ARE KEY WORDS REALLY NECESSARY IN A RESUME?
by Wendy S. Enelow, CPRW, JCTC, CCM
President – Career Masters Institute
Think back to 1992, just 12 years ago, and how often you heard the phrase "key words." Chances are it
wasn't very often. In fact, most people had never even heard of key words back then. However, they're
nothing new. Previously known as buzz words, key words are nouns and noun phrases that are specific to
a particular industry or profession. Here are a few examples of key words and key word phrases for
specific professions:
TEACHING:
Curriculum Development, Instructional Methods, Classroom Management,
Testing, Textbook Review, Teacher Training, Multimedia Resources,
Student Activities
CUSTOMER SERVICE:
Customer Care, Order Processing, Order Fulfillment, Telemarketing,
Telesales, Key Account Management, Problem Solving, Promotional
Incentives
TRANSPORTATION:
Driver Leasing, Warehousing, Distribution, Asset Management, Inventory
Control, Dedicated Logistics, Fleet Management, Import/Export
Operations
GENERAL MANAGEMENT:
Strategic Planning, Team Building, Team Leadership, P&L (Profit & Loss)
Management, Operations Management, New Business Development, Executive
Recruitment
Key words are a must for every job seeker for they have two vital purposes in your job search:
- A single key word communicates multiple skills and qualifications. When a
prospective employer reads the key word “sales,” they will assume you
have experience in new business development, product/service
presentation, negotiations, sales closings, customer relationship
management, new product introduction and more. Just one key word can
have tremendous power and deliver a huge message.
- Key words are the backbone for resume scanning technology.
If a company is seeking a Chief Financial Officer, they might do an
electronic key word search through hundreds of resumes to find candidates
with experience in tax, treasury, cash management, currency hedging and
foreign exchange. If you don’t have those words in your resume, you will
be passed over. It’s that simple.
Use your key words in all of your job search marketing communications –
resumes, cover letters, interview follow-up letters, career portfolios and
more. Carefully integrate them into the text, when and where appropriate,
to be sure you are communicating a complete message of “who you are” and
what knowledge you bring to the organization. Note that resume scanning
technology can find key words anywhere in your documents, so it is not
necessary to put them into a separate section.
Here are a few suggestions for how and where to incorporate your key words into your resume:
- In the Career Summary at the beginning of your resume.
Summaries are the ideal section in which to highlight your most
notable qualifications and achievements. And, there is no better way
to communicate them than through the strategic and well-placed use of
key words, either in a paragraph format or a listing of bulleted
items. By doing so, you’re quickly communicating your core
qualifications for immediate impact.
- In your job descriptions. Use key words to write
powerful action statements, project highlights, achievements and
more. Let your key words and specific accomplishments be the
foundation upon which you write and create the rest of your resume.
- In a separate section. Although optional, as noted
above, you may choose to summarize your key words in a separate
section titled Professional Qualifications, Skills Summary or Areas
of Expertise. This section can be placed either near the beginning
or near the end of your resume, whether you feel it most appropriate
in terms of content flow and visual presentation.
In 2003, key words are a critical component of every job seeker’s resume and
cover letter. You must effectively incorporate key words for your industry
and profession into all of your job search communications. Without the
appropriate key words, you may be at a significant loss in your search
campaign and opportunities may pass you by. If you’re uncertain as to what
specific key words to use and how to use them, consult a careers expert –
resume writer, career coach, career counselor, outplacement consultant or
university career development office.
About the Author:
Wendy S. Enelow
Why Shouldn't We Hire You?
Effective Personal Marketing