If you’re looking for a job these days you need to impress a computer program before you can impress a hiring manager! There is something called an Applicant Tracking System. That’s a database that human resource people use to store résumés. According to LiveCareer.com - a website designed to match people with the right job – this database is used by about 8 out of 10 employers.
Here’s how it works:
When an HR person is looking to fill a position, they search the resume database using certain keywords, and no matter how qualified you are, if your résumé doesn’t contain them, the person doing the hiring won’t know you exist. So, here’s how to make sure you get noticed:
Create a keyword list. Look at several job descriptions for positions you’re interested in. The most important words will be at the top. They’ll also appear more than once and be listed as “required” skills.
Add the keywords from your list to a "Summary of Skills" section at the top of your résumé. Let’s say you’re looking for a job as an executive assistant. Make sure you include the words, Microsoft Office, travel arrangements, scheduling, and organization.
Work those words into the rest of your résumé. You want to repeat them as often as you can because many tracking systems rank applicants by the number of specific word hits. Also, use different forms of the same word. So, if you have a Masters of Business Administration, use the abbreviation MBA at least once in your résumé. That way, your bases will be covered if the HR person types either term into the search box.
Remember, you can’t get the job unless you get an interview, and to get an interview, you need to make sure your résumé gets noticed. So, identify the keywords for the job you want - and use them often.
