Quintessential Careers Press:
The Quintessential Guide to Words to Get Hired By
Chapter 2: Tapping the Power of Keywords to Enhance Your Resume's Effectiveness
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Ideas for identifying Resume Keywords:
- Look for job descriptions in books and job-description software.
- Visit the meetings and Web sites of professional associations in your field to look and listen for current buzzwords.
- If you are working with a recruiter or headhunter, that person can be an excellent source of keyword tips.
- Consult government publications such as The Occupational Outlook Handbook at libraries or online.
- Visit company Web sites. See The Quintessential Directory of Company Career Centers
- Imagine you were writing an ad or job description for the type of job you seek; what keywords would you use?
- Research and incorporate into your keywords the company culture and values of employers you are targeting. Read our article Uncovering a Company's Corporate Culture is a Critical Task for Job-Seekers. Note especially the company's mission statement and look for ways to quote it in your resume and/or cover letter.
- Scrutinize news stories in trade magazines relevant to your work. Read cutting-edge magazines, such as Fast Company.
- Join online discussion groups and chat rooms that relate to your field and observe the words professionals are using in their discussions.
- Read annual reports from the companies you'd like to work for.
- Conduct informational interviews at companies you want to work for and listen for the jargon and buzzwords that your interviewees use in talking about the company and its jobs.
- Talk to human resources professionals.
- Use Web search engines, such as Google and Yahoo, to search for job descriptions.
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