14 Sep 45+ Resume Keywords to Enhance Your Resume Visibility
One of the most important steps in your job search is optimizing your resume to be market ready. Usually, this includes updating the details of your resume, ensuring it matches the requirements needed for the job you are applying for, and certifying it will pass the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Further, you have to guarantee the right resume keywords are spread throughout your resume.
But how do you know which keywords are the ones for you and how do you use them correctly? Simple! Check out these tips and tricks for finding—and utilizing—the right resume keywords to help enhance your resume’s visibility and get you that job.
What are Resume Keywords?
On a base level, resume keywords are specific words or phrases that describe job requirements. Most of the time, this includes skills, abilities, experience, and values that hiring managers are looking for specifically.
For example:
A job in sales could ask for someone that can carry out responsibilities such as communicating with clients on a daily basis, answering multiple phone calls and emails, and verifying orders and sales. Some important resume keywords from these few sentences include communicating, answering calls/emails, and verifying.
Other examples of keywords include the skills or program knowledge needed for a job. This can include words or phrases like time management, SEO, team player, Microsoft 365, and any specific program utilized (such as database websites or other work-related programs). The trick is to find the keywords needed for the job you are applying for.
How do you find them?
As explained above, the resume keywords you should be using come directly from job postings/requirements for the jobs you want to apply to. This means that you should not pump a bunch of random keywords into your resume and hope it matches. Though the ATS robot is still a robot, you need to be strategic in which keywords you’re using so you can pass through without a problem.
To find your resume keywords, take a close look at job postings you’ve saved. Are there repeating verbs or skills? You should probably include those on your resume. Are there specific requirements for that job (i.e., carrying out administration tasks, answering phone calls, sending emails, specific program knowledge, etc.)? Those definitely need to be included on your resume somewhere.
How do you use resume keywords?
Once you have a list of keywords to include on your resume—ones you’ve collected from multiple different job postings and well-known duties for those specific jobs—then you need to implement them into your resume efficiently. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to slip them between the sentences of your resume without making it coherent. One main rule to follow: don’t list them under jobs without an explanation.
For example:
If a popular keyword for your desired job is the word secured, you cannot leave it without enough detail. Depending on the job, you could phrase it as simple as secured company data every day or with greater details such as secured high-end contracts with stakeholders through continuous negotiations.
You have to prove that you perform these keywords, so make sure to add details when you can.
Powerful and Unique Resume Keywords to Use (Specifically, Verbs)
The more well-known power words to implement throughout your resume are action verbs. A resume is all about showcasing what you’ve done and what you can do for the company you’re applying to. Because of this, a resume is full of achievement-led sentences and action-filled summaries. This means you will find yourself using a ton of action verbs.
An action verb is a great example of resume keywords that you should use. There are five main action verbs you’ll see being used throughout most resumes: managed, increased, improved, created, and achieved.
While these five keywords should be included in your resume, you should not overload your resume with too many of each. Instead, try using a few other alternatives when you can.
Other Words to Use Instead of Managed (with a few examples!)
- Oversaw (Oversaw team of 3…)
- Directed
- Led
- Headed (Headed the change of programs…)
- Steered
- Orchestrated (Orchestrated in-depth courses to help coach new hires…)
- Supervised
- Trained
Other Words to Use Instead of Increased (with a few examples!)
- Expanded (Managed $3M book of business and expanded revenue lines…)
- Enhanced
- Boosted
- Amplified (Amplified positive responses from clients by…)
- Maximized (Maximized overall income and drove client relationships…)
- Raised
Other Words to Use Instead of Improved (with a few examples!)
- Optimized
- Accelerated
- Modified (Modified complex systems to increase understanding among team members…)
- Restructured
- Adjusted (Adjusted program, enhanced employee engagement, and surpassed set goals…)
- Upgraded
- Updated
- Transformed
- Streamlined (Streamlined processes for C-suite…)
- Revamped
Other Words to Use Instead of Created (with a few examples!)
- Planned
- Constructed (Constructed training plans and tailored them for the individual…)
- Piloted
- Founded
- Initiated
- Built
- Established (Established company in the top 5 in the US by…)
- Implemented
- Pioneered
- Launched
- Spearheaded (Spearheaded the implementation of a new program for the company…)
- Introduced
- Produced
Other Words to Use Instead of Achieved (with a few examples!)
- Earned
- Attained (Attained recognition from C-suite for outstanding results in…)
- Won
- Surpassed
- Reached (Reached and surpassed quarter goals through…)
- Recognized for
- Received (Received Employee of the Month Award for…)
- Accomplished
Having a Hard Time Finding the Right Resume Keywords? Utilize a Career Coach!
Though resume keywords can be found on your own, it can be pretty difficult to implement them in a cohesive manner without overstuffing your resume. If you’re having a hard time finding your resume keywords or are unsure if you’re implementing them in the right way, don’t hesitate to connect with a professional!
Career Coaches specialize in constructing resumes to surpass the ATS in formatting and resume keywords. They can help perfect your resume and increase your visibility.
At The Jonus Group, we offer several career services. This includes resume help! Check out the services we offer on our Individual Services page and sign up for a free, 15-minute consultation now to get started!