Who do you write your resume for?

You most likely consider what the hiring manager will want to see, and what the recruiter might look for. But very few people pay attention to an important third audience – the database.

It’s true that the applicant tracking system – the electronic database a company uses to organize and search their job candidates – can’t hire you. However, the database can keep your resume from ever being seen, and for that reason it’s good to be database-friendly.

The most common way to write a database-oriented resume is to incorporate resume keywords. Resume keywords are specific nouns and phrases that refer to your background and experience. Much like a search on Google, often, it’s these nouns that employers search for when trying to find their next superstar employee.

How do I find resume keywords?

Developing resume keywords is basically making a list of those items that are sought after that you can offer. Some categories include:

• Technology, software packages, etc.

• Certifications

• Departments

• Trends and methods

• Education

• Industries

• Job responsibilities

• Techniques and training

To make a list of your key resume keywords, look at your target job postings. Watch for language that repeats itself, and any nouns of significance (think “Six Sigma,” “P&L,” “management,” “strategic planning,” “consumer packaged goods,” etc.).

How do I put resume keywords into my resume?

The next step is to effectively add these keywords to your resume. Remember a few things:

• Write for the reader. Don’t pack your resume so full of keywords that it doesn’t sound like natural, human writing.

• Not all searches are created equal. Some may search for “Consumer Packaged Goods” while others search for “CPG.” Some may look for Microsoft Office, while others will specifically search for Word. Think of the various ways that a search could be conducted and try to address variations on the theme.

• Keywords higher on the page are seen to have more prominence. Those keywords that you think are most important and most relevant to your experience should be included as early as possible. Preferably in your summary statement.

By adding a keyword strategy to a resume that is clean, focused and professional, you will give yourself an advantage in your job search strategy.

Kristi Daeda is a Success Coach working with professionals to plan and achieve career success doing what they love. Her blog, Career Adventure, offers tips, tools and strategies for networking, job search, management, leadership, personal brand, and more. Sign up for her free Career Kick Start newsletter and receive her free report, 51 Ordinary and Extraordinary Places to Find a Job.

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