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The secret to success is in customization.

When it comes to looking for a new job, you should have a specific aim in mind. A targeted job search is better than one that is broad and general. By targeting your resume, you will ensure your resume gets in front of the hiring manager. There are some steps that you should take first: 

  • Find three ideal roles that you would like to have
  • Identify people who work in those roles currently (use LinkedIn) 
  • Find out what specific keywords are used in their profiles
  • Do your research and mine job descriptions for keywords
  • Activate your resume with action verbs and resume power words 

All of this needs to happen before you start applying anywhere. Once you have a clear goal, you start implementing your job search strategy. After you have identified your targets, you would start with your research. Find 10 potential jobs you would apply for and study them thoroughly. What are their common keywords? What are the key skills required for those roles?

Make a list of all of those skills. Take this one step further, and start reaching out to individuals in your network. Reach out to those people that already have the roles that you would like to have. Don’t ask for favours but show interest in their career path. What do they identify as key skills needed for the role that they are currently occupying? Add those to your list as well. 

Organize and categorize your notes

Now that you have a list. How many skills have you identified? Do you have a list of 30 skills perhaps? Alright, now you need to prioritize. No one likes to see long lists of skills in a resume, so what I advise my clients to do is to have a list of 15 skills maximum. Those 15 skills would be presented in three columns of five in order to maximize the readability of your content. Once you have your list, you can add it to your resume. Have in mind that you can always further customize this list depending on the role. This is essential for online applications because the ATS will be looking for exact keywords and phrases one could find in a job posting. 

The Dos and Don’ts of Resume Keywords

In this article, we’ll discuss Resume Keywords, including examples, industry-specific skills, synonyms, and the Dos and Don’ts of using them. Keep in mind that keywords are only one aspect of the application process. They shouldn’t overpower the other sections of the resume. It’s best to use keywords sparingly and only when they’re absolutely necessary. After all, your resume isn’t a sales pitch, so there’s no need to over-exaggerate your skills.

Examples of resume keywords

Resume keywords come in two types. Job-related technical jargon and buzzwords. Job-related technical jargon is often used for hard skills, work experience, or character traits. Job-market buzzwords are more general in nature and refer to various things related to the job. For example, “management” or “strategy” are common resume keywords in the financial industry, where people often need to describe the type of client they are working with.

Employers usually prefer candidates who can multi-task, but not necessarily at the expense of quality and productivity. This strategy works best for administrative positions and doesn’t work as well for technical roles in production processes. Using relevant abbreviations and policies will help you optimize your resume keywords. Use job-specific keywords to boost your ranking on the ATS. While it’s important to use job-specific keywords when writing a resume, it’s important to tailor yours to specific companies and job descriptions.

The best way to determine what job-specific words to use in your resume is to study the job description. ATS’s often pick up on keyword stuffing, so try using action words and verbs instead. If you’re not sure how to word your keywords, check the job description. If possible, include words that reflect your skills. ATSs also favor job-specific keywords, so make sure to incorporate them throughout your resume.

Action words in resumes are powerful verbs that make it easy for employers to understand your skills and experience. They also show the employer that you’ve transformed into the ideal person for the position. The words “develop” and “respond” show a company’s attitude toward teamwork, which is critical in every job. If you’re looking for a job and want to make your work a little more meaningful, use these words in your resume.

As resumes become more personalized, the use of keywords in the document has become a necessity. Automated resume scanners and human hiring managers look for keywords to help them quickly find the best candidates. When resume keywords are included in the document, resumes will stand out among the competition. If they don’t have a keyword, a potential employer may not even consider it. So, use keywords to make sure you get noticed in the first round of the hiring process.

Industry-specific keywords

To boost your chances of getting noticed by a human hiring manager, use industry-specific resume keywords on your application. If your resume is viewed by ATS software, using industry-specific resume keywords can make it stand out from other applicants. Listed below are some examples. These phrases are often used in hospitals today and will catch the attention of a potential employer. Listed below are some examples of industry-specific resume keywords. Keep reading for more tips and tricks on how to write a resume that will impress employers.

Use industry-specific keywords on your resume to highlight your skills and qualifications. Some of these terms are generic, while others are specific to one industry or job title. Using these terms can help you stand out in the hiring process and make it easier to change industries. For example, if you are applying for a finance position, include keywords that describe your understanding of the field. Then, add certifications that are relevant to your industry.

Use industry-specific resume keywords to catch the attention of hiring managers. Many applicant tracking systems use ATS to screen resumes. They electronically search resumes to identify candidates that meet hiring criteria. Without keywords, your resume will be discarded. However, there are several ways to avoid this problem. Here are some suggestions:

In addition to using industry-specific resume keywords, you can include job-specific buzzwords. These will show potential employers that you know the industry and are researching the company. For example, if you’re applying for a job as a coder, try using “coder” instead of “intern” or “administrator.” You can use this phrase to highlight your relevant skills and expertise. You can also use keywords that describe the company that you are applying to.

Synonyms of resume keywords

It’s crucial to avoid overusing the same keyword in your resume. Using the same word more than once may sound boring to a potential employer, but choosing the right verb can engage a reader. Although not all synonyms convey the same meaning, choosing the right ones will make your resume sound more interesting. Here are some tips to make your resume stand out from the competition. Use synonyms of resume keywords to spice up your statements.

Your resume should include relevant qualifications and achievements. To make your resume stand out from the rest, use keywords that are highly relevant to the job that you are applying for. The example below shows an ATS-customized resume and the best keywords for this job. The software developer position has the most relevant keywords and is a good example of how to include these in your resume. By adding these words to your resume, you will increase your chances of getting a callback for the interview.

Resume action words show what you’ve accomplished and what you’ve solved. You don’t need to use problem solving synonyms, either. Any of the above action words can be used as the first word of your resume. Then, add the details – what you built, what you fixed, or how many. Your resume will stand out from the crowd. If your resume is short, use the correct action words that demonstrate the type of job you’re looking for.

Action words are the best substitutes for verbs that describe specific tasks and achievements. These words can instantly boost your resume and ensure that your experience is noticed by a potential employer. Choosing strong synonyms of these action words will make your resume stand out among the hundreds of other resumes they receive every day. If you have any doubts, you can always use a thesaurus to find synonyms of resume keywords. You can also search on Google for the word “action” in any dictionary.

Another way to improve your resume is to use synonyms of resume keywords. These are words that describe what the recruiter is looking for in a candidate. They may include jargon, technical skills, and software. ATSs are often unable to differentiate between synonyms and abbreviations, so use them carefully. If possible, match your keywords to the job description. By using a matching resume keyword, you can improve your chances of being noticed by the hiring manager.

Dos and Don’ts of including keywords in resume

If you’re not sure where to begin, consider looking for job postings for similar positions. In many instances, these will contain keywords that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. You may use action verbs to describe your job experience, and “photoshop” to list your skills. Use these keywords appropriately, but avoid using them simply for the sake of having them on your resume. Rather, include them in sections that are relevant to your work experience and qualifications.

Including keywords in resumes is a great idea, but the most important thing to remember is to keep them relevant to the job you’re applying for. Your resume will be reviewed by applicant tracking systems and screened by these programs if you use the right keywords. Don’t overdo it though. Adding a mix of keywords will give you a broader picture of your qualifications.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when creating a keyword-rich resume is that the use of synonyms is necessary. If a company’s scanning software does not recognize a specific keyword in your resume, use synonyms. It’s not uncommon for employers to select a resume with more than one keyword, but these must be backed up by a success story. If you can show this, your resume will get the attention of potential employers.

It is best to review job postings to find keywords that relate to the job you’re applying for. This way, your resume will be more targeted and easy to scan by applicant tracking systems. Additionally, keywords will also help you stand out from the competition. Make sure to format your resume accordingly. A professional resume writer can help you achieve this goal. So, what are the Dos and Don’ts of including keywords in resume?

Don’t use too many buzzwords in your resume. Use relevant keywords that are commonly used in the job description. For example, if the company is looking for a marketing manager, include keywords related to the company’s business. A resume with no keywords will look like an unprofessional document. Make sure to avoid putting unnecessary information on it and make it more readable. Lastly, be sure to include accurate contact information and facts.

Tell me the action verb?

On a resume action verbs show your talents and achievements and demonstrate them to the employers. They provide specific information, clarifying your contribution and allowing you to build confidence in your resume. Creating verb actions is one way that increases a person’s chances of getting the attention they want.

How to use resume action words?

While keyword-stuffed action words might be the easiest path, they aren’t a successful option. In order to impress hiring managers use effective action words. You can for example define actions as measurable success in a company where you have worked. If you have supported data it would make it even better. It shows how you have a direct impact on the bottom line. Companies consider return on investment when hiring and it is therefore helpful to describe the actual ROI.

VERBS

Led

Drove, Spearheaded, Piloted, Orchestrated, Headed, Stood at the helm, Chaired, Shepherded, Championed, Crusaded, Catapulted, Guided

Proper use of action words on a resume can make the difference in landing an interview

It is not sufficient that you have extensive experience to secure a position. Action words on resumes can give a company a quick view of the way you spent a lot of the time in different jobs and what effect your job had.

Resume Action Words – 5 Ways to Use Power Words on Your Resume

Resume action words are important in conveying information on a resume. Unlike the passive verb “put together,” the action word “extracted” carries more meaning. For example, the action word “quantitative measure” is more impactful than “put together.” The same holds true for positions in finance, which often require vocabulary that suggests quantitative measurements. If your job involves working with numbers, use action words that demonstrate your expertise. Action words on resumes can be especially helpful for people applying for positions in these fields.

Powerful verbs that show your accomplishments

If you have worked in a financial institution, you can use industry-specific verbs in your resume. Use these verbs to highlight your skills, such as balancing books or creating financial projections. You can also include the specifics of the work you did, such as how you designed Excel models to estimate risk-weighted composite valuation scores based on ten or more quantitative signals.

Action verbs, which are also known as “power words,” allow you to showcase your skills and experiences more effectively than generic words. Using action verbs in your resume will help make your application stand out among the rest, since hiring managers must sift through 250+ applications to find the best one. Generic buzzwords and neutral verbs convey the impression that the person is passive, which can detract from your chances of getting an interview.

Strong verbs will also emphasize your entrepreneurial skills. For example, “organized” is more powerful than “chaired” because it shows your initiative and ability to influence others. You can also use “persuaded” to demonstrate your ability to influence others. Using an action verb in this instance will help the hiring manager understand how your efforts have affected the organization’s overall productivity. By showing the hiring manager how much better your actions have improved their organization, you are more likely to get hired for the role.

Action verbs are more than just words. Instead of listing activities, use words to highlight your impact and contribute to a larger organization. Using action verbs in your resume will help you rebalance your resume from responsibility-based to achievement-based. Be sure to back up each action verb with a quantifiable instance or accomplishment. A well-written action verb will make a positive impact on the hiring manager.

When listing skills and qualifications, make sure to use action verbs and industry buzzwords. These words will allow the hiring manager to picture what you can do. By using power words, you will make your resume stand out from the crowd and attract attention. Your resume will become memorable if it includes a few of these words. They will help you attract the attention of the hiring manager and get that all-important interview.

Power words that illustrate your passion

When describing yourself on your resume, use powerful words that demonstrate your enthusiasm for your job or career. Power words like “improved” or “developed” are examples of strong verbs that illustrate your enthusiasm and drive for a job. When writing a resume, don’t use jargon or informal language, as they can distract from the real skills that match the job description. Instead, note how fulfilling the activity is for you and highlight the benefits of a successful outcome.

Aside from illustrating your passion, using power words on your resume helps you demonstrate your achievements. Highlighting your achievements shows employers that you have dedication to the work and have achieved outstanding results. To illustrate your passion, list awards you have received, outstanding results you’ve achieved in previous roles, or times you’ve gone above and beyond. Quantify these achievements to prove your motivation for the job. Make sure to include relevant quotes and examples in your resume to make it more compelling.

Using powerful words on your resume will highlight your strongest professional skills, relevant job experience, and enthusiasm for the role. When used on your resume, power words allow your qualifications to speak for themselves without having to be overly detailed or wordy. They help showcase your most relevant skills, education, and experience. But just like anything else, these words are only as powerful as the way you use them. So, use them wisely.

Power words that show your expertise

HR managers read dozens of resumes every day and are often surprised to see the same common words used on your resume. Power words help make your responsibilities and key achievements stand out and are more impressive, even if you’re just applying for an entry-level job. Moreover, these words can help you get ahead by highlighting your ability to rise to larger challenges. Listed below are five ways to include power words on your resume.

Identify the skills required by the job posting. If the company requires a research-oriented person, include this skill in your resume. In addition, make sure you use action words. For instance, “developed social media strategy” doesn’t convey the same feeling as “managed all social media accounts.”

Action verbs are a great way to highlight your past duties. They show that you are creative in stating your skills. For example, if you were a teacher, you could say that you implemented new curriculum, organized parent-teacher conferences, or increased revenue. Every company talks about themselves. Using words like “increased sales” and “developed mobile applications” are good examples of power words that show your expertise.

Spearhead and drive are other effective verbs. If you’re an expert in product development, these words show that you can think on your feet and help the company to grow. Cultivate new skills and results show that you can add value to an organization. These words differ by industry, so you’ll want to research industry-specific language for your resume. If you have some expertise in these areas, you should put them on your resume.

When you include action words on your resume, you will stand out among the pile of other resumes. They capture the hiring manager’s attention by highlighting your strengths and skills. When used correctly, they’ll increase your chances of moving on to the next stage. And if you don’t use them, the hiring manager will not notice them, which is exactly why they’re so powerful. They’ll increase your chance of getting an interview.

Power words that show your drive

Power words are strong verbs or adjectives used to highlight your experience or skills. Recruiters look for examples of tangible results and value statements. Power words on your resume describe your accomplishments, show your drive, and provide proof of your work experience. Here are a few examples of how to use power words on your resume. Use them sparingly and don’t use them too often. In the end, your resume will look much more impressive if you use them properly.

If you’re writing for a job application, use power words to paint a picture. Rather than just mentioning your accomplishments, describe your achievements by using action verbs. Often times, power words are accompanied by specific numbers. For example, if you’re working on a project, you should list how many people were involved, or how much was spent. By citing concrete numbers, you can show how important you are to the project. Avoid passive verbs. Instead, use active verbs.

Use the correct wording. The right words show that you are driven to succeed. For example, you may say that you’re an architect. Instead of writing “estimated building cost,” say “remodeled airport” or something similar. If you’re an architect, you can say things like “designed eco-friendly airport” or “estimated construction costs.” But remember, your resume is your tool. It can earn you an interview or lose you the opportunity altogether. Power words are a proven way to increase your resume’s visibility and attract recruiters.

Action verbs are another way to highlight your drive and skills. These words can be derived from the job description and can showcase your work experience and qualifications in a more effective way. These words are strong adjectives and will catch the hiring manager’s attention. Use them sparingly, though! You’ll be amazed at how much attention you’ll get for your skills and experience. So, make sure to use them to make your resume stand out!

Action verbs are insightful adjectives and verbs that describe your skills and abilities. These words convey an action, like “created” or “improved.” They’re excellent choices for resumes that show your work experience or job responsibilities. The best action verbs will show drive, enthusiasm, and passion. When used correctly, they can also show the company that you’re driven to make changes. When you’re applying for management positions, consider action verbs to emphasize your leadership skills.

What to avoid at all costs 

There are some keywords and phrases that a lot of professionals use and yet they mean very little. You want to avoid being vague with any word on your resume because each word counts. 

Here are some phrases to avoid completely in a 2022 resume: 

  • Vague soft skills: Team player, Team leadership, Excellent written and verbal communication skills, Works well under pressure, Highly analytical/organized, Detail oriented, Results oriented, Results driven
  • Weak action verbs: Responsible for, Managed, Held, Worked
  • Vague adjectives:  Creative, Experienced, Successful, Skilled
  • These following phrases: Demonstrated success in, Proven results, Duties included 

Resume Action Words for “Team Player”

Generally speaking, employees aren’t interested in seeing Team Players on their resumes. They are hiring team members. What is wrong with this situation? You must show your commitment as a teamworker. Show accomplishments with resume bullets if possible. Show your work day with people who have achieved excellent results. Your business will reduce costs and increase profits. Indicates dollar, hourly or percentage numbers.

The fact is there is no list of keywords that every professional should have on their resume. But there is a process that everyone should follow when it comes to finding keywords for their resume. This will make your job search easier and faster.

When writing a resume, it is important to choose your words carefully. The language you use can say a lot about your ability to communicate and your level of professionalism. For instance, avoiding jargon and using simple, clear language shows that you are able to communicate effectively. Similarly, using action verbs demonstrates that you are a go-getter who is not afraid to take initiative. Furthermore, replacing vague phrases like “responsible for” with more specific examples of your accomplishments helps to paint a picture of what kind of employee you are. By taking the time to choose your words wisely, you can ensure that your resume makes a positive impression on potential employers.

If you need further help with your resume, feel free to schedule a call with me.

Let us help you land your next position by crafting the best ATS optimized resume or by managing your entire job search. Here’s more information about our Resume Writing Services and Reverse Recruitment Service. Book a call today to speak directly with our CEO and Founder, Arno Markus!

About iCareerSolutions

iCareerSolutions, America’s #1 Executive and Professional Resume Writing Services, Reverse Recruitment, and LinkedIn Profile Development Company. 28X award-winning resume writers deliver professional resumes that get interviews. We have successfully landed our executive clients senior-level leadership positions at companies like Apple, Amazon, EA, Oracle, GM, Google, Facebook, DoJ, Gap, and 2U just to name a few. iCareerSolutions has 200+ 5-star reviews and offers a 60-day interview guarantee. Every resume template created is Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) compatible and highly customized to meet your unique needs.

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