Resumes and Keywords: What You Should or Shouldn’t Use
Are you getting ready to start a job search? If so, you will need a resume. A job search is pointless without a job seekers resume because employers have come to expect to see quality resumes from job seekers. But wait! What if you haven’t written a job seekers resume in years? It doesn’t sound like that big of a deal. However, millions of Americans are in the mist of a job search right now and that means hiring managers might have thousands of resumes to review. They aren’t going to read through all of them. They may skim however and that is why your resume should have good keywords. Do you need more help with resume keywords?
Right off the bat, there are three resume keywords words that can hinder your successful job search. These three words are I, you, and me. Never include these words on your resume. Your resume is a professional document (designed to showcase your skills), not a short story. If any job responsibility is listed on your resume, obviously you were responsible for it, so don’t write “I” or “me.” Speaking of which, it is best to call them responsibilities as opposed to duties.
Another good way to get your job seekers resume for your job search organized is to focus on the different aspects of a resume. For example, you want to showcase your problem solving skills, your leadership, and so forth. Here are some good resume keywords to use on your resume for your upcoming job search.
Problem Solving: In the customer service sector, it is common to see something like “handled customer complaints.” This is good, but what type of customer complaints; give at least one example. Moreover, don’t use the word handled; try resume keywords such as analyzed, evaluated, reviewed, identified, or resolved instead.
Leadership: In the management sector, it is common to see something like “was in charge of X number of employees.” In charge of does describe your management skills; however, it isn’t a strong keyword. Good alternatives include resume keywords such as, managed, guided, organized, or even led.
Achievements: This all goes back to those first words I mentioned you shouldn’t use on a resume (remember your job search resume isn’t a story). Instead of saying “I got the employee of the month,” try something else. Good resume keywords include performed, accomplished, demonstrated, surpassed, and secured.
The above mentioned examples are just a few of the many resume keywords that you can and should consider using on your resume. Remember that not all hiring managers or job recruiters will read every single line of your resume; therefore, it is important to make your resume standout in a good way with good, strong language. Also, remember your resume is key to having a successful job search. Good luck!