When you are hunting for a job in a tough employment market, your resume is the first introduction you present to future employers. Writing a resume that stands out and gets interest involves using strong employer keywords that attracts potential employers to what you have to offer. The key to getting the interview is impressing your future employer with a resume that makes them believe you are the right person for the job.
Employer keywords are the words that employers themselves use in their job announcements. To get an interview and eventually get the job, you must show the employer that you have the skills they are looking for. Do your research and look up the employer keywords that they use most frequently when searching for a new employee, then include those same employer keywords in your resume. If the employer uses the word "accomplishment" in their job advertisement, list your accomplishments and use that word in your resume and cover letter.
Action keywords are the words you put in your resume that show your abilities in action. Tell your interviewers how you accomplished goals. For example, describe how you developed a new program at your previous job, or discuss how you inaugurated a creative system that saved the company money and created new sales. Action keywords include words such as "accomplished," "developed," "inaugurated" and "created." Use words like these in your resume and cover letter to show your future employer that you have the skills to get the job done. Customize each resume you send out to the specific employer, using action keywords and employer keywords to get their attention. In today's job market, job applications are often run through computer software programs that identify specific keywords, including action and employer keywords, as part of the process of selecting candidates for interviews.
Personal keywords are as important as employer keywords and action keywords. Put your best foot forward by showing your future employer what makes you stand out over other job applicants. Find something or someone in your life that ties you to your future employer. If you read that the company you are applying to encourages a specific creative process, then list an appropriate creative endeavor you excel at in your resume and cover letter. For example, if you are a gifted poet, perhaps a potential employer would be intrigued to know you teach high school kids how to write poetry in your spare time. Personalize your resume to show the connection between your passions and the employer's needs. Find personal keywords that tie you to the company and allow you to stand out above other job applicants.
Finding the right job for yourself in a competitive job market is a tough endeavor. Making sure you have the chance to get the job comes down to a great resume that allows you to get your foot in the door for an interview. You have one shot, so make it count by using employer keywords to stand out from the crowd of applicants.
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