Resume Trends Keywords and How to Use Them - CareerAlley

Resume Trends Keywords and How to Use Them - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. I believe we are on an irreversible trend toward more freedom and democracy-but that could change. Dan Quayle Author Byline: Cathy Eng, CARW, Owner of Resume Rocketeer, Inc. Author Website: http://www.resumerocketeer.com These days, employers have very little time to spend looking through resumes in search of those with the right skills sets. In fact, if you do not establish right away in your resume what you have to offer, you will likely get passed over even if you are perfect for the job! One of the best ways to do this is include a keyword list. Here is a simple way to create a quality keyword list on your resume: Search online for resume keywords or key phrases in order to get ideas for yours. Remember, there are no right or wrong keywords. Some people may opt for Customer Service Expertise while others prefer Customer Relationship Management. Think about what you have excelled at in your previous positions. Did you discover special talents in certain programs or other job functions? These can be highlighted in your keyword list. While you should keep an open mind, be sure to include key words that accurately describe your expertise. If you are only slightly familiar with COBOL, it is best not to include Advanced COBOL Expertise in your keyword list. Stick to no more than 12 bulleted keywords/phrases as hiring managers wont be impressed if they have to read your top 50 keywords. In fact, they may only read the first few, so it is smart to prioritize based on your best assets and those required in the job to which you are applying. Avoid going heavy on the soft skills in your keyword list. These should be skills that make you unique compared to your competition. Teamwork and communication skills are a given and do not belong in this section. Key words are a great way to sum up your top skills and grab a hiring managers attention. Always be sure to match up applicable wording from the job description with your existing keywords to get that extra edge. And remember, your keywords should be just like you as a professional: smart, attention-getting, and a great fit to the job you want! Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities. This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines. Good luck in your search.Joey Trebif