 job-search candidates, you'll immediately notice that about 25% of them basically start their resumes with the same type of intro statement.

The infamous starter sentence generally says, "To obtain a position where I can utilize my work history and education." Of course, they don't all utilize the same wordage, however, the message is usually the same. Yak!

Using job announcements to your advantage can make a huge difference in the number of interviews you attend. Take the following classified ad as an example:

ACCOUNT CLERK WANTED. Candidate is expected to handle general ledger accounts, process disbursements, AND collect from a business and consumer client base. Educational requirements: A.S. in Accounting or related financial field. Candidate should possess experience with governmental laws and regulations.

Keywords include:
A.S., Accounting
Client Base
Disbursements
General Ledger
Governmental Laws and Regulations

Since the hiring company is searching for someone with these skills, a candidate would be wise to place these words prominently, yet not blatantly, within their resume. Offset your new keywords with complementary skills, qualifications and experience, and consider using different word variations. Let's say, for example, you work with general ledgers. It's common in the "accounting world" to list is as an acronym: GL. Using different word variations can also add visual appeal, because acronyms, numbers, percentages, and dollar amounts draw attention when mixed into a full-text document.

Take a look at the below sample resume statements. Make note of the keywords and key phrases mentioned throughout the text:

KEY ACCOUNT & SALES PROFESSIONAL
Top Sales Recognition / Account & Business Development / Strategic Sales

High-impact sales and account professional who has worked with Fortune 1000 companies. Conduct aggressive sales and marketing tactics to B2B and B2C clients with a track record of significantly increasing revenues. Technical know-how to conduct software presentations, address platform functions and usability features, troubleshoot, and oversee the sales cycle.

Keywords include:
Aggressive Marketing
B2B and B2C Clients
Fortune 1000 Companies
Marketing Tactics
Platform Functions
Revenue Increases
Sales Cycle
Software Presentations
Strategic Sales
Top Sales Recognition
Usability Features

Systems administrator with in-depth engineering, management, and interface experience, including extensive technological and user support functions with high-profile customers. Integrated within cross-functional technology teams to ensure continuous database updates and equipment functionality and availability. History of performing administrative duties at multiple locations while utilizing internal and external personnel. Expertise at a glance…

Systems Engineering – security, integration, implementation, configuration, and methodologies
Business Process Management – scheduling, budget allocating, manpower, and troubleshooting
Support – presentations, user and training assistance, layman’s terms (regardless of area), operations logistics, technical analysis, apply new technologies and up-to-the-minute concepts
Project management – projects ranged from $300,000 to $1.5 million; management team networking, installation, assistance, database administration, field support, systems development, and project lifecycle
Software / Database – Ingres Databases and Computervision CAD/CAM: user support, system administration, installation, projects, and instruction

Keywords include:
Rather than strategically placing industry-related “buzzwords” within the body of the summary, this candidate opted to include words within an easy-to-see, bulleted listing. The list allows the reader to see various skills and abilities “at a glance,” rather than scanning throughout the document. Remember, your resume will have a pitiful amount of time to make the hiring manager react.

The candidate also opted to emphasize upon a large number of keywords due his career field. The IT field demands extensive knowledge within varying areas of hardware, software, networking, interfacing, project management, and technical analysis; therefore, mentioning all aspects of this experience is important to the candidate being called for an interview.

View our list of sample keywords and key phrases for resume relevant to particular career fields. Inserting the correct words into your resume and cover letter can not only enhance the visual appeal of your documents, but can also increase your chances when your resume is searched using a resume management system.


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