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There’s a hiring manager somewhere, right now, standing in a pair of reasonably priced pumps or Oxford shoes, holding a stack of printed resumes.
One falls into the recycling bin. Then another. And another. Yours is next in the pile.
Where does it belong? In the short stack on the desk or in the curly fluff of shredded paper collecting in the bin?
Only you can decide.
Of course, this scenario is highly fictional in a couple of ways: the trash bin is now electronic and the shoes that the HR manager is wearing is probably just a brand new pair of low top Converse.
But in today’s highly competitive job market, it’s essential to make your application stand out from the rest, regardless of the footwear the hiring manager chose to wear on the day they reviewed your application.
One way to achieve this is by using keywords in your resume and cover letter. Keywords are words and phrases that relate to the skills, experience, and qualifications that the employer is looking for. Incorporating the right keywords can help your application get noticed and increase your chances of getting an interview. Here are some tips for using keywords effectively in your resume and cover letter:
Research the Job Description
Before writing your resume and cover letter, take the time to carefully read the job description. Highlight the keywords and phrases that appear multiple times, such as specific skills, software programs, or industry jargon. Use these keywords in your resume and cover letter to show that you have the necessary experience and qualifications for the job.
Use Action Verbs
When describing your experience and accomplishments in your resume and cover letter, use action verbs that highlight your skills and achievements. Some examples of action verbs include “managed,” “coordinated,” “created,” “implemented,” and “analyzed.” Using these action verbs with relevant keywords will help your application stand out.
Be Specific
Avoid using generic or vague keywords in your resume and cover letter. Instead, be specific and use keywords that directly relate to the job you’re applying for. For example, if the job requires proficiency in a specific software program, mention it by name in your resume and cover letter.
Use Synonyms
Use synonyms for your keywords to show a broader range of skills and experience. For example, if you’re applying for a job as a graphic designer, you could use keywords such as “design,” “layout,” “illustration,” and “art direction.” Using synonyms can also help your application get through applicant tracking systems (ATS), which are commonly used by employers to filter resumes based on specific keywords.
Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter
Customize your resume and cover letter for each job application, incorporating relevant keywords and phrases from the job description. Avoid using a one-size-fits-all approach, as this can make your application appear generic and less compelling. Instead, tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job you’re applying for to show that you’ve done your research and understand the requirements of the role.
Incorporating the right keywords in your resume and cover letter can help your application stand out and increase your chances of getting an interview. By researching the job description, using action verbs, being specific, using synonyms, and customizing your application, you can create a compelling and targeted application that showcases your skills and experience.
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