Resume Guides

About Keywords

Keywords can refer to competencies, knowledge areas, systems, concepts or just about any other criteria which may be especially important as a means of demonstrating your qualification as a candidate.

Examples might include:

MA or MBA

Microsoft Word

Project Management

It's much more common these days, to have a resume electronically scanned for key criteria pertaining to a specific opportunity. In these instances, it becomes especially critical that your resume incorporates as many keywords as apply, given your work history, experience and background. You wouldn't want to be ruled out from an interview process simply because you failed to identify a key competency or field-specific term on your resume, now would you?

One way to identify keywords, is to search and review multiple current listings for jobs that come as close as possible to what you seek. Note the common themes and requirements and make sure to incorporate those in your resume.

Best Keywords for resumes, cover letters, and interviews, by Wendy S. Enelow is another great resource which lists keywords for many different roles/professions.

Weaving industry and field-relevant keywords throughout your resume will ensure that your resume gets the attention it deserves.